be bothered by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be bothered by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that someone is disturbed or affected by something, often in a negative way. Example: "I don't want to be bothered by the noise while I'm trying to concentrate on my work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Normal people will be bothered by this.

Independent

Why would they be bothered by you?

The New York Times - Arts

Am I wrong to be bothered by his invitation etiquette?

The New York Times

For now, Nevis cannot be bothered by draft talk.

The New York Times - Sports

"I don't think he'll be bothered by it".

The New York Times - Sports

Thorne, to his credit, wouldn't be bothered by this.

The New York Times - Books

I am embarrassed to be bothered by this.

The New York Times

Cowell wouldn't be bothered by the string of abusive reviews; he'd be used to that.

The Guardian - Film

Bewilderingly, Sarkozy doesn't seem to be bothered by the name's most obvious problems.

The New Yorker

Sabathia, he knew, would understand the onus on him but not be bothered by it.

The New York Times - Sports

We all should be bothered by environmental contamination, no matter whom it affects, no matter why.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be bothered by", ensure the context clearly indicates the source of the disturbance and the degree to which it affects the subject. For stronger impact, consider alternatives like "be disturbed by" or "be troubled by".

Common error

While "be bothered by" is acceptable, avoid overusing it in formal writing. Opt for more sophisticated alternatives like "be concerned by" or "be affected by" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be bothered by" functions as a passive verb construction, indicating that a subject is experiencing disturbance or annoyance caused by an external factor. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. For example, "I don't want to be bothered by the noise."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be bothered by" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to convey that someone is experiencing disturbance or annoyance. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its acceptability in written English. Predominantly found in News & Media sources, it also appears in scientific contexts, suggesting a neutral register. When aiming for precision, consider using alternatives like "be annoyed by" or "be concerned by" to better suit the context. While versatile, avoid overuse in highly formal writing to maintain a sophisticated tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be annoyed by

Focuses more specifically on the feeling of irritation or displeasure.

be irritated by

Similar to "be annoyed by" but can suggest a more superficial level of aggravation.

be disturbed by

Suggests a disruption of peace or tranquility, often implying a stronger negative impact.

be concerned by

Implies a level of worry or apprehension about something.

be troubled by

Indicates a state of unease or distress caused by something.

be affected by

A broader term that suggests influence or impact, not necessarily negative.

be inconvenienced by

Highlights the trouble or difficulty caused by something.

be disrupted by

Emphasizes the interruption or interference caused by something.

take issue with

Expresses disagreement or objection to something.

object to

Formally expresses disagreement or disapproval.

FAQs

How can I use "be bothered by" in a sentence?

You can use "be bothered by" to express that someone is disturbed or annoyed by something. For example, "I don't want to be bothered by the noise while I'm trying to concentrate."

What are some alternatives to "be bothered by"?

Alternatives include "be annoyed by", "be disturbed by", or "be concerned by", depending on the context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "be bothered with" instead of "be bothered by"?

While "be bothered by" is the standard and more common usage, "be bothered with" can be used in certain contexts, though it's less frequent. "Be bothered by" generally refers to being annoyed or disturbed by something, while "be bothered with" can imply being burdened with something.

What's the difference between "be bothered by" and "be affected by"?

"Be bothered by" specifically implies a negative disturbance or annoyance, while "be affected by" is a broader term that simply means influenced or impacted, without necessarily implying a negative connotation.