keep on bothering

USAGE SUMMARY

'keep on bothering' is a grammatical and correct phrase and is used commonly in written English.
You can use it to describe an action that is consistently repeated or done regularly. For example, "He keeps on bothering me with questions about my future plans."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

If these nasty people keep on bothering you, ask for help from the people whom you think can protect you.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

If your sister keeps on bothering you, ask her why.

WikiHow

(Mark, geriatrician) We've had that with a patient who used, you know, he had the line [indicating safe blood pressure readings], he went way below the line, kept on going without bothering to phone anyone, and six weeks later he was in hospital with renal failure.

BMJ Open

(Becky, urban GP) However, even with clear instructions, mistakes could happen We've had that with a patient who used, you know, he had the line [indicating safe blood pressure readings], he went way below the line, kept on going without bothering to phone anyone, and six weeks later he was in hospital with renal failure.

BMJ Open

Keep on keeping on.

The New York Times - Arts

If you don't, do NOT keep on asking if your friend is very quiet or bothered.

WikiHow

The show starts out as a promising genre hybrid — the Spouse With A Secret meets the Wrongfully Convicted Man — but keeps adding on without bothering to adequately tie the various strands together.

Los Angeles Times

He adored his job so much that he never bothered to forge a career, contenting himself to just keep on working for whoever asked him, often spending years in the same town.

The Guardian

Keep on, keep on.

The New Yorker

If you're worried that your brothers will keep bothering you, lock the door and turn the music on very loud so just in case they knock, you won't hear.

WikiHow

"I'm sorry I keep bothering you with this.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "keep on bothering", ensure the context clearly indicates the repetitive and annoying nature of the action. Consider the audience and adjust the tone accordingly, as it can sometimes sound informal.

Common error

Avoid using "keep on bothering" in formal writing where more precise and professional language is expected. Opt for alternatives like "persistently disturb" or "repeatedly contact" to maintain a formal tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep on bothering" functions as a phrasal verb indicating a continuous and often irritating action. According to Ludwig AI, it's commonly used to describe an action that is consistently repeated or done regularly. The examples provided in the search results show its usage in various contexts, from personal relationships to medical scenarios.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Wiki

30%

News & Media

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "keep on bothering" is a phrasal verb that describes a continuous and irritating action. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. While the phrase is widely understood, it tends to be more informal and should be used cautiously in formal writing, where alternatives such as "persistently disturb" or "repeatedly harass" may be more appropriate. The phrase's primary function is to express annoyance or frustration, and it appears frequently in Wiki, News & Media, and Science contexts. It's crucial to consider the audience and context when using this phrase to ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

keep harassing

Direct synonym focusing on continued harassment.

persistently disturb

Focuses on the continuous nature of the disturbance.

repeatedly disturb

Highlights the repetitive nature of the disturbance.

repeatedly harass

Emphasizes the aggressive and unwelcome nature of the behavior.

won't stop pestering

Expresses the lack of cessation in the irritating behavior.

constantly pester

Highlights the irritating and nagging aspect of the actions.

continually annoy

Stresses the ongoing irritation caused.

keep irritating

Focuses on the persistent nature of the irritation caused.

incessantly nag

Focuses on the relentless and repetitive nature of the bothering.

continue to bug

A more informal way of expressing continued annoyance.

FAQs

How can I use "keep on bothering" in a sentence?

You can use "keep on bothering" to describe someone who is repeatedly annoying or disturbing you. For instance, "He "keeps on bothering" me with questions about my personal life".

What are some alternatives to "keep on bothering"?

Some alternatives include "persistently disturb", "repeatedly harass", or "constantly pester", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "keep on bothering" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "keep on bothering" is generally considered informal. In formal contexts, it's better to use more professional alternatives like "persistently disturb" or "repeatedly contact".

What is the difference between "keep on bothering" and "annoy"?

"Annoy" refers to a single instance of causing irritation, while "keep on bothering" implies a repeated or continuous action of causing annoyance. The latter emphasizes the persistence of the annoying behavior.