be vexed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be vexed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a state of being annoyed or frustrated about something. Example: "She tends to be vexed when people interrupt her during meetings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

But are they right to be vexed?

Independent

Scott continues to be vexed by the issue.

The Guardian - Sport

Meanwhile, from the plaintiffs' perspective, even a victory could be vexed.

The New Yorker

*** Meanwhile, from the plaintiffs' perspective, even a victory could be vexed.

The New Yorker

Outside the kitchen, to stew is to fret, to be vexed and worried, to fall victim to your own actions.

The New York Times - Magazine

And he's right to be vexed and afraid: The gravy now served by the K.F.C. franchisees is good, but it isn't the Colonel's.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

Communications can be vexing.

The New York Times

Mr. Rollins's bands continue to be vexing.

The New York Times - Arts

The thing is that genre doesn't have to be vexing.

The New Yorker

Quick, reliable sharing of important information from tests has proved to be vexing.

The New York Times

The process to keep track of screen shots and other data can be vexing.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the level of formality required by the context. While "be vexed" is correct, it may sound overly formal or archaic in some situations. Opt for more common alternatives like "be annoyed" or "be bothered" in informal settings.

Common error

Avoid using "be vexed" in contexts that require a casual or informal tone. Using more common alternatives will prevent your writing from sounding stilted or unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "be vexed" is as a passive verb phrase. It describes a state of being annoyed, troubled, or harassed by something. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is grammatically correct and can be used to express a state of being annoyed or frustrated about something.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Academia

18%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

6%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be vexed" is a grammatically sound and usable expression that describes a state of annoyance or frustration. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. While "be vexed" is accurate, it tends to be more formal and less common in everyday conversation. As such, consider the context when using this phrase and opt for alternatives like "be annoyed" or "be bothered" in less formal situations. The phrase is commonly found in news and media, academic writing, and scientific publications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be annoyed

This alternative is a more common and less formal way to express a feeling of mild irritation.

be irritated

This alternative suggests a slightly stronger feeling of annoyance than "be annoyed".

be irked

This alternative is a slightly less common synonym for "be annoyed".

be bothered

This alternative is a more casual way of saying "be annoyed" or "be irritated".

be aggravated

This alternative implies a more intense level of annoyance and frustration.

be troubled

This alternative suggests a deeper level of concern or worry, beyond simple annoyance.

be exasperated

This alternative conveys a feeling of extreme frustration and impatience.

be infuriated

This alternative suggests a state of intense anger and rage.

be perturbed

This alternative suggests a feeling of anxiety or unease in addition to annoyance.

be agitated

This alternative suggests a state of being disturbed or excited, not necessarily just annoyed.

FAQs

How can I use "be vexed" in a sentence?

You can use "be vexed" to describe a state of being annoyed, troubled, or frustrated. For example, "She tends to "be vexed" when people interrupt her during meetings".

What are some alternatives to "be vexed"?

You can use alternatives like "be annoyed", "be irritated", or "be bothered" depending on the context.

Is it more common to say "be vexed" or "get vexed"?

"Be vexed" is more common in formal writing, while "get vexed" is more colloquial. However, both are relatively less common than alternatives like "be annoyed".

What's the difference between "be vexed" and "be worried"?

"Be vexed" implies annoyance or frustration, while "be worried" suggests anxiety and concern. They describe different emotional states.