a bit of a nuisance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a bit of a nuisance" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when referring to something that is mildly annoying or troublesome. For example, "The broken air conditioner was a bit of a nuisance during the hot summer days."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

I was a bit of a nuisance".

The New York Times

"It's a bit of a nuisance, really, having to carry everything to the back".

The New York Times - Food

"Diabetes isn't just a bit of a nuisance, it has horrendous health consequences".

The Guardian

But, villagers confess, it's still a bit of a nuisance for one weekend a year.

The Guardian - Music

Those of the nuclear variety left over from the cold war are causing a bit of a nuisance.

The Economist

Nobel prize-winning scientist Prof Peter Higgs, says he finds his new-found fame "a bit of a nuisance".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

The oldest, Nam, is known as a bit of a trouble maker and has been a nuisance for the family for some time.

Huffington Post

Crimson Tide Coach Nick Saban said Friday that the injury was "a little bit of a nuisance" to McElroy at times.

The New York Times - Sports

So this can become a little bit of a nuisance. .

WikiHow

"He's basically a nuisance candidate who may attract a bit of attention, because he's not really about governing and sitting in Parliament," he said.

The New York Times

A bit of hope.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a bit of a nuisance", consider the context and audience. It's suitable for informal and neutral situations but might be too casual for very formal or professional settings. Choose a more formal alternative like "slightly inconvenient" or "somewhat troublesome" in those cases.

Common error

Avoid using "a bit of a nuisance" in formal reports or presentations. While grammatically correct, its casual tone might undermine the seriousness of the content. Opt for more professional alternatives to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a bit of a nuisance" functions as a qualifier, specifically an adjectival phrase, that modifies a noun by describing the degree of annoyance or inconvenience it causes. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in various descriptive contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Science

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a bit of a nuisance" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe something that is mildly annoying or inconvenient. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, with academic and general usage also being notable. While versatile, it's best to avoid using it in highly formal situations where more precise language might be preferred. Ludwig AI confirms the validity and provides numerous examples that illustrate its varied applications. Alternative phrases, such as "slightly inconvenient" or "somewhat troublesome", can be used to adjust the formality and intensity of the expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a minor inconvenience

Similar in meaning but emphasizes the small scale of the disruption.

a slight bother

This alternative is less intense and suggests a very mild level of disturbance.

slightly inconvenient

Focuses specifically on the inconvenience aspect, making it suitable when the problem is mainly about disrupting plans or routines.

a mild irritant

Focuses on the irritating quality of something, suitable when describing something that causes slight frustration.

somewhat troublesome

Indicates a degree of difficulty or effort caused by something, aligning with the 'nuisance' aspect.

somewhat bothersome

This alternative suggests a slightly more formal and mild level of annoyance than the original phrase.

rather irritating

This phrase emphasizes the frustrating aspect of the nuisance, suggesting it's more annoying than simply inconvenient.

a petty annoyance

Highlights the trivial nature of the annoyance, often suggesting it's not worth dwelling on.

a trifling annoyance

This is more formal and emphasizes the insignificance of the annoyance.

a small problem

This is a more general term, applicable when the nuisance is primarily about creating difficulties.

FAQs

How can I use "a bit of a nuisance" in a sentence?

You can use "a bit of a nuisance" to describe something mildly annoying or inconvenient. For example, "The traffic was "a bit of a nuisance" this morning, making me late for work."

What's a more formal way to say "a bit of a nuisance"?

Alternatives include "slightly inconvenient", "somewhat troublesome", or "minor inconvenience". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "a bit of a nuisance" grammatically correct?

Yes, "a bit of a nuisance" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English. Ludwig confirms its validity and provides numerous real-world examples.

What is the difference between "a bit of a nuisance" and "a major problem"?

"A bit of a nuisance" implies a mild annoyance or inconvenience, whereas "a major problem" indicates a significant and serious issue. Use "a bit of a nuisance" when the situation is only mildly bothersome.