keep bugging

USAGE SUMMARY

"keep bugging" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is a slang expression used to refer to continuing to bother someone or to persist in asking for something. For example: "I know she said she wasn't interested, but I'm going to keep bugging her until she says yes!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

I didn't want to keep bugging him with it.

The New York Times - Sports

"I'll say, 'I didn't even put them in, and if you keep bugging me I definitely won't.' " White said people assumed that Alabama was ranked first on his ballot early in the season.

The New York Times - Sports

If you just keep bugging people, you are likely to annoy your potential customers.

Forbes

Unresolved problems simply don't go away, and if you do not resolve it, it will keep bugging you.

Science Magazine

Step 5: Keep bugging them.

Vice

People keep bugging us about what we can do to solve the problem and how long till it goes away and so on.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

It kept bugging me.

The New Yorker

People kept bugging me, and finally I gave in".

The New York Times - Arts

"He kept bugging me, bugging me, bugging me, bugging me," Mr. Foley said.

The New York Times

"He kept bugging me till he drove me crazy," Mickey Hall, a teacher, said with a laugh.

The New York Times - Sports

I kept bugging them, but Sergei said the joke was not important.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "keep bugging" in informal contexts to describe someone who is persistently bothering or annoying another person with requests or questions.

Common error

Refrain from using "keep bugging" in professional or academic writing. Opt for more formal alternatives like "persistently request" or "repeatedly inquire" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep bugging" functions as a verb phrase indicating continuous action. It describes the act of repeatedly bothering or annoying someone. Ludwig provides numerous examples where this phrase is used to express persistence, often in a slightly negative context. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Wiki

33%

News & Media

67%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "keep bugging" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that signifies persistently bothering or annoying someone. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is usable in written English, primarily in informal contexts. While acceptable in news, media, and casual conversation, it is advisable to avoid it in formal academic or professional settings, opting instead for more refined alternatives. The phrase commonly expresses disapproval or frustration. Remember that while persistence can be a virtue, excessively "keep bugging" someone may lead to negative outcomes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

keep badgering

Synonymous, with a focus on relentless questioning or demands.

repeatedly bother

Focuses on the repetitive nature of the disturbance.

continually pester

Highlights the ongoing and bothersome nature of the action.

persistently pester

Emphasizes the annoying persistence of the action.

constantly nag

Highlights the irritating and relentless quality of the requests.

badger relentlessly

Implies a forceful and unwavering pursuit.

incessantly harass

Conveys a stronger sense of unwelcome pressure and persistence.

hound persistently

Suggests a relentless and often aggressive pursuit.

pressurize continually

Focuses on applying ongoing pressure to achieve a desired outcome.

importune repeatedly

Implies making repeated and burdensome requests.

FAQs

What does "keep bugging" mean?

The phrase "keep bugging" means to persistently annoy or bother someone, often by repeatedly asking for something or making requests.

How can I use "keep bugging" in a sentence?

You can use "keep bugging" in a sentence like this: "I know she said no, but I'm going to "keep bugging" her until she changes her mind."

What can I say instead of "keep bugging"?

You can use alternatives like "persistently pester", "repeatedly bother", or "constantly nag" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "keep bugging" in formal communication?

No, "keep bugging" is an informal phrase. In formal communication, it's better to use alternatives like "persistently request" or "repeatedly inquire".