kept bothering

USAGE SUMMARY

"kept bothering" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to describe a situation in which someone is persistently and annoyingly asking questions or making demands. For example: "No matter how many times I told him the answer, he kept bothering me with the same question."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

The tooth kept bothering her, even after two different antibiotics.

The New York Times - Magazine

In the silence, a forgotten thought kept bothering Nawab, something important.

The New Yorker

But I guess that moment stuck with me, kept bothering me until I did something with it.

The New Yorker

(He had apologized in front of his staff at the time, but this incident kept bothering him).

The New Yorker

Gould kept bothering her. Brand went to talk to Savage, in an attempt to patch things up between them.

The New Yorker

That bothered him, and it kept bothering him, and before long it had him thinking differently about his entire organization.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

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

The New Yorker

He wanted to keep bothering them with his existence.

The New Yorker

Why, I wondered, if the guy's so anti-­everything, does he keep bothering to write?

The New York Times - Books

We've just got to keep bothering him as much as we can".

The New York Times - Sports

"If it keeps bothering me, I might not be able to pitch.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "kept bothering" to describe persistent and unwanted attention or actions. It is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, depending on the surrounding language.

Common error

While "kept bothering" is generally acceptable, in highly formal or professional writing, consider stronger or more precise alternatives like "repeatedly contacted" or "persistently inquired" to convey the intended meaning with greater clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "kept bothering" functions as a verb phrase indicating a continuous and irritating action. It describes someone who persistently annoys or pesters another. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Wiki

35%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "kept bothering" is a common and correct way to describe persistent and irritating actions. Ludwig AI validates its usage, noting its prevalence in news and media, as well as wiki contexts. While generally neutral in tone, it can be replaced with more formal alternatives like "repeatedly contacted" or "persistently inquired" in professional settings. Remember to consider the context and desired level of formality when choosing this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

kept pestering

This suggests repeated requests or demands, implying a less forceful form of annoyance.

kept irritating

This focuses on the repetitive nature of the action that causes annoyance.

kept badgering

This implies a relentless and irritating questioning or urging.

kept annoying

This describes a continuous action that causes irritation or displeasure.

continued to pester

This highlights the ongoing nature of the irritating requests or actions.

kept harassing

This indicates a more aggressive and persistent form of unwanted attention.

persisted in bothering

This emphasizes the unwavering nature of the annoying behavior.

wouldn't leave alone

This emphasizes the persistence and refusal to cease contact or attention.

never stopped bothering

This underscores the ceaseless quality of the irritating actions.

kept disturbing

This suggests an interruption or disruption of someone's peace or activity.

FAQs

How can I use "kept bothering" in a sentence?

You can use "kept bothering" to describe someone who persistently annoys or pesters another person. For example, "The telemarketer "kept bothering" me with unwanted calls."

What are some alternatives to "kept bothering"?

Alternatives include "kept pestering", "kept harassing", or "kept annoying". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "kept bothering" or "continued to bother"?

Both "kept bothering" and "continued to bother" are grammatically correct and similar in meaning. "Kept bothering" might suggest a more repetitive or irritating action than "continued to bother."

What is the difference between "kept bothering" and "harassed"?

"Kept bothering" implies persistent annoyance, while "harassed" suggests a more severe and potentially threatening form of unwanted attention. Harassment often involves legal implications.