In trouble is the standard expression for being in difficulty or at risk of punishment. Of trouble is not used with this meaning, but trouble can appear in phrases such as “a source of trouble.”
Use in trouble to mean “having problems” or “likely to be punished.” Do not use of trouble with this meaning.
These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.
Use this common expression for difficult situations or punishment.
Use with to show who is unhappy or who may punish someone.
Here of trouble links trouble to another noun.
Use trouble for to describe negative effects on someone.
The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.
Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.
Do not use of trouble to mean “having problems.”
✕ He is of trouble at work. ✓ He is in trouble at work.Trouble with means difficulty handling something; in trouble means facing problems.
✕ I am in trouble maths. ✓ I have trouble with maths.Use with when naming the person or organisation involved.
✕ She is in trouble her teacher. ✓ She is in trouble with her teacher.Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.
Paste the complete sentence below. Linguix checks the preposition together with grammar, spelling, punctuation, and style.
Yes, but only in larger phrases such as “a source of trouble” or “signs of trouble.”
It means having difficulties, being at risk, or likely to be punished.
Only in other structures, such as “trouble in the city.” Here in is a place adjunct, not part of the fixed phrase in trouble.
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