become irritating

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "become irritating" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a situation or behavior that gradually starts to annoy or frustrate someone over time. Example: "At first, I found his jokes amusing, but they began to become irritating after a while."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

A hero's superpowers, initially seductive, soon start to become irritating.

The Guardian - Film

By the final allegro, the disjointed tinkering and accelerations had become irritating.

The Guardian - Music

Equally obvious is his failure, in most cases, to make this kind of form work. Part of the problem is that his ideas are so uninteresting; and again, where one uninteresting idea can induce a kind of benign lethargy (alternatively, meditative experience), two or three in alternation soon become irritating.

The New York Times - Arts

While it may seem minor, walking four blocks at the beginning and end of each day, and not having a reserved spot or an outlet for the cold winter nights will become irritating very soon.

Forbes

As time goes on, the habits that you found charming when you first met become irritating.

Huffington Post

Don't coat it too thickly or it will become irritating.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Many of Eagle's 3,500 inhabitants have become irritated by the media presence.

The Guardian

The notion that shaving causes hair to be thicker or coarser when it returns is a myth, Dr. Alexis said, but men whose faces become irritated by shaving are apt to experience the same thing elsewhere.

The New York Times

If pop is still relatively new compared to the well-established arts of serious orchestral writing and operatic singing, why do so many become irritated when one of its proponents takes an impetuous step into its territory?

The Guardian

A Japanese official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak with the news media, said American negotiators had become irritated by Mr. Hatoyama's delays in making a decision on the issue.

The New York Times

Each type might become irritated by the approaches of their counterparts, but in a respectful collaboration a mixed team has an enormous advantage over a team with only Ps or Js.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "become irritating" to describe a gradual shift from an acceptable or even positive state to one of annoyance or frustration. Consider the context to ensure the word accurately reflects the process of irritation.

Common error

While "become irritating" is a valid phrase, avoid overuse. Vary your language by using synonyms like "start to annoy" or "grow tiresome" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "become irritating" functions as a linking verb followed by an adjective, describing a process of transformation into a state of annoyance. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

20%

Books

10%

Less common in

Huffington Post

8%

TechCrunch

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "become irritating" effectively describes a gradual transition into a state of annoyance, suitable for various contexts, as demonstrated by the examples in Ludwig. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. While common, varying your phrasing can enhance your writing. Alternatives include "start to annoy", "grow tiresome", or "get on someone's nerves". Understanding the subtle differences between these options allows for more precise communication. The sources are typically neutral to slightly formal, with emphasis on News & Media.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

start to irritate

Emphasizes the beginning of the irritation process, suggesting an initial stage.

start to annoy

Focuses on the action of causing someone to feel annoyed.

become bothersome

Highlights the inconvenience and trouble caused, resulting in irritation.

turn annoying

Focuses on the change in character towards being generally annoying.

grow tiresome

Highlights the feeling of weariness that develops over time.

get on someone's nerves

Implies a direct and personal impact causing annoyance.

begin to grate

Suggests a subtle but persistent source of irritation.

prove vexatious

Indicates something that causes trouble or difficulty, leading to irritation.

turn vexing

Emphasizes the characteristic of causing frustration or worry.

evolve into a nuisance

Suggests a gradual transformation into something that is inconvenient and bothersome.

FAQs

How can I use "become irritating" in a sentence?

You can use "become irritating" to describe something that gradually starts to annoy or frustrate someone. For instance, "His constant humming began to "become irritating" after a while."

What are some alternatives to "become irritating"?

Alternatives include "start to annoy", "grow tiresome", or "get on someone's nerves", depending on the context and the level of formality you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "become irritated" instead of "become irritating"?

"Become irritated" describes a state of being (feeling annoyed), while "become irritating" describes something causing annoyance. They are grammatically correct but have different meanings. For example, "I became irritated by the noise" versus "The noise became irritating."

What's the difference between "become irritating" and "be irritating"?

"Become irritating" indicates a change or progression into an irritating state, whereas "be irritating" describes something that is inherently irritating. "The repetitive sound will "become irritating"" suggests it wasn't initially but will be. "The repetitive sound is irritating" indicates it's currently annoying.