What is trouble? Pronunciation and usage in English

trouble means . Learn how to pronounce and use trouble through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of trouble

troublenoun/verb

/ˈtrʌbl/
Definition & pronunciation of trouble

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "trouble" in English. It's a tricky one for many learners! Here's a breakdown:

The most common and accepted pronunciation is:

  • /troʊbl/ (IPA - International Phonetic Alphabet)

Let's break that down further:

  1. "tro": This sounds like the word "trot" – like a horse. It's a short, quick "tro" sound.

  2. "uble": This is the trickiest part! It's pronounced like "uh-buhl".

    • "uh": This is a short, unstressed "uh" sound, like the "a" in "about."
    • "buhl": This sounds like "bool" followed by an "l". The "l" is very subtle and almost blends into the “uh”.

Putting it together:

It sounds roughly like: TROH-buhl

Here are some tips and helpful resources:

  • Listen to recordings: The best way to learn is to hear it.

    • Google Search: Just search "how to pronounce trouble" on Google and you'll find many audio examples.
    • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/trouble/ – This website has pronunciations by native speakers.
    • YouTube: Search for "how to pronounce trouble" on YouTube and you’ll find many videos demonstrating the sound.

  • Stress: The stress is on the first syllable ("tro").

  • Don't overemphasize the "uhl": It's a subtle sound, so don't force it. Think of it as a very soft "uh" followed by a very quiet "l".

To help me give you even more tailored feedback, could you tell me:

  • What is your native language? (This helps me account for possible differences in pronunciation patterns.)

Usage and examples with the word trouble in English

Let's break down how to use the word "trouble" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with several different meanings and ways to incorporate it into your speech and writing.

1. As a Noun (Things Causing Problems)

This is the most common usage. "Trouble" refers to something that causes difficulty, problems, or distress.

  • General Problems: "I'm having trouble understanding this math problem." (Difficulty)
  • Difficult Situations: "We're in trouble with the law." (Legal trouble)
  • Emotional Distress: "She’s been in trouble ever since her father passed away." (Sadness, grief)
  • Mechanical Issues: "The car is giving me trouble." (Malfunctioning)
  • Trouble with someone: “He’s been causing trouble at school.” (Behavioral problems)
  • Trouble (plural): "We had some trouble getting there." (Several problems)

2. As a Noun (A Person Who Causes Problems)

Less common, but still important. "Trouble" can refer to a person who is difficult, disruptive, or creates problems for others.

  • "He's a real trouble." (He’s a disruptive person)
  • "She's a source of trouble." (She causes problems)

3. As a Verb (To Cause Problems)

This is where it gets a little trickier. "Trouble" can be used as a verb, but it's often more informal and has a specific nuance.

  • To cause difficulty or problems: "Don't trouble me with that now." (Don’t bother me with that.)
  • To disturb or bother (someone): "The noise is troubling me." (The noise is bothering me). Can imply anxiety or distress.
  • To make someone feel upset or anxious: "His constant complaints trouble her." (He’s upsetting her)

4. Common Phrases with "Trouble"

  • In trouble: Meaning experiencing difficulties or facing consequences. "He's in trouble with his parents."
  • Having trouble: Meaning experiencing difficulty with something. "I'm having trouble concentrating."
  • Trouble (someone): To cause someone difficulty or annoyance. "Don't trouble yourself over it."
  • Trouble-maker: A person who deliberately causes problems.
  • Trouble and strife: Difficulties and disagreements (often used figuratively).

Here's a table to summarize:

Part of Speech Meaning Example
Noun Problem, difficulty, distress "I'm having trouble with my computer."
Noun A person who causes problems "He's a real trouble."
Verb To cause difficulty/bother "Don’t trouble me!"

Tips for Using "Trouble" Correctly:

  • Context is key: The meaning of "trouble" depends heavily on how it's used in a sentence.
  • Synonyms: Consider using synonyms like "problem," "difficulty," "issue," "hassle," or "complication" to add variety.
  • Formal vs. Informal: "Trouble" is generally more informal than words like "problem" or "issue."

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What are you hoping to use "trouble" in? (e.g., a writing assignment, a conversation, etc.)
  • Can you give me an example sentence you're struggling with?

Synonyms for the word trouble

Idioms of the word trouble

be asking for trouble | be asking for it
(informal)to behave in a way that is very likely to result in trouble
  • He was asking for trouble when he insulted their country.
get somebody into trouble
(old-fashioned)to make a woman who is not married pregnant
    give (somebody) (some, no, any, etc.) trouble
    to cause problems or difficulties
    • My back's been giving me a lot of trouble lately.
    • The children didn't give me any trouble at all when we were out.
    look for trouble
    to behave in a way that is likely to cause an argument, violence, etc.
    • Drunken youths hang around outside looking for trouble.
    take trouble over/with something | take trouble doing/to do something
    to try hard to do something well
    • They take a lot of trouble to find the right person for the right job.
    take the trouble to do something
    to do something even though it involves effort or difficulty
    • She didn't even take the trouble to find out how to spell my name.
    a trouble shared is a trouble halved
    (saying)if you talk to somebody about your problems and worries, instead of keeping them to yourself, they seem less serious

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