kept pestering

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "kept pestering" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who persistently annoys or bothers another person with repeated requests or questions. Example: "Despite my initial refusal, she kept pestering me until I finally agreed to help her with the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

But Arroyo kept pestering him.

The New York Times - Sports

Meanwhile, Ms. Takagi kept pestering GTC.

The New York Times

But David Remnick kept pestering me to resume and last year I did.

The New Yorker

My father kept pestering the stewardess for more and more whisky.

The Guardian

They had ordered hamburgers and kept pestering her as to their whereabouts.

The New Yorker

David says that Kevin begged for some time, and then for more time, while David kept pestering him.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

"I'm sorry he keeps pestering Juju".

The New Yorker

She keeps pestering me for children.

The Guardian - Arts

But his ex keeps pestering him about getting back together.

The New York Times

Nouriel Roubini and Nassim Taleb try to discuss the changes to the structure of global financial markets, but one of the commentators keeps pestering them for stock tips.

The Economist

'Well, the people who produce the prints keep pestering me, but because they want them, that's why I won't do them.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "kept pestering" to describe someone who is persistently and annoyingly bothering another person with requests or questions. It is appropriate for informal and semi-formal contexts.

Common error

While "kept pestering" is acceptable, be mindful of its slightly negative connotation. If the persistence isn't truly annoying or bothersome, consider alternatives like "repeatedly asked" or "frequently requested" to maintain a more neutral tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "kept pestering" functions as a verb phrase, indicating a continuous action in the past. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

97%

Wiki

2%

Science

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "kept pestering" is a grammatically sound phrase that effectively conveys persistent annoyance through repeated requests or questions. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it carries a neutral to slightly informal tone. When writing, be aware of its negative connotation and choose more formal alternatives like "persistently requested" for professional settings. Remember to use "kept pestering" when you wish to emphasize the continuous and bothersome nature of someone's actions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

persistently bothered

Emphasizes continuous annoyance, slightly more formal.

kept badgering

Similar to "repeatedly badgered", but slightly less formal.

constantly harassed

Suggests a more aggressive and unwelcome form of persistent bothering.

repeatedly badgered

Implies relentless nagging and pressuring.

incessantly nagged

Focuses on repetitive and irritating requests or complaints.

persistently urged

Emphasizes the act of repeatedly encouraging or requesting.

continually pressed

Highlights the persistence in urging someone to do something.

continued to hound

Conveys a sense of relentless pursuit and pressure.

doggedly pursued

Suggests determined and unwavering attempts to get something.

relentlessly importuned

A more formal term for persistently begging or urging.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "kept pestering" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases such as "persistently requested", "repeatedly inquired", or "continually urged". These options convey persistence without the slightly negative connotation of "pestering".

What's the difference between "kept pestering" and "kept bothering"?

"Kept bothering" is a more general term for causing annoyance or inconvenience. "Kept pestering" implies repeated requests or questions specifically, often with a slightly more irritating or intrusive quality.

Is "kept pestering" appropriate for professional writing?

While not strictly incorrect, "kept pestering" is generally too informal for professional writing. Opt for alternatives like "persistently followed up" or "repeatedly contacted" in business or academic contexts.

How to use "kept pestering" in a sentence?

You can use "kept pestering" to describe someone who is persistently annoying or bothering another person with repeated requests or questions. For example: "Despite my initial refusal, she kept pestering me until I finally agreed to help her with the project."