Word of the Day: Trouble
The word “trouble” is used when there is a problem, large or small. This common word can be used as a noun, a verb, and as an adjective.
In these sentences and questions, the word “trouble” is a noun:
- Who do you call when you are in trouble? (or…Whom do you call… )
- Berniece is in big trouble at school.
- The principal of a school or a dean of students usually deals with children who are in trouble.
- Edith got in trouble for driving with an expired driver’s license.
- How much trouble is she in?
- Bob is having some trouble figuring out a problem at work. (have + trouble)
- Pamela is having some trouble with her cable provider.
- The troubles Kevin had with his neighbor began with a dog that wouldn’t stop barking. (Notice that the noun trouble can be used as a count noun or as a noncount noun.)
- The trouble with the proposal to build a new stadium is that it’s too expensive.
- If you have trouble starting your car, you might have to take it to a mechanic.
- A person who has trouble breathing should see a doctor.
You can also use the word “trouble” as a verb or as an adjective:
- What’s troubling you? (trouble = verb)
- This is a troubling development. (trouble = adjective)
- Ralph’s depression troubled him so much that he needed to see a doctor. (trouble = verb)
- Cindy is a troubled young woman who needs professional help. (trouble = adjective)
The word “troubleshoot” is used when referring to a method or a person who takes care of problems.
- The company hired someone to troubleshoot the problems they were having with their computer network.
- An owner’s manual for an electronic appliance usually includes a troubleshooting guide to help consumers figure out problems they may have with something they have purchased.
Essential English Dictionary
Visit the Popular English Words Beginning with T page to see the list of all words starting with letter T. For seeing the HiCafe dictionary, visit the Popular English Words with Meaning page.
