frustrating to observe

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "frustrating to observe" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a feeling of annoyance or disappointment regarding something that is happening or being witnessed. Example: "It is frustrating to observe the lack of progress in the project despite the team's efforts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

For anyone who has grappled with Mozart at the piano, it could only be frustrating to observe how easy Mr. Anderszewski made it all look.

The New York Times - Arts

You simply never know with Nikolas how he's going to do at bat with some wacky fly swatter swings, or attempts at bunting, which are most ridiculous and even frustrating to observe, and far more strikes than hits.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Sampling issues notoriously frustrate attempts to observe convergence.

EPJ Data Science

"It was frustrating to make a meal".

The New York Times

"It was frustrating to learn".

The New York Times

Ryan said the increasingly ugly impasse was frustrating to him.

The New York Times - Sports

"It was frustrating to be at number two".

Independent

frustrating to use.

Forbes

It may be frustrating to work across institutions with different bureaucratic capabilities.

Ecological Processes

Yet, frustrating as it was to observe these dynamics, they also partly inspired the lesson plan that I would use in my class at the University of San Diego that Wednesday evening.

Huffington Post

On Thursday, a foreign panel invited by Sri Lanka to observe a government commission's investigations into rights abuses said it was leaving the country, frustrated by a lack of support from the government.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "frustrating to observe" when you want to express a sense of annoyance or disappointment specifically linked to watching or noticing something unfold. It implies a feeling of helplessness or inability to change the situation being observed.

Common error

Avoid using "frustrating to observe" when you are directly involved in the situation and actively experiencing frustration. This phrase is best suited for describing a situation you are watching from a distance, not actively participating in. Instead, use "I find it frustrating" or "It's frustrating for me."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "frustrating to observe" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a situation or event. It describes something that, when witnessed, evokes a feeling of frustration. Ludwig AI confirms its use in expressing annoyance or disappointment.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "frustrating to observe" is a phrase used to express annoyance or disappointment while witnessing something. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage in written English. While grammatically sound, it's important to use it when describing a situation you are watching, not actively participating in. Alternatives include "annoying to see" or "irritating to witness". Its frequency is rare, mainly appearing in news and science contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

aggravating to watch

Replaces "frustrating" with "aggravating", emphasizing the irritating aspect of observation.

irritating to witness

Substitutes "frustrating" with "irritating" and "observe" with "witness", highlighting the annoyance caused by seeing something.

annoying to see

Uses "annoying" instead of "frustrating", simplifying the expression while maintaining the core meaning.

disheartening to behold

Replaces "frustrating" with "disheartening" and "observe" with "behold", shifting the focus to the depressing nature of what is seen.

vexing to contemplate

Uses "vexing" and "contemplate" to suggest a more thoughtful but still troubled observation.

disappointing to note

Emphasizes the disappointment derived from the observation, rather than frustration.

maddening to perceive

Highlights the anger-inducing aspect of the observation, making it more intense.

distressing to view

Focuses on the distressing or upsetting nature of the observed event.

troubling to regard

Suggests that the observation is causing concern or worry.

irksome to spectate

Uses "irksome" and "spectate" to convey a sense of mild annoyance at being a passive viewer.

FAQs

How can I use "frustrating to observe" in a sentence?

"Frustrating to observe" is used to describe a situation you're watching that causes annoyance or disappointment. For example, "It's "frustrating to observe" the team's repeated mistakes during the game."

What are some alternatives to "frustrating to observe"?

You can use alternatives like "annoying to see", "irritating to witness", or "disheartening to behold" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "frustrating to observe" the same as "frustrated to observe"?

No, "frustrating to observe" describes a situation that causes frustration. "Frustrated to observe" would imply the observer themselves is frustrated, which is grammatically incorrect. A correct alternative would be "frustrated while observing" or "frustrated when observing".

What makes something "frustrating to observe" versus simply "frustrating"?

The addition of "to observe" specifies that the frustration arises from watching something, rather than direct personal involvement. "Frustrating" on its own is a general adjective describing something that causes frustration, while "frustrating to observe" highlights the act of witnessing as the source of that feeling.