keep on bugging

USAGE SUMMARY

"keep on bugging" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a person or thing that keeps repeating a behavior that is annoying or irritating. Example: I asked him to stop talking about his new car, but he just kept on bugging me.

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

If I don't hear back that this is a wrong number, I'll probably just keep on bugging someone, so please do let me know if I have NOT reached Siobhan.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

I give him 30 minutes a day but he keeps on bugging me about it.

Huffington Post

I give him 30 min. a day but he keeps on bugging me about it".

Huffington Post

It's good to talk to him and get to know each other but never bug him and just keep on talking and talking he will get bored!

WikiHow

They keep on trying till they uncover all the bugs in the application or software.

WikiHow

If your brother is upset and tells you to leave him alone, don't start to pick on him and keep bugging him.

WikiHow

Part of our job was to keep on top of the hype" says Paddy Tipping, then minister for the millennium bug.

BBC

When you got the bug and the craving to sing you just have to keep on singing.

The Guardian - Music

If they keep bugging, start them on something like a game or a word puzzle, maybe even get them to read.

WikiHow

Keep on, keep on.

The New Yorker

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

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "keep on bugging" to describe persistent and mildly annoying behavior. It's suitable for informal contexts and when the annoyance isn't severe. For more formal or serious situations, consider alternatives like "persistently pester" or "continuously badger".

Common error

Avoid using "keep on bugging" in formal writing or professional communications. It can sound unprofessional or disrespectful. Opt for more neutral or formal phrases like "repeatedly requesting" or "persistently inquiring" in those settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep on bugging" functions as a phrasal verb expressing continuous action. It is typically used to describe someone who is persistently annoying or bothering another person. Ludwig AI confirms this usage with real-world examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Wiki

50%

News & Media

46%

Academia

0.5%

Less common in

Science

0.5%

Formal & Business

0.5%

Encyclopedias

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "keep on bugging" is a phrasal verb used to describe the action of persistently annoying or bothering someone. Ludwig AI validates this usage and confirms its presence in contexts ranging from informal discussions to news articles. While grammatically correct and relatively common, its informal register means it should be avoided in formal writing, where alternatives like "persistently pester" or "continuously badger" may be more appropriate. The phrase's function is to express annoyance or frustration with persistent behavior, and it is most frequently encountered in Wiki and News & Media sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

keep bothering

A more direct and slightly less idiomatic way to express the same idea.

keep pestering

A more direct way of saying "keep on bugging", focusing on the act of pestering.

constantly nag

Emphasizes persistent and irritating reminders or complaints.

repeatedly hassle

Indicates frequent and bothersome interactions.

continuously badger

Suggests relentless and irritating questioning or demands.

persistently pester

Implies a more formal and continuous form of annoyance.

won't let up

Focuses on the refusal to stop bothering someone.

persist in annoying

Highlights the ongoing nature of the irritating behavior.

stay on someone's back

Implies a constant and pressuring presence.

hound relentlessly

Suggests an aggressive and determined pursuit.

FAQs

What does "keep on bugging" mean?

The phrase "keep on bugging" means to repeatedly annoy or bother someone with persistent requests, questions, or unwanted attention. It implies a continuous and often irritating behavior.

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

You can use "keep on bugging" like this: "I asked him to stop, but he "kept bothering" me." or "If you "keep pestering" me, I won't help you."

What are some alternatives to "keep on bugging"?

Some alternatives to "keep on bugging" include "persistently pester", "continuously badger", or "repeatedly hassle". The best choice depends on the specific context and level of formality.

Is it appropriate to use "keep on bugging" in a formal setting?

No, it's generally not appropriate to use "keep on bugging" in formal settings. It's considered informal and may sound unprofessional. Use more formal alternatives like "repeatedly requesting" or "persistently inquiring" instead.