cause annoyance

USAGE SUMMARY

No, the phrase "cause annoyance" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It refers to something that is causing irritation or frustration. Example: The loud construction noise outside is causing annoyance to the residents in the neighborhood.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

Do I have to reasonably consider whether it will cause annoyance to somebody else?

The Guardian

It was an act almost laser‑targeted to cause annoyance to anyone still watching.

The Guardian - Sport

Chronic noise is an environmental pollutant and well-known to cause annoyance and sleep disturbance.

International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health

Large variations in response time for similar requests cause annoyance to users.

Server Architectures Multiprocessors, Clusters, Parallel Systems, Web Servers, and Storage Solutions

Unsurprisingly, Peter Wakeham of the Noise Abatement Society, a campaign group on noise pollution, thinks music in offices can affect concentration, cause annoyance and even friction.

The Guardian - Money

Vibrations can exceed requirements for sensitive equipment or cause annoyance to humans and therefore the vibrations may need to be reduced.

Engineering Structures

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

A tweet by Zinke about the sway of Florida stakeholders — "Local voices matter" — also caused annoyance.

The Washington Post

Traffic noise has been a serious issue in urbanized areas and caused annoyance and health problems.

Computers, Environment and Urban Systems

"Inferring frustration or distraction can be very valuable to an adaptive system," he says, since it can avoid causing annoyance.

MIT Technology Review

Apparently, the movie has caused annoyance in some quarters because it criticizes the American way of life.

The New Yorker

The company, fined £35,000, was one of four firms punished by the telecoms regulator for "causing annoyance".

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a specific action or event, consider using more vivid verbs like "irritate", "vex", or "aggravate" to add nuance to your writing.

Common error

While grammatically correct, repeatedly using "cause annoyance" can make writing sound monotonous. Vary your phrasing with alternatives like "create irritation" or "provoke displeasure" to maintain reader engagement and reflect subtle differences in meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cause annoyance" functions as a verb phrase, where "cause" is the verb and "annoyance" is the noun acting as the direct object. It describes the action of producing a feeling of irritation or displeasure. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

42%

Wiki

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cause annoyance" is a grammatically correct and commonly used verb phrase that describes the action of creating a feeling of irritation or displeasure. Ludwig AI verifies its grammatical correctness and common usage. It is most frequently found in News & Media and Science contexts. While appropriate for general use, writers should consider more precise or vivid verbs to enhance their writing. Alternatives such as "create irritation", "provoke irritation", and "be a bother" offer subtle variations in meaning and formality. When considering source authority, the most authoritative sources where it's used are The Guardian, The New York Times and BBC. The phrase is best used when aiming to explain or describe the reason behind someone's irritation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

create irritation

Focuses more on the act of creating the feeling rather than the feeling itself.

provoke irritation

Implies a more direct and intentional action leading to the feeling.

generate vexation

A more formal and less common way to express causing annoyance.

arouse displeasure

Emphasizes the feeling of displeasure as a result of the action.

inflict nuisance

Highlights the act of imposing a nuisance, a more tangible disturbance.

prompt aggravation

Suggests a quick or sudden increase in annoyance or irritation.

stir resentment

Focuses on the deeper feeling of resentment that can arise from annoyance.

foster discontent

Implies a gradual development of dissatisfaction or unhappiness.

be a bother

A more informal and understated way to describe something causing mild annoyance.

create a nuisance

Similar to inflict nuisance, but emphasizes the creation of a problematic situation.

FAQs

How can I use "cause annoyance" in a sentence?

You can use "cause annoyance" to describe actions or situations that lead to irritation or frustration. For instance, "Loud noises often cause annoyance to residents."

What are some alternatives to "cause annoyance"?

You can use alternatives like "create irritation", "provoke irritation", or "be a bother" depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it better to say "cause annoyance" or "cause irritation"?

"Cause annoyance" and "cause irritation" are quite similar, but "cause irritation" might be slightly stronger. "Annoyance" implies a mild disturbance, while "irritation" suggests a more pronounced feeling of frustration or anger. Both are valid, but choose the one that best fits the intensity of the situation.

Can "cause annoyance" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "cause annoyance" is appropriate for formal writing, but consider using more precise or sophisticated alternatives if the context allows. For example, in a scientific paper, you might prefer to use "induce discomfort" or "elicit dissatisfaction".