unforeseen trouble

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unforeseen trouble" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe unexpected difficulties or problems that arise unexpectedly. Example: "We encountered unforeseen trouble during the project, which delayed our timeline significantly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

It has to mingle with changes to open-source projects that can cause unforeseen trouble.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

But now, driven up by unforeseen troubles and the constraints of renovating a historic house, the total cost is believed to be more than $1.5 million.

The New York Times

When an A-list actor is signed to star in a major movie two years later — say, Johnny Depp in "Public Enemies," which just opened — the studio pretty much knows what it is getting, barring unforeseen troubles.

The New York Times

"No innovation or adventure is risk-free but the trouble with unforeseen consequences is that they cannot be foreseen," says Parry. "We go through a regulatory process, we ask what could possibly go wrong and we publish our findings for peer review.

The Guardian

McCoist is unquestionably a legendary Rangers figure and has worked amid unforeseen circumstances but he has been handsomely rewarded for his trouble.

The Guardian - Sport

But, as the chastened commissioner remarked in Beijing this week, the trouble with managed trade deals is that "the law of unforeseen consequences will inevitably kick in".

The Economist

The bearings can be shielded against any unforeseen causes for precluding any possible means of leakage of current, for ensuring their trouble-free operational life.

Tribology and Interface Engineering Series

But trouble arises when you get into the middle of the new project and resistance, in the form of unforeseen problems, makes it as hard to complete as the original endeavor.

Huffington Post

Unforeseen events were everywhere.

The New York Times

Unforeseen events occur.

The New Yorker

"That's unforeseen.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "unexpected difficulties" or "unanticipated problems" if "unforeseen trouble" sounds too dramatic for the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "unforeseen trouble" for minor inconveniences. This phrase carries a weight that is better suited for significant and impactful unexpected problems. Overusing it can diminish its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unforeseen trouble" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes unexpected difficulties or problems. It highlights a situation where problems arose that were not anticipated.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unforeseen trouble" is a noun phrase used to describe unexpected difficulties or problems. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in English. While the phrase is relatively rare, it’s suitable for neutral contexts, as demonstrated by its appearance in news sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. When using this phrase, ensure that the trouble was genuinely unanticipated and had a significant impact. If you are looking for alternatives, consider "unexpected difficulties", "unanticipated problems", or "unforeseen complications" to best fit your context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unexpected difficulties

Focuses on the lack of anticipation of the problems.

unanticipated problems

Highlights the surprise element of the issues encountered.

unforeseen complications

Emphasizes the complexity and unexpected nature of the difficulties.

unexpected setbacks

Highlights the hindrance or delay caused by the unforeseen issues.

unpredicted issues

Focuses on the inability to forecast the problems.

sudden adversity

Emphasizes the abrupt and challenging nature of the trouble.

unexpected crisis

Suggests a more severe and urgent form of unforeseen trouble.

unforeseen obstacles

Highlights the barriers or impediments that unexpectedly arise.

surprising predicament

Focuses on the unexpected and difficult situation encountered.

chance misfortune

Emphasizes the accidental and unlucky nature of the trouble.

FAQs

How can I use "unforeseen trouble" in a sentence?

You can use "unforeseen trouble" to describe unexpected difficulties or problems that arise. For example, "We encountered unforeseen trouble during the project, which delayed our timeline significantly."

What are some alternatives to "unforeseen trouble"?

You can use alternatives like "unexpected difficulties", "unanticipated problems", or "unforeseen complications" depending on the context.

Is "unforeseen trouble" a formal or informal phrase?

"Unforeseen trouble" is generally considered a neutral phrase suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the severity of the situation being described.

What is the difference between "unforeseen trouble" and "unexpected challenges"?

"Unforeseen trouble" typically implies a more negative and problematic situation than "unexpected challenges". "Trouble" suggests a degree of difficulty or adversity, whereas "challenges" can be more neutral or even positive in some contexts.