a source of frustration

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a source of frustration" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that causes annoyance or difficulty in a situation. Example: "The constant delays in the project timeline have become a source of frustration for the entire team."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Is that a source of frustration?

The Guardian

"That's been a source of frustration for me".

The Guardian

Property taxes remain a source of frustration and anger.

The New York Times

For Taylor-Johnson, that secrecy is a source of frustration.

Independent

This was a source of frustration to both of them.

The New York Times

It is a source of frustration, anxiety, interpersonal conflict and disability in this population.

IRBM

Challenging animals by presenting them with problems is almost certainly a source of frustration and stress.

Applied Animal Behaviour Science

Cheney's inability to tap Iran's resources has long been a source of frustration.

The Guardian - Opinion

The favoritism inherent in the clemency process had long been a source of frustration for Bush.

The New York Times - Magazine

The placards have been a source of frustration to New York drivers for decades.

The New York Times

"It's a source of frustration for many of us," Mr. Valentine said.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a source of frustration", ensure the context clearly identifies what is causing the frustration. Be specific to enhance clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "a source of frustration" repeatedly in close proximity within your writing. Vary your language with synonyms like "a cause of annoyance" or "a point of irritation" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a source of frustration" functions as a noun phrase, identifying something that causes annoyance, difficulty, or dissatisfaction. As Ludwig AI points out, it is a common expression used across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

39%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a source of frustration" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe something that causes annoyance or difficulty. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use across various contexts, including news, science, and general writing. While versatile, varying your language with synonyms can enhance your writing. It's important to be specific about the cause of the frustration for clarity. The phrase maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a cause for annoyance

Focuses on the feeling of annoyance rather than the broader sense of frustration.

a reason for exasperation

Emphasizes the feeling of being extremely irritated or annoyed.

a point of irritation

Highlights the specific thing that is causing annoyance.

an origin of discontent

Focuses on the feeling of dissatisfaction or unhappiness.

a root of aggravation

Emphasizes the increasing feeling of annoyance.

a trigger for irritation

Highlights what starts the annoyance.

a constant headache

Uses a more informal and relatable term to describe something frustrating.

a persistent nuisance

Highlights that the frustration is continuous.

a continual problem

Focuses on the issue itself rather than the feeling of frustration.

an ongoing difficulty

Underlines the continuous nature of a challenging situation.

FAQs

How can I use "a source of frustration" in a sentence?

You can use "a source of frustration" to describe something that causes annoyance or difficulty. For instance, "The constant delays were a source of frustration for the team."

What are some alternatives to "a source of frustration"?

You can use alternatives like "a cause for annoyance", "a point of irritation", or "a reason for exasperation" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a source of frustration" in formal writing?

Yes, "a source of frustration" is suitable for both formal and informal writing, as it is a common and well-understood phrase.

What's the difference between "a source of frustration" and "a source of disappointment"?

"A source of frustration" implies annoyance and difficulty, while "a source of disappointment" suggests unmet expectations and sadness. The choice depends on the specific emotion you want to convey.