Troubled vs World governments are in pieces

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

Troubled

Top 2,000 (common)C1adjective

World governments are in pieces

Top 2,000 (common)
 TroubledWorld governments are in pieces
Pronunciation🇬🇧 /["/ˈtrʌbld/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈtrʌbld/"]/🇬🇧 //wɜːrld ˈɡʌvənmənts ɑːr ɪn ˈpiːsɪz//🇺🇸 //wɜrld ˈgʌvərnmənts ɑr ɪn ˈpisɪz//
Meaninghaving problems or difficultiesCountries are not united and face many problems.
ExampleShe looked into his troubled face.World governments are in pieces, struggling to address climate change effectively.
RegisterNeutralNeutral
How commonTop 2,000 (common)Top 2,000 (common)
CEFR levelC1-
Part of speechadjective
Collocationsbe, feel, look, extremely, fairly, very, at, by, be, feel, look, extremely, fairly, very, at, byin pieces, world governments, political fragmentation, international relations, global challenges
Antonymsuntroubled, content, calm-
Common mistakesConfusing with 'trouble' as a verb or noun., Using it to describe things that are not serious, like a minor inconvenience., Mistakenly thinking it only refers to emotional issues.Confused with 'world government' meaning a single governing body., Used too literally; 'pieces' here means problems, not physical fragments.
Usage notesUse 'troubled' to describe people or situations facing issues. Avoid using it in overly casual contexts, as it can sound heavy or serious.Use in contexts discussing international issues or conflicts. Appropriate for formal and neutral discussions but may sound vague in casual conversation.

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Troubled
World governments are in pieces

Frequently asked questions: Troubled vs World governments are in pieces

What's the difference between Troubled and World governments are in pieces?

Troubled: having problems or difficulties World governments are in pieces: Countries are not united and face many problems.

Can you show an example of each?

Troubled: She looked into his troubled face. World governments are in pieces: World governments are in pieces, struggling to address climate change effectively.

Can I use Troubled and World governments are in pieces interchangeably?

Not always. Troubled and World governments are in pieces are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.

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