be irritated with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be irritated with" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing annoyance or displeasure towards someone or something. Example: "I tend to be irritated with people who are consistently late to meetings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

"It's higher now!" She seemed to be irritated with me.

The New Yorker

They would be irritated with each other.

The New York Times - Magazine

But he said voters were just as likely to be irritated with Washington Republicans for their brinkmanship over the debt ceiling and threats of tipping the country into default.

The New York Times

But officials at the Financial Reconstruction Commission, the agency overseeing the restructuring of the financial sector, may also be irritated with Shinsei because the bank has effectively put the government in the position of rescuing a private company.

The New York Times

He then released an audiotape of a phone call in which his host beseeched him to leave early so as not to embarrass George Bush.Mr Fox now has another reason to be irritated with Mr Castro, after Cuba involved itself in a local political scandal.

The Economist

In today's order, Judge Hittner appeared to be irritated with state prosecutors when he wrote: "Throughout its brief, the state seeks to minimize its failure to comply with established procedural rules as 'excusable neglect.' However, a similar procedural error by defense counsel in a capital case could result in a defendant's execution".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

As he speaks the students around him nod approvingly, a young woman admits she's irritated with hearing about the icon of the struggle.

Independent

But that seems to be the extent of the unity.Mr Annan is irritated with council members, particularly the United States, for once again assuming that he will sort out something that he plainly regards as their mess.

The Economist

And I'm irritated with guys who won't listen; astonished to hear that some West Indies players don't rate Viv Richards.' He admires, as I do, the transparent honesty in Atherton's book.

The Guardian - Sport

I had no business being irritated with Eli.

Huffington Post

Most animals will be irritated or uncomfortable with overly bright rooms, and will make for bad photos.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be irritated with" when you want to express a feeling of annoyance or mild anger towards someone or something specific. This phrase is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

While "irritated with" is generally correct, avoid substituting it with "irritated at" unless referring to a specific location or event. "Irritated with" is typically used for people or situations, while "irritated at" is less common and may sound unnatural to native English speakers.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be irritated with" functions as a predicative adjective phrase, indicating a state or feeling of annoyance directed toward a specific person, object, or situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is both correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Wiki

14%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be irritated with" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase for expressing annoyance or mild anger toward a specific person, object, or situation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. While versatile, it's most commonly found in news, media, and informal writing contexts. Remember that while "irritated with" is appropriate for people or situations, "irritated at" is less common. Consider alternatives like "be annoyed by" or "be frustrated with" for nuanced expressions. Using "be irritated with" correctly enhances clarity and accurately conveys your intended sentiment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be annoyed by

Replaces "irritated" with "annoyed", focusing on the feeling of mild anger or frustration.

be bothered by

Replaces "irritated" with "bothered", suggesting a mild level of concern or disturbance.

be frustrated with

Substitutes "irritated" with "frustrated", highlighting the feeling of being upset or impatient because of an inability to change or achieve something.

be angry at

Simplifies the expression to a direct statement of anger.

be exasperated by

Replaces "irritated" with "exasperated", suggesting a higher degree of annoyance and loss of patience.

be put out by

Replaces "irritated" with "put out", highlighting a feeling of being inconvenienced or annoyed.

be aggravated by

Substitutes "irritated" with "aggravated", indicating that something is making a situation or feeling worse.

be displeased with

Replaces "irritated" with "displeased", offering a more formal and subdued expression of dissatisfaction.

take offense at

Shifts the focus to feeling personally insulted or affronted by something.

resent someone for

Indicates a feeling of bitterness or indignation towards someone for a perceived wrong.

FAQs

What does "be irritated with" mean?

The phrase "be irritated with" means to feel annoyed or bothered by someone or something. It expresses a state of mild anger or frustration toward a specific person, thing, or situation.

How can I use "be irritated with" in a sentence?

You can use "be irritated with" to express your annoyance. For example: "I tend to "be irritated with" people who are consistently late to meetings."

What can I say instead of "be irritated with"?

You can use alternatives like "be annoyed by", "be frustrated with", or "be exasperated by" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "be irritated at" instead of "be irritated with"?

While "be irritated with" is generally correct for people or situations, "be irritated at" is less common and may sound unnatural. It's best to stick with "be irritated with" unless you're referring to a specific location or event.