continues to vex

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "continues to vex" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or issue that remains troubling or annoying over time. Example: "The unresolved debate about climate change continues to vex policymakers and scientists alike."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Moviemaking continues to vex Disney.

The New York Times

And yet, one shot continues to vex and perplex him.

The New York Times - Sports

Even now the question of why anyone would think he might agree to such a deal continues to vex him.

The Guardian - Sport

Now is not the time for pandering to whims and whinges England's feat in reaching the final continues to vex Australians and New Zealanders.

The Guardian - Sport

And it has underscored the human misery caused by the burden of bad debt that continues to vex the Japanese financial system.

The New York Times

(AP) TO HONOR AND SERVE HURT The Kentucky Derby continues to vex the Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott, whose To Honor and Serve has a strained suspensory ligament in his left foreleg and is off the Derby trail.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Yet the old questions continued to vex her.

The New Yorker

But his solution to the issues that continue to vex Wagner's opera is to airbrush them from the picture.

The Guardian - Music

What continued to vex me, however, was not the peculiarity of his teaching style; it was his inability to attract patients.

The New York Times - Health

But satirical accounts like @LelandYeeLoves and @NotLelandYee have continued to vex Mr. Stearns, who said he believed they were the handiwork of opposing campaigns.

The New York Times

At the same time, digital piracy in the West and censorship in China continue to vex policy makers, prompting calls for greater coordination of Internet strategies.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "continues to vex", ensure that the subject is something that genuinely causes ongoing trouble or annoyance. It's most effective when describing persistent, unresolved issues.

Common error

Avoid using "continues to vex" in casual or informal settings. It can sound overly formal or dramatic when a simpler expression would suffice. Opt for phrases like "still bothers" or "is still a problem" in less formal contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "continues to vex" functions as a verb phrase indicating that something is causing ongoing trouble or annoyance. Ludwig AI validates the usage of this phrase in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "continues to vex" is a grammatically correct and commonly used verb phrase that describes something causing ongoing trouble or annoyance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for news, media, and scientific contexts. While generally neutral in tone, it leans towards formality and is best reserved for situations where a persistent and significant issue is being described. When in doubt, simpler alternatives like "continues to bother" or "remains a problem" might be preferable in less formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

continues to bother

Uses a simpler verb ("bother") to convey annoyance.

remains problematic

Replaces "vex" with a more general term for causing problems; slightly less emotionally charged.

remains an ongoing issue

Focuses on the unresolved nature of the problem; less emotional.

persists in troubling

Emphasizes the ongoing nature and the causing of distress.

is an enduring problem

Emphasizes the long-lasting nature of the problem.

continues to plague

Uses a stronger verb ("plague") to indicate a more severe and persistent problem.

is a continuing source of frustration

Highlights the emotional impact as a source of frustration; more descriptive.

is a persistent concern

Highlights the ongoing worry or anxiety associated with the issue.

is still a challenge

Simplifies the expression, focusing on the difficulty rather than the annoyance.

has not been resolved

Focuses on the lack of resolution.

FAQs

How can I use "continues to vex" in a sentence?

Use "continues to vex" to describe something that persistently troubles or annoys. For example, "The question of funding continues to vex the research team."

What can I say instead of "continues to vex"?

You can use alternatives like "remains problematic", "is still a challenge", or "continues to bother" depending on the context.

Is "continues to vex" a formal expression?

Yes, "continues to vex" is generally considered a more formal expression. It's suitable for professional, academic, and news-related contexts.

What's the difference between "continues to vex" and "continues to bother"?

"Continues to vex" implies a deeper, more persistent source of trouble or annoyance, while "continues to bother" suggests a milder, less intense form of annoyance.