cause of irritation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cause of irritation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that leads to annoyance or discomfort in a person or situation. Example: "The constant noise from the construction site became a significant cause of irritation for the residents living nearby."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

He found his wife Hester's avid following of the news just one more cause of irritation with her.

The Guardian - Books

Lack of information about the likely duration of waiting in line is also a cause of irritation and can lead to "queue rage", he found.

The Guardian

The tone of the prime minister's address to the EU leaders on Wednesday night, during which she attacked Michel Barnier, is also said by sources to have been the cause of irritation.

The Guardian

But Coldau Ding, a veteran SPLM leader and now a member of the new parliament, argues that "up to now we have not seen the fruits of attractiveness".One major cause of irritation is the lack of co-operation on oil.

The Economist

This finding is important considering that hospital complications are at best a cause of irritation and frustration to patients and more likely put their life at risk, in addition to leading to increased hospital expenditure [ 23].

BMC Health Services Research

Did you know that most commonly used antiperspirants contain aluminum – toxic to the nervous system and a cause of irritation?

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

The cause of the irritation?

The Guardian

The most important part of treatment is to seek a doctor's advice to identify the cause of the irritation, he said.

The New York Times - Science

The cause of skin irritation is often the material used to make the cream or gel, not the NSAID, says Dr. Joanne Borg-Stein, medical director of the Harvard-affiliated Spaulding-Wellesley Rehabilitation Center in Massachusetts.

Harvard University

To stop the run on sovereigns, there should be some kind of joint Eurobonds partly to mutualise debt.That the charge is being led by France, under its new Socialist president, François Hollande, is the cause of huge irritation in Berlin.

The Economist

Furthermore, avoid metallic or glitter eye shadows: According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology "Glitter eye makeup is a common cause of corneal irritation or infection, especially in contact lens users".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cause of irritation", be specific about what is causing the irritation. Vague references can dilute the impact and make your writing less effective.

Common error

While "cause of irritation" is generally acceptable, avoid using it excessively in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler terms like "annoying" or "bothersome" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cause of irritation" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject complement or object of a sentence. It identifies the agent or reason responsible for producing a feeling of annoyance or discomfort. Examples on Ludwig showcase it used to pinpoint sources of disturbance or frustration.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

33%

Wiki

29%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cause of irritation" is a grammatically sound and usable noun phrase that effectively identifies the source of annoyance or discomfort. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its correctness and applicability across diverse contexts, though it's more prevalent in news, scientific, and wiki sources. While "source of annoyance" and other related phrases offer similar meanings, "cause of irritation" maintains its distinct utility in clearly pinpointing the origin of negative feelings. When writing, ensure specificity and appropriateness to the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

source of annoyance

This alternative highlights the origin of the annoyance, similar to "cause of irritation" but may imply a more continuous or persistent issue.

reason for discomfort

This focuses on the reason behind physical or emotional discomfort, making it suitable when "irritation" is related to unease or pain.

origin of frustration

This alternative emphasizes the root of frustration, useful when the "irritation" leads to a sense of being blocked or hindered.

basis for aggravation

This phrase suggests something that worsens a situation or feeling, fitting when the "irritation" is escalating a negative state.

root of displeasure

This highlights the fundamental reason for dissatisfaction, appropriate when the "irritation" is linked to a lack of contentment.

impetus for annoyance

This alternative emphasizes the driving force behind the feeling of annoyance, suitable for describing a specific instigating factor.

trigger of vexation

This alternative identifies a specific event or factor that initiates a feeling of vexation, which is a more formal term for annoyance.

antecedent of bother

This formal phrase refers to the preceding event or condition that leads to being bothered or disturbed.

fountainhead of exasperation

This metaphoric alternative describes the primary source that continually produces exasperation.

wellspring of discontent

This phrase suggests a continuous origin of dissatisfaction and unhappiness, implying a deeper level of negative feeling.

FAQs

How can I use "cause of irritation" in a sentence?

You can use "cause of irritation" to describe something that leads to annoyance or discomfort. For example, "The constant noise was a major cause of irritation."

What are some alternatives to "cause of irritation"?

You can use alternatives like "source of annoyance", "reason for discomfort", or "origin of frustration" depending on the context.

Is "cause of irritation" formal or informal?

"Cause of irritation" is generally suitable for neutral to formal contexts. In very informal situations, simpler words like "annoying" or "bothersome" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "cause of irritation" and "source of irritation"?

While similar, "cause of irritation" often refers to a specific event or factor that leads to irritation, whereas "source of irritation" can imply a more continuous or persistent issue.