disturbing you

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "disturbing you" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to causing someone discomfort or interruption in their activities or thoughts. Example: "I hope I'm not disturbing you while you're working on that important project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

"I hope we aren't disturbing you.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Nightmares all night!" "What was disturbing you, Edwick?" Nelson asked.

The New York Times - Magazine

Once to interviewer who said, "I hope I'm not disturbing you," snapped Luce, "Well, you are".

The New Yorker

But, rather than sit, Adel, a small, thin man with glasses, hovered sheepishly near Benny Avni's desk, lowered his head respectfully, and apologized, saying, "Am I disturbing you?

The New Yorker

"If you acknowledge that it is disturbing you, it may clear up enough space in your mind to focus on the exam".

The Guardian

So did you spend the weekend curled up reading while occasionally wishing you could cast a hex at people disturbing you?

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

Nobody disturbs you.

The Guardian

"Sorry to have disturbed you".

The New Yorker

I won't disturb you any longer.

The New Yorker

I'm sorry to disturb you".

The New Yorker

If this disturbs you, please repost.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In professional settings, prefacing a question or request with "I hope I'm not disturbing you" can soften the approach and show respect for the other person's workload.

Common error

While polite, consistently using "disturbing you" in casual conversations can sound overly formal. Opt for more relaxed alternatives like "bothering you" or "interrupting you" when speaking with friends or family.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "disturbing you" functions primarily as a present participle phrase used to politely inquire whether one is causing an inconvenience or interruption. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness. It often serves as an apologetic preface to a question or request.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Wiki

38%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "disturbing you" is a polite and common way to inquire if you're interrupting someone. According to Ludwig AI, it is considered grammatically correct and useful in written English. While appropriate in many contexts, it can sound overly formal in casual conversation, where alternatives like "bothering you" may be better suited. Predominantly appearing in news, media, and wiki sources, it emphasizes consideration for another person's time and focus. Remember to consider your audience and the context when choosing between "disturbing you" and its more relaxed alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bothering you

Implies a sense of mild annoyance or inconvenience, similar to disturbing but often less formal.

interrupting you

Focuses on the action of breaking into someone's activity or train of thought.

annoying you

Suggests a more irritating or frustrating effect than simply disturbing.

troubling you

Indicates that something is causing you worry or concern, adding an emotional layer.

worrying you

Specifically refers to causing anxiety or unease.

pestering you

Implies persistent and unwanted attention that is bothersome.

harassing you

Denotes aggressive pressure or intimidation, a stronger form of disturbance.

disrupting your peace

Emphasizes the breaking of a calm or tranquil state.

intruding on your time

Highlights the encroachment on someone's schedule or personal space.

making you uncomfortable

Shifts the focus to the feeling of unease or awkwardness caused by something.

FAQs

What's a less formal way to say "disturbing you"?

In casual situations, you can use alternatives like "bothering you" or "interrupting you" instead of "disturbing you".

How can I use "disturbing you" in a sentence?

You can use "disturbing you" to politely apologize for a potential interruption, such as "I hope I'm not disturbing you with this call" or "Sorry for disturbing you, but I need your help with something."

What's the difference between "disturbing you" and "annoying you"?

"Disturbing you" generally implies a temporary interruption or inconvenience, while "annoying you" suggests a more persistent and irritating action.

When is it appropriate to use "disturbing you"?

"Disturbing you" is appropriate in situations where you want to show politeness and consideration, such as when contacting someone during their work hours or interrupting their activity.