a nuisance

USAGE SUMMARY

"a nuisance" can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is bothersome and annoying. For example, "The constant barking of the neighboring dogs was a nuisance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's a nuisance.

The New York Times - Sports

He can be a nuisance.

The Economist

That will be a nuisance.

The Economist

They're a nuisance.

The Guardian - Opinion

That's a nuisance.

The Guardian

This is a nuisance.

The New York Times

It's just a nuisance.

The Guardian - Sport

It's such a nuisance".

The New Yorker

Seeds are a nuisance.

The New York Times

"O.K., it's a nuisance.

The New York Times

The old constitution had been a nuisance.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a nuisance" when you want to downplay the severity of an issue, suggesting it's more annoying than harmful.

Common error

While "a nuisance" is acceptable, avoid overuse in formal documents. Opt for stronger terms like "detriment" or "impediment" to convey greater seriousness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a nuisance" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a predicate nominative or object complement. Ludwig provides many examples of its usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Science

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a nuisance" is a common phrase used to describe something that is mildly annoying or inconvenient. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. While versatile, it is more appropriate for neutral or informal contexts and should be replaced by stronger terms in formal writing when greater severity needs to be conveyed. Alternatives like "an annoyance" or "an inconvenience" offer similar meanings. It is crucial to consider your audience when choosing the appropriate term to accurately reflect the degree of disturbance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an annoyance

Replaces 'nuisance' with 'annoyance', keeping the meaning of something irritating.

a pest

Similar to 'nuisance' but often used for living things causing annoyance.

a source of irritation

Emphasizes the cause of frustration or annoyance.

an inconvenience

Focuses on the disruptive aspect, highlighting the trouble caused.

a vexation

A more formal synonym for something that causes annoyance.

a bother

A more informal way to express something troublesome.

a problem

General term for something causing difficulty or trouble.

a minor difficulty

Highlights the manageable but still troublesome nature of the issue.

an unwelcome presence

Focuses on the unwanted aspect of something or someone.

a troublemaker

Implies someone or something that actively causes problems.

FAQs

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

You can use "a nuisance" to describe something bothersome. For example, "The constant noise was a nuisance".

What are some alternatives to saying "a nuisance"?

Consider using alternatives such as "an annoyance", "an inconvenience", or "a bother" depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "a nuisance" in formal writing?

Yes, it is generally correct, but in highly formal contexts, stronger words like "impediment" or "detriment" may be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "a nuisance" and "a problem"?

"A nuisance" usually implies something mildly annoying or inconvenient, whereas "a problem" suggests a more significant difficulty or challenge.