troubling observation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "troubling observation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a finding or remark that causes concern or unease. Example: "The troubling observation made during the study highlighted the potential risks associated with the new policy."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

This mutation has been also observed in oseltamivir-treated patients infected with the H5N1 HPAI, a troubling observation given the pandemic potential and extremely virulent nature of this IFV strain [10] [12].

Plosone

Both studies grew out of a troubling observation.

The New York Times - Health

They say things like: "lmao ppl get mad about the stupidest shyt its history … maybe we should let our kids really know what happened at thanksgiving to", which, I think you'll agree, is an ideologically impressive, if grammatically troubling, observation.

The Guardian - Opinion

Turkle begins with the troubling observation that we often seek out robots as a solution to our own imperfections, as an easy substitute for the difficulty of dealing with others.

The New York Times - Books

Max Planck presented his explanation for this troubling observation, known as the black-body radiation problem, in a lecture to the German Physical Society in Berlin on December 14th 1900.

The Economist

Gabon has less of the black stuff, but in his book "Untapped: The Scramble for Africa's Oil", John Ghazvinian shared a troubling observation: he couldn't find a banana for sale, though the country is full of banana trees.The real trouble comes when gas prices drop or the fuel runs out and traditional sectors, like agriculture and manufacturing, are unable to prop up the economy.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

This last observation is troubling as early identification of FAS (before the age of 6 years old) is considered the single most important factor that determines self sufficiency as an adult for those affected [ 13].

BMC Family Practice

But in fact Leo's observation troubled her all her life and continues to trouble her posterity.

The New Yorker

But Keith Harris, its president, said the use of videotaped observations in evaluations raised troubling questions.

The New York Times

At the same time, I cannot subscribe to Notre Dame Law Professor Rick Garnett's observation about the letter of the 130 organizations, "What's really going on here, of course, is troubling...

Huffington Post

Nonetheless, the observation that resistance rates can exceed one-third of all strains – whether in colonizing or invasive isolates, is troubling.

BMC Infectious Diseases

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "troubling observation", ensure that the context clearly explains why the observation is concerning. Provide specific details or evidence to support your claim.

Common error

Avoid using "troubling observation" for minor or insignificant issues. Reserve it for situations where the observation genuinely raises concerns or has serious implications.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "troubling observation" functions as a noun phrase where "troubling" acts as a descriptive adjective, modifying the noun "observation". Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in numerous contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "troubling observation" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to denote a concerning or worrying finding. Ludwig AI's analysis reveals that it appears frequently in science and news media, emphasizing its relevance across multiple domains. When employing this phrase, it's crucial to provide sufficient context explaining the cause for concern. Alternatives like "worrying trend" or "concerning pattern" can be used to add nuance, as needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

concerning finding

Replaces "observation" with "finding", focusing on a result or discovery rather than a general observation.

disturbing trend

Emphasizes a pattern or tendency that is causing concern, changing the 'observation' to 'trend'.

worrying development

Focuses on a change or event that is causing anxiety or concern.

alarming discovery

Highlights the unexpected and potentially dangerous nature of a finding.

problematic pattern

Replaces 'troubling' with 'problematic', and 'observation' with 'pattern', indicating a concerning trend or arrangement.

unsettling fact

Focuses on a piece of information that makes someone feel anxious or uneasy.

disconcerting insight

Highlights an understanding or realization that causes unease or confusion.

vexing detail

Emphasizes a specific piece of information that is causing frustration or annoyance.

disquieting aspect

Replaces observation with aspect, and troubling with disquieting. Emphasizes a certain part that takes away peace and tranquility.

uncomfortable truth

It replace the word observation with the word truth. It focuses on something that is true but that create a uncomfortable or unpleasant feeling.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "troubling observation" in a sentence?

To use "troubling observation" effectively, clearly state the observation and then explain why it is concerning. For example, "A "concerning finding" was the increase in antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the hospital setting."

What are some alternatives to using "troubling observation"?

You can use alternatives such as "worrying trend", "concerning pattern", or "alarming discovery" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between a "troubling observation" and a "sobering observation"?

Yes, a "sobering observation" often refers to something that makes you think seriously, while a "troubling observation" specifically indicates something that causes worry or concern.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "troubling observation" in academic writing?

In academic writing, use "troubling observation" when presenting findings that raise ethical questions, suggest potential harm, or contradict existing theories. Always provide evidence and context for why the observation is concerning.