an annoyance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an annoyance" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It refers to something that is irritating, bothersome, or causing frustration. Examples: - My neighbor's dog barking all night was such an annoyance. - Waiting in long lines at the grocery store is always an annoyance for me. - The constant interruptions from my coworkers are becoming more and more of an annoyance. - It was an annoyance to have to redo the entire project because of one small mistake. - The loud construction noise outside my apartment is a constant annoyance.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Otherwise I'm just an annoyance.

The New York Times

Sun protection was an annoyance.

The New York Times

He was an annoyance.

The New Yorker

"It's already an annoyance.

The New York Times - Sports

He earned a reputation as an annoyance.

The New Yorker

All a bit of an annoyance.

The New York Times

"It's an aggravation and an annoyance".

The New York Times

When has it been only an annoyance?

The New York Times

It was an annoyance, an inconvenience.

The New Yorker

It's definitely an annoyance for me".

The New York Times

My correspondence seems to be an annoyance.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an annoyance", consider the context to determine if a more specific or descriptive term might be more appropriate to convey the precise level and nature of the irritation.

Common error

Avoid using "an annoyance" repeatedly in your writing. Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms such as "a nuisance", "an irritation", or "a bother" to maintain reader engagement and provide a more nuanced description.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an annoyance" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It serves as the subject, object, or complement in a sentence, referring to something that causes irritation or bother. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's correctly and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Wiki

13%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an annoyance" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that expresses irritation or bother. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it's widely accepted in English writing. It functions as a noun phrase and carries a neutral tone, making it suitable for various contexts, especially in news media. While versatile, writers should consider using more specific synonyms to better convey the nature and intensity of the irritation. The phrase's prevalence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its legitimacy and widespread acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a nuisance

Focuses on the troublesome nature of something.

an irritation

Emphasizes the frustrating aspect of something.

a bother

Highlights the inconvenience caused by something.

a vexation

Indicates a state of being annoyed or worried.

a source of aggravation

Specifies the cause of increased irritation or frustration.

a petty inconvenience

Highlights a small problem or difficulty.

a minor disruption

Focuses on the disturbance caused by something.

a slight problem

Downplays the severity of the issue.

a trivial matter

Suggests the issue is insignificant.

a mild irritant

Emphasizes the low level of irritation caused.

FAQs

How can I use "an annoyance" in a sentence?

"An annoyance" typically functions as a noun. For example: "The constant buzzing of mosquitoes is "an annoyance" during summer nights."

What are some synonyms for "an annoyance"?

Alternatives to "an annoyance" include "a nuisance", "an irritation", "a bother", or "a vexation". The best choice depends on the specific context and the degree of irritation you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a annoyance" instead of "an annoyance"?

No, it is grammatically incorrect to say "a annoyance". The correct form is "an annoyance" because "annoyance" begins with a vowel sound, and the indefinite article "an" is used before vowel sounds.

How formal is the phrase "an annoyance"?

The phrase "an annoyance" is considered relatively neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal writing, you might opt for a more precise or sophisticated synonym depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.