hassle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hassle" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation that is troublesome or annoying, often involving extra effort or difficulty. Example: "I don't want to deal with the hassle of returning the item, so I'll just keep it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It's a serious hassle to shut down a bank account and transfer money to a new one, especially with direct deposit, automatic bill payments, and the like.

The Economist

Shelter in 2012 proposed a new "stable rental contract" which it believes would give tenants greater stability and also give landlords more certainty of a good return, because a high turnover of tenants can cause them expensive hassle they don't need.

The Guardian

I know, I know: this all sounds like a huge hassle.

The Guardian - Opinion

She added that many transgender people do not have GRCs, either because, like Lynn, they don't yet qualify for them, object to them on principle, or do not want to go through the hassle and expense of applying.

The Guardian

Ahlquist and her flatmates looked into changing the meter but it seemed like too much hassle.

The Guardian

Without the hassle and expense of buying a bottle of Cointreau or brandy, or fretting about whether you have achieved the correct gossamer lightness.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Not because it's expensive (it isn't) or super-smart (it's extremely laid-back) but because, until now, it's been a massive hassle to get there.

The Guardian - Travel

"Men get pats on the back for taking their kids to the doctor, and when a woman needs to do so it is thought of as a hassle," she says.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Reporting the event was a hassle and risked mortification.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

The souks are relatively hassle-free, the restaurants have fabulous views of the crashing waves and the beaches are huge.

The Guardian - Travel

For somewhere less edgy, particularly if you're a female traveller hoping for a hassle-free beer by the pool, try the Green Grass (doubles from £27 B&B).

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "hassle", consider your audience and choose a more formal synonym like "inconvenience" in professional contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "hassle" in academic papers or formal reports. Opt for more professional terms like "difficulty" or "challenge" to maintain a serious tone.

Linguistic Context

The word "hassle" functions as both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it describes a situation that is troublesome or annoying. As a verb, it means to bother or annoy someone. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hassle" is a versatile word that can function as both a noun and a verb, primarily used to describe situations that are annoying or troublesome. Ludwig AI confirms that it is a correct and usable English word. While its frequency is high across various sources like news and media, it's important to consider the context. In formal settings, synonyms like "inconvenience" or "difficulty" may be more appropriate. The analysis of reliable sources reveals that "hassle" is commonly used to express annoyance or describe unwanted effort, but its informal tone should be taken into consideration for the specific audience and purpose.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inconvenience

Focuses more on the disruption caused rather than the effort involved.

inconvenience

Focuses on the lack of comfort and ease.

nuisance

Emphasizes the annoyance and irritation caused by something.

bother

Highlights the trouble or effort something causes.

difficulty

Stresses the challenge or complexity involved.

problem

Implies a more significant issue or obstacle.

trouble

A broad term indicating difficulty or distress.

complication

Suggests an added layer of complexity.

annoyance

Focuses primarily on the feeling of irritation.

drawback

Highlights a disadvantage or negative aspect.

FAQs

How can I use "hassle" in a sentence?

"Hassle" can be used as a noun to describe a troublesome situation, as in "I don't need the "trouble"." It can also be used as a verb meaning to bother or annoy, such as "Don't "annoy" me."

What can I say instead of "hassle"?

You can use alternatives like "inconvenience", "nuisance", or "difficulty" depending on the context.

Which is correct: "without a hassle" or "without hassle"?

Both "without a hassle" and "without hassle" are grammatically correct, but "without hassle" is more common. The article 'a' is optional in this context but can add emphasis.

What is the difference between "hassle" and "inconvenience"?

"Hassle" typically refers to a situation that is annoying or troublesome, while "inconvenience" refers to something that causes difficulty or discomfort. "Hassle" often implies more minor irritations, though the terms are often interchangeable.