annoying as it is

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "annoying as it is" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to acknowledge a frustrating situation while continuing to express a thought or opinion. Example: "Annoying as it is, we must find a way to work together despite our differences."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

It is a difficult way to tell a story and, at first, it is as annoying as it is impressive.

The New York Times - Books

As annoying as it is that I can't keep anything plugged in around the house because it might cause a fire, I feel safe.

The Guardian - Arts

But plenty of people will be around and I can't really imagine that the PRP has set the date, annoying as it is, in order to avoid scrutiny.

The Guardian

Jarring as it may be to your ears -- and annoying as it is to commuters -- that familiar screech was the most wonderful sound on Nov. 23, 2003, the day the station reopened.

The New York Times

For another, annoying as it is to see tiny rivals, such as Qatar, flirt with America by offering the Pentagon unfettered access to bases, it might be even more annoying for Saudi Arabia to be ignored altogether.Calmer Saudis recall that relations with America have weathered turbulence before, and that the alliance has generally proved a stabilising factor.

The Economist

(Would Jimi Hendrix have written "Hear My Train A-Comin' " if he'd known when his was going to come?) As annoying as it is to hear children ask, "When are we gonna be there?," it is oddly pleasing to answer them with little lies — to bend the time to manipulate the mood.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

Perhaps comparing Kane to a mosquito is to somewhat diminish his skill and effect, annoying as it was to the Bruins.

The Guardian - Sport

That's why, as annoying as it was to see George W. Bush at those Texas games, and as excited as Nancy Pelosi got about the Giants, the World Series didn't quite make the cut.

The New Yorker

It was annoying as it wasn't like I had to go that badly, it was just a frequency thing.

Vice

Thes articloudrinfightingppeared on VICE US.

Vice

American patriotism, annoying as it can be, is usually based on a cocksure and unquestioning confidence in the country's overall number one-ness.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "annoying as it is" to acknowledge a drawback or frustration before presenting a contrasting point or moving forward with a discussion. This can soften the impact of criticism or disagreement.

Common error

Avoid using "annoying as it is" as a standalone statement. It's designed to introduce a contrasting thought, so ensure you follow it with a main clause that offers a different perspective or continued line of reasoning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "annoying as it is" functions as an adverbial clause of concession. It modifies the main clause by acknowledging a negative aspect or drawback, creating a contrast that highlights the subsequent point. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

17%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "annoying as it is" is a versatile phrase used to acknowledge a negative aspect before introducing a contrasting or qualifying statement. As confirmed by Ludwig, it functions as an adverbial clause of concession and is commonly found in news and media contexts. To use it effectively, ensure it introduces a contrasting point and avoid using it as a standalone statement. Alternative phrases like "frustrating though it may be" or "irritating as it might seem" offer similar shades of meaning. Remember, its purpose is to soften criticism while still making your point.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

frustrating though it may be

Changes the structure while retaining the meaning of acknowledging frustration.

irritating as it might seem

Replaces "annoying" with "irritating" and restructures the clause slightly.

disagreeable as it may appear

Uses more formal vocabulary to convey the same sense of reluctant acceptance.

unpleasant though it is

Employs a more general term, "unpleasant", for a milder connotation.

regrettable as it seems

Conveys a sense of sorrow or disappointment in addition to annoyance.

unwelcome as it might be

Focuses on the unwelcomed nature of the situation or thing.

though it is bothersome

Simplifies the phrase to a more direct acknowledgment of being bothered.

vexing though it may be

Substitutes "annoying" with a less common synonym, "vexing", for emphasis.

while it is a nuisance

Identifies the subject as a "nuisance", shifting the focus slightly.

despite its irritating nature

Highlights the irritating quality of the subject, framing it as a known factor.

FAQs

How can I use "annoying as it is" in a sentence?

Use "annoying as it is" to concede a negative aspect before introducing a contrasting positive point or moving forward with your argument. For example, "Annoying as it is, we must adhere to the project deadline".

What are some alternatives to "annoying as it is"?

You can use alternatives like "frustrating though it may be", "irritating as it might seem", or "unpleasant though it is" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "annoying as it is"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The structure follows an inverted sentence pattern that emphasizes the annoying aspect before presenting a contrasting idea.

What is the difference between "annoying as it is" and "although it is annoying"?

"Annoying as it is" places more emphasis on the annoying aspect at the beginning of the sentence, while "although it is annoying" provides a more neutral concession. They are often interchangeable, but the former can add a touch more emotional expression.