truly troubled

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "truly troubled" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a deep or genuine sense of distress or concern about a situation or feeling. Example: "After hearing the news, I felt truly troubled by the impact it would have on the community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

And that is truly troubled waters.

The Guardian - Opinion

The truly troubled economies of Europe were always the core euro-area ones: Germany, France and Italy.

The Economist

Critics said the field lacked scientific standards — failing to help many truly troubled people while medicating or institutionalizing others who suffered from nothing more serious than nonconformity.

The Washington Post

Anyone who has not experienced a truly troubled child "before" — before the parents sought the help that medications can bring — may think the parents of the ones seen here guilty of needlessly drugging their youngsters.

The New York Times - Arts

Though it was Yaqui's round and he was still up on all scorecards and yet to be truly troubled, simply by staying upright, Muhammad had wrestled the initiative and belief and momentum from the Mexican.

The Guardian - Sport

After months in foster care at a cost of tens of thousands of dollars, he had become a truly troubled child, refusing to leave his mother even to go to school and disruptive when he was not with her.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Perhaps, like Jackson, he is genuinely shy, truly the troubled soul he paints in his lyrics.

The Guardian - Music

"Mr. Woodward's Percy is all but perfect," Howard Taubman, the reviewer for The New York Times, wrote, adding: "He seems so truly the troubled, fearful middle-aged mother's boy from Manchester that one forgets he is an actor.

The New York Times - Arts

I was casting a kid who truly had a troubled family life.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"It's not my fault that....," she yells and reveals something truly shocking about his troubled family history.

The New York Times - Arts

To the Editor: The men of Rescue Ink go above and beyond in their quest to help the truly helpless in this troubled society of disposable animals and intentional animal abuse.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a person as "truly troubled", consider elaborating on the source or manifestation of their trouble to provide a more complete picture. E.g. 'truly troubled childhood' instead of just 'truly troubled'.

Common error

While "truly troubled" is generally acceptable, avoid overusing it in formal or professional writing where a more nuanced or specific term might be more appropriate. Alternatives such as "deeply concerned" or "severely affected" may convey a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "truly troubled" functions primarily as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. Ludwig shows this by describing individuals, economies, or situations, emphasizing the depth and genuineness of their distress or difficulty. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

8%

Science

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "truly troubled" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to emphasize genuine distress or difficulty. Ludwig confirms its correct usage, highlighting its primary function as an adjective phrase. While versatile, it's advisable to avoid overuse in overly formal settings, opting for more nuanced alternatives when appropriate. Examples show that "truly troubled" is prevalent in news and media, but less so in formal business contexts. Overall, understanding its nuances allows for more effective and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deeply disturbed

Emphasizes the emotional impact and depth of the disturbance.

genuinely worried

Highlights the authenticity and sincerity of the worry.

seriously concerned

Focuses on the gravity and importance of the concern.

gravely affected

Indicates a significant and negative impact.

extremely distressed

Conveys a high degree of emotional suffering.

profoundly bothered

Suggests a deep and unsettling disturbance.

acutely alarmed

Emphasizes a sudden and intense sense of danger or concern.

sincerely concerned

Underscores the genuine nature of the concern.

very disturbed

Highlights intensity of disturbance.

in serious difficulty

Focuses on the severity of the problem or situation.

FAQs

How can I use "truly troubled" in a sentence?

You can use "truly troubled" to describe a person or situation experiencing significant distress or difficulty. For instance, "He was a truly troubled child" or "The country is going through a truly troubled period".

What are some alternatives to "truly troubled"?

Some alternatives include "deeply disturbed", "genuinely worried", or "seriously concerned", depending on the specific context.

Is it redundant to say "truly troubled"?

While "troubled" alone can convey a sense of distress, adding "truly" emphasizes the genuine and significant nature of the trouble. It's not necessarily redundant, but it's essential to consider whether the emphasis is needed.

In what contexts is "truly troubled" most appropriate?

"Truly troubled" is suitable in various contexts, but it's often used in news reports, academic discussions, and general writing to describe individuals or situations facing substantial challenges. The level of formality depends on the specific publication or setting.