meddling with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "meddling with" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to interfering or involving oneself in something, often in a way that is unwelcome or inappropriate. Example: "I don't appreciate you meddling with my personal affairs; it's none of your business."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

No more meddling with Venezuela".

The New Yorker

Should he really be meddling with time?

The New Yorker

"We're not meddling with their academic independence.

The New York Times

"I said it needs meddling with.

The Guardian

Those on the left worry about religion meddling with government.

The New York Times

For the whiff of government meddling with exchange rates is in the air.

The Economist

Humans have been meddling with plants and animals since the dawn of time.

The New York Times - Magazine

That's Europe for you, meddling with our historic right to be fleeced by the banks.

Independent

This "shows the dangers of meddling with free markets", said Russ Mould of AJ Bell.

Independent

On Friday, North Korea accused Mr. Lee of meddling with its sacrosanct holiday.

The New York Times

But the government has also proposed meddling with elements of the universal service obligation.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "meddling with", ensure the context clearly indicates unwanted or inappropriate interference. This will enhance the impact and clarity of your message.

Common error

While "meddling with" is widely understood, it can sometimes sound informal or accusatory. In professional or academic writing, consider using more neutral alternatives like "interfering with" or "intervening in" to maintain a more objective tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "meddling with" is that of a phrasal verb. It typically functions as the predicate of a sentence, describing an action of unwanted or inappropriate interference. Ludwig shows numerous examples supporting this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

12%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "meddling with" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe unwanted or inappropriate interference. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media, to express disapproval or concern regarding someone's actions. While generally acceptable, it's advisable to consider more formal alternatives like "interfering with" or "intervening in" in professional or academic settings to maintain a neutral tone. When employing "meddling with", ensure the context underscores the unwanted nature of the interference to maximize clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

interfering with

This alternative emphasizes the act of intervening in something, often causing disruption.

tampering with

This suggests altering something, often secretly or illegally, to cause damage or change its intended function.

intervening in

This phrase focuses on getting involved in a situation to change its course.

intruding on

This emphasizes the act of entering a situation without invitation or permission.

encroaching upon

This suggests gradually taking over someone else's rights or possessions.

messing with

This is a more informal way to describe interfering or tampering with something.

butting into

This informal expression refers to interfering in a conversation or situation without being asked.

horning in on

Similar to 'butting into', this idiom suggests intruding or interfering in a self-seeking way.

getting involved in

A more neutral alternative, simply indicating participation or engagement in something.

tampering around with

An informal alternative to "tampering with", suggesting unskilled or inept meddling.

FAQs

What does "meddling with" mean?

"Meddling with" means to interfere in or handle something in a way that is unwanted or inappropriate. It often implies causing disruption or damage.

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

You can use "meddling with" to describe actions that involve unwanted interference, such as "I wish they would stop "meddling with" my privacy settings" or "The government is accused of "meddling with" the election process".

Which is a more formal alternative to "meddling with"?

More formal alternatives to "meddling with" include "interfering with", "intervening in", or "tampering with", depending on the specific context.

What's the connotation of "meddling with"?

"Meddling with" typically carries a negative connotation, suggesting that the interference is unwelcome and likely to cause problems. It's often used to express disapproval or frustration.