Communication

the trouble is

introducing a problem

Use "the trouble is" to introduce a problem that makes something difficult or impossible.

B1 very common mostly spoken

expression

Hear it in real life

Shall we get a dog?

I'd love to. The trouble is, our flat is too small.

Play the conversation

I'd like to move closer to work, but the trouble is, rents are too expensive.

The mistake everyone makes

Not: the trouble with is that rents are expensive

Say: the trouble is that rents are expensive

After "the trouble," use "is that" directly; do not insert "with" before "is."

Build it

How it fits in a sentence.

the trouble is,clause; the trouble is thatclause

Your turn: say it out loud

I'd like to move closer to work, but the trouble is, rents are too expensive.

Say it out loud two or three times, until it feels like yours.

the trouble is

introducing a problem

“I'd like to move closer to work, but the trouble is, rents are too expensive.”

heytardy

Your turn on Facebook

Write one sentence with a phrase from this page

Post it in the comments. We reply to every one and fix it kindly.

Write it on Facebook