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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
bothering on
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "bothering on" is not grammatically correct and is not commonly used in written English.
It is likely a mistake or misunderstanding of the phrase "bordering on," which means to be very close or similar to something. Example: The comedian's jokes were often bordering on offensive, but the audience couldn't help but laugh at his clever delivery.
⚠ May contain grammatical issues
Science
News & Media
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
5 human-written examples
The FGDs were held in the community, had nine participants each and explored issues bothering on efficiency, power relations and affordability of the services.
Importantly, Tham and Luo [107] noted that such highly useful crowdsensing applications, in which users are both contributors and consumers of service, require deeper investigation of issues bothering on social welfare and fairness of incentive mechanisms.
The robustness and sustainable use of such socio-technical systems driven by hybrid incentive mechanisms will depend on the ability to understand and resolve potential issues bothering on ethics and fairness [136].
Political analysts answered questions bothering on socio-political trends affecting the issue of tobacco policies.
Science
In situation where access to correct information is lacking, community members are compelled to rely on misinformation, which are always bothering on myths.
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
55 human-written examples
He's just a regular American guy, after all, and not the first one to get into a spot of bother on a summer trip abroad.
News & Media
They did not even bother on Sunday.
News & Media
His breathing was grand, not a bother on him.
News & Media
A quarter of girls aged between nine and 16 say they've been "bothered" on the internet.
News & Media
Updated at 4.30pm BST 4.19pm BST Stenson has got himself into all kinds of bother on the 4th.
News & Media
I've been warned that other trans students have been bothered on campus and nearly been assaulted.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Consider using the more standard phrase "bordering on" when you intend to convey that something is very close to a particular state or condition. For example, "His behavior was bordering on inappropriate."
Common error
Avoid using "bothering on" when you actually mean "bordering on" or another similar phrase. "Bothering" typically relates to annoyance, while "bordering" suggests proximity or similarity. Using "bothering on" can confuse your intended meaning.
Source & Trust
88%
Authority and reliability
2.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "bothering on" functions as a prepositional phrase, but is generally considered grammatically incorrect. Ludwig indicates that it is likely a misunderstanding of the phrase "bordering on".
Frequent in
Science
60%
News & Media
40%
Formal & Business
0%
Less common in
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "bothering on" is generally considered grammatically incorrect and is often a misinterpretation of "bordering on". Ludwig AI confirms this assessment. While some instances appear in various sources, including science and news media, it's advisable to avoid using "bothering on" in your writing. Instead, opt for grammatically sound alternatives like "bordering on", "relating to", or "concerning" to ensure clarity and accuracy. By doing so, you'll maintain a higher standard of written communication and avoid potential misunderstandings.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
bordering on
Emphasizes proximity to a particular state or condition.
dealing with
Focuses on the act of addressing or managing a specific issue.
concerning
Highlights the topic or subject that something relates to.
relating to
Indicates a connection or association with a specific subject.
pertaining to
Suggests a direct relevance or connection to something.
contingent on
Expresses dependence or conditionality on something else.
impacting on
Highlights the effect or influence on a subject.
weighing on
Emphasizes the burden or pressure on someone or something.
encroaching on
Indicates a gradual intrusion or infringement upon something.
intruding on
Suggests a more abrupt or unwelcome interruption or interference.
FAQs
What does "bordering on" mean, and how is it different from "bothering on"?
"Bordering on" means being very close to a particular state or condition. "Bothering on" is not a standard English phrase and is often considered incorrect. Use "bordering on" to indicate something is nearly reaching a certain state.
When is it appropriate to use a phrase like "bordering on" instead of "bothering on"?
Use "bordering on" when you want to express that something is approaching a certain condition or quality. For example, "His remarks were bordering on offensive". Avoid using "bothering on", as it is not grammatically correct. Consider alternatives like "dealing with" or "relating to" depending on the context.
What are some alternatives to "bothering on" that I can use in my writing?
Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "concerning", "relating to", or "dealing with". Ensure the alternative accurately reflects your intended meaning.
Is "bothering on" ever considered correct in specific contexts?
No, "bothering on" is generally not considered correct in any standard English context. It is likely a misunderstanding or misuse of a similar-sounding phrase. Use "bordering on" or other appropriate alternatives instead.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
88%
Authority and reliability
2.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested