meddling in

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "meddling in" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone interfering in a situation or matter that does not concern them. Example: "She was accused of meddling in her neighbor's personal affairs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Will he stop meddling in Ukraine?

The Economist

Iran has denied meddling in Arab affairs.

The New York Times

Charles cannot help meddling in public affairs.

The Guardian - Opinion

And meddling in Quebec there certainly has been, and is.

The Economist

But QE involves meddling in markets on a worrying scale.

The Economist

Nobody wants anyone "meddling in his own affairs", he says.

The Economist

He should not be meddling in European affairs".

The New York Times

It refrained, for example, from meddling in the 2008 elections.

The New York Times

Russia accused the West of meddling in Ukraine's affairs.

Independent

Russia condemns such demands as meddling in internal affairs.

The Economist

And is Nike meddling in the picking of the team?

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "meddling in", ensure it's clear whose perspective considers the action as unwanted interference. This adds nuance and avoids subjective bias.

Common error

While "meddling in" is widely understood, overuse in formal or professional writing can sound accusatory or informal. Opt for more neutral terms like "intervening in" or "becoming involved in" when aiming for objectivity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "meddling in" functions as a gerund phrase followed by a preposition, acting primarily as a verb phrase. It describes the act of interfering, often with a negative connotation. Ludwig shows this usage across numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "meddling in" is a common and usable expression that describes unwelcome interference. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently found in news and media. While generally neutral, it carries a slightly negative connotation, making it more suited for contexts where disapproval is implied. When choosing alternatives, consider the specific nuance you wish to convey, as options like "interfering with" or "intervening in" offer different shades of meaning. Be cautious about overuse in overly formal settings where a neutral tone is preferred.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

interfering with

Focuses more broadly on obstruction or disruption, not necessarily unwanted.

intruding upon

Emphasizes entering someone's space or affairs without permission.

butting into

Suggests an abrupt and unwelcome interruption.

horning in on

Implies selfishly inserting oneself into something.

tampering with

Suggests making unauthorized alterations or adjustments.

involving oneself in

Neutral phrasing that is more generic and implies active participation

encroaching on

Describes gradually intruding or trespassing.

intervening in

Describes getting involved to mediate or change an outcome.

kibitzing in

Describes providing unsolicited advice.

poking one's nose into

Implies nosiness and unwelcome curiosity.

FAQs

How can I use "meddling in" in a sentence?

You can use "meddling in" to describe unwanted interference in a situation. For example, "The government was accused of "meddling in" the election process".

What are some alternatives to "meddling in"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "interfering with", "intruding upon", or "intervening in".

When is it appropriate to use "meddling in"?

"Meddling in" is appropriate when you want to emphasize the unwanted or unwelcome nature of the interference. It suggests that the action is seen as inappropriate or disruptive.

What's the difference between "meddling in" and "intervening in"?

"Meddling in" carries a negative connotation of unwanted interference, while "intervening in" can be more neutral, suggesting involvement to help or mediate.