hounding them

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hounding them" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the act of persistently bothering or harassing someone, often in a relentless manner. Example: "She was hounding them for answers about the project deadline, making it difficult for them to focus on their work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

Owners of the city's many unlicensed pooches insisted the local authorities were hounding them.

The Economist

Another would be to let dissidents go instead of hounding them to death.

The New York Times

The visitors could not escape soon enough, with Arsenal's celebrations hounding them from the arena.

The Guardian - Sport

We are not hounding them; we have given them a year to conform".

The Guardian - Sport

After all, most of them are uninterested in political reform; no one is hounding them for change.

The Economist

In 1990, when the Tigers seized control of large areas of Batticaloa, Miller took to hounding them even more.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

She hounded them again during negotiations over the spending bill.

The Washington Post

You use a corrupt and partisan media to hound them.

The Guardian - Opinion

Cultural artists and the dictators who hounded them.

The New York Times - Books

Several of the couple's creditors hounded them relentlessly.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Check with your recommenders to make sure they submit the letter, but do not hound them.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hounding them" when you want to convey a sense of relentless and often annoying pursuit or harassment. Be mindful of the negative connotation and ensure it fits the context.

Common error

While "hounding them" is acceptable in many situations, it may be too informal or emotionally charged for formal or professional writing. Consider alternatives like "persistently requesting information from them" for a more neutral tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hounding them" functions as a verb phrase, specifically a present participle construction, used to describe an ongoing action of persistently pursuing or harassing someone. Ludwig AI provides many examples where the phrase shows the action of relentless pursuit.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "hounding them" is a grammatically sound and commonly used verb phrase that describes the act of persistently harassing or pursuing someone. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's primarily used in news and media contexts to convey a sense of relentless pressure or annoyance. While acceptable in many situations, writers should consider its slightly informal and negative connotation, especially in formal settings. Alternatives like "harassing them" or "persistently requesting information from them" may be more appropriate in such cases. Ludwig examples shows how this phrase is found in many authoritative sources, which makes it a valid resource of information.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

harassing them

This alternative emphasizes persistent and unwanted annoyance or aggression.

badgering them

Focuses on repeated questioning or urging, often in an irritating way.

pestering them

Implies persistent requests or interruptions that cause annoyance.

stalking them

Suggests a more sinister and obsessive form of pursuit.

chasing after them

Emphasizes the act of following someone persistently, often to catch them.

breathing down their necks

This idiom conveys close and intrusive supervision or pressure.

on their case

Indicates constant criticism or demands.

pressuring them

Highlights the act of trying to influence someone through persuasion or intimidation.

leaning on them

Similar to "pressuring them", but can also imply seeking support or assistance.

giving them no peace

This idiom suggests relentless disturbance and lack of tranquility.

FAQs

How can I use "hounding them" in a sentence?

You can use "hounding them" to describe someone persistently bothering or harassing others. For example, "The media was "hounding them" for a statement after the scandal broke."

What can I say instead of "hounding them"?

You can use alternatives such as "harassing them", "badgering them", or "pestering them" depending on the specific context and the level of intensity you want to convey.

Is "hounding them" a formal or informal expression?

"Hounding them" is generally considered to be an informal expression. While widely understood, it may not be appropriate for formal writing or professional communication. In such contexts, consider using more neutral alternatives.

What's the difference between "hounding them" and "stalking them"?

"Hounding them" implies persistent and annoying pursuit, while "stalking them" suggests a more serious and potentially threatening form of obsessive pursuit. Stalking often involves repeated unwanted contact and can cause fear or distress.