it plagues me

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it plagues me" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing that something is causing you distress or persistent worry. Example: "The thought of not finishing my project on time really plagues me."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"It plagues me.

The New York Times - Arts

A load of my friends, and family, love that franchise - and it plagues me that time and time again, they are left empty-handed as Martin fails to meet an editorial deadline.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Incredulous stares and unrequited reassuring smiles, followed by calls of "You are so inspiring!" or "Come on, you can do it!" plagued me.

The New York Times

It plagued me through the rest of my high school days and even through college.

Huffington Post

Inevitably, though, the question that always plagues me at the start is this one: Whose story is it, anyway?

Huffington Post

Here is a problem that plagues me pretty frequently.

TechCrunch

MK: There is one that still plagues me, big time.

Forbes

That last one plagues me.

Huffington Post

On my worst days, this thought plagues me.

HuffPost

Social comparison plagues me the most on social media.

Vice

That is the question that plagues me to this day".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it plagues me" to express that something is a persistent source of distress or worry. Consider the context to ensure the intensity of the phrase aligns with the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "it plagues me" in everyday conversation when a less intense phrase like "it bothers me" would suffice. This phrase is more suited for conveying deeper, more persistent concerns.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it plagues me" functions as a declarative statement expressing a state of being troubled or afflicted by something. Ludwig, and the examples provided, indicate that it describes a persistent and often negative impact on one's thoughts or emotions.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it plagues me" is a phrase used to express that something is a persistent source of distress or worry. Ludwig indicates the phrase is grammatically correct and most commonly found in news and media contexts. While not as common as simpler alternatives like "it bothers me", "it plagues me" can effectively convey a sense of ongoing mental or emotional burden. When using this phrase, consider the context to ensure the level of intensity is appropriate. Alternatives include "it haunts me" or "it troubles me", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it haunts me

Implies a persistent and often disturbing presence in one's thoughts, suggesting a deeper emotional impact than simply being plagued.

it troubles me

Suggests a state of worry or concern, focusing more on the mental aspect of being bothered.

it worries me

Directly expresses a feeling of anxiety or unease about something.

it bothers me

A more general term indicating annoyance or irritation, potentially less intense than being plagued.

it vexes me

Indicates a state of being annoyed or frustrated, often implying a minor but persistent irritation.

it torments me

Suggests a severe form of mental or emotional suffering, stronger than being plagued.

it distresses me

Highlights the emotional pain or suffering caused by something.

it oppresses me

Conveys a sense of being weighed down or burdened, suggesting a feeling of helplessness.

it preys on my mind

Emphasizes the intrusive and repetitive nature of unwanted thoughts.

it weighs heavily on me

Indicates a burden or responsibility that causes significant stress or worry.

FAQs

How can I use "it plagues me" in a sentence?

You can use "it plagues me" to express that something is a constant source of worry or trouble. For example, "The thought of failing the exam really plagues me."

What can I say instead of "it plagues me"?

You can use alternatives like "it haunts me", "it troubles me", or "it worries me" depending on the context.

Is "it plagues me" formal or informal?

"It plagues me" falls somewhere in between formal and informal. It's suitable for writing and serious conversation but might sound melodramatic in casual settings. Consider alternatives for everyday use.

What's the difference between "it plagues me" and "it bothers me"?

"It plagues me" suggests a deeper and more persistent level of distress or worry than "it bothers me". The former implies a significant emotional burden.