bothered by something

USAGE SUMMARY

"bothered by something" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to any kind of negative feeling or situation that is causing you distress. For example: "I was really bothered by something my teacher said today."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

"It certainly looked like Gary was bothered by something and pranced around a little bit".

The New York Times - Sports

So if I'm bothered by something I'm never gonna erupt — that's not my way.

The New Yorker

Ms. Raymond seemed bothered by something one of the younger developers had said to her recently before quitting her studio.

The New York Times

But it certainly looked like Gary was bothered by something and sort of pranced around a little bit.

The New York Times - Sports

It's not a landlord's responsibility to provide background on every person who has occupied a given space simply because the new tenant might be bothered by something about the former resident's life (or death).

The New York Times - Magazine

The accusation that the beauty of movie stars makes the anti-social acts of their characters dangerously attractive is the kind of contrived argument we get from people who are bothered by something and are clutching at straws.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

As a consequence of the articles, I've picked up (inherited?) a penchant for the biographical style and I'm glad: I write about myself because the personal is political, and I refuse to feel bothered by doing something men have done for years.

Vice

We need to put our money where are mouth is, to stop talking like we are so bothered by pedophilia and do something that will decrease the record number of cases that we have in today's society.

Huffington Post

If a friend seems bothered by some problem, say something like, "You know, I've been feeling the same way.

WikiHow

O.K.?" "Are you bothered by the book?" "The book is something he's got in his office, and I put under a sink somewhere.

The New Yorker

Also, don't get her something she'll just be bothered by and want to throw away.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "bothered by something", ensure the context clearly indicates what is causing the disturbance or annoyance. Specificity enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "bothered by something" when the "something" is unclear or ambiguous. Always specify what is causing the feeling.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bothered by something" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a subject by describing its emotional state. As confirmed by Ludwig, it indicates a state of being annoyed, disturbed, or worried by an unspecified thing. The provided examples showcase this function across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bothered by something" is a grammatically sound and relatively common phrase used to express annoyance, disturbance, or worry caused by an unspecified factor. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for use in varied contexts, but clarity and specificity are important for effective communication. While often found in news and media sources, its versatility allows for use in both formal and informal settings. When using the phrase, consider if more precise language might better serve your intended meaning. Related phrases like "annoyed by something" or "troubled by something" can offer subtle changes in connotation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

annoyed by something

Replaces "bothered" with "annoyed", suggesting a lighter level of irritation.

irritated by something

Similar to "annoyed", but can imply a slightly stronger feeling of displeasure.

disturbed by something

Indicates a disruption of peace of mind, implying a deeper emotional impact.

troubled by something

Suggests a state of worry or concern caused by a particular issue.

concerned about something

Focuses on a feeling of worry or apprehension about a specific matter.

preoccupied by something

Implies that one's thoughts are dominated by a particular concern.

unsettled by something

Indicates a feeling of unease or a lack of comfort due to a specific cause.

vexed by something

Uses a more formal term, "vexed", to convey a feeling of frustration or annoyance.

disconcerted by something

Implies a feeling of being disturbed or confused, leading to a loss of composure.

perturbed by something

A more formal way of saying bothered or anxious, implying a slight disturbance.

FAQs

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

You can use "bothered by something" to express that you are feeling annoyed or disturbed by a specific issue. For example, "I was really "bothered by something" he said during the meeting".

What's a more formal way to say "bothered by something"?

More formal alternatives include "perturbed by something" or "disconcerted by something". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "annoyed by something" and "bothered by something"?

"Annoyed by something" often suggests a lighter level of irritation, while "bothered by something" can imply a deeper or more persistent disturbance.

Can "bothered by something" be used in professional writing?

Yes, "bothered by something" can be used in professional writing, especially when conveying personal feelings or reactions. However, ensure it aligns with the overall tone and formality of the document. Alternatives like "concerned about something" may be more appropriate in some cases.