more of a nuisance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "more of a nuisance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is bothersome or annoying, often in a comparative sense. Example: "While the noise from the construction site was bothersome, it was more of a nuisance than a serious distraction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Eventually the writing became more of a nuisance.

The New York Times - Arts

It is more of a nuisance and a cosmetic problem than a medical one.

Harvard University

For most traders, however, political outcomes are more of a nuisance.

The New York Times

Allergies are generally considered more of a nuisance than a blessing.

The New York Times

The company faces lawsuits, but those are more of a nuisance than a threat.

The Economist

In most cases, these tigers are seen as more of a nuisance than a mortal threat.

The New Yorker

For visitors, renting a car can be more of a nuisance than a need.

The New York Times

It was more of a nuisance than a serious health hazard.

The New York Times - Sports

If you feel a dog is more of a nuisance, contact the LA.

The Guardian

"Sarkozy is not interested in Africa, but sees it as more of a nuisance than an asset," Mr. Smith said.

The New York Times

I ended the chat before he did, afraid to be more of a nuisance than I had already been.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "more of a nuisance", consider if a stronger term is needed to accurately reflect the severity of the situation. If something is truly problematic, avoid downplaying it with this phrase.

Common error

Avoid using "more of a nuisance" in highly formal or professional settings where a more precise and serious tone is required. Opt for alternatives that clearly convey the specific problem and its impact.

Linguistic Context

Function: The phrase "more of a nuisance" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It describes something as being more of an annoyance than something else, often downplaying its severity. Ludwig provides examples of its use in describing situations that are bothersome but not critical.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

16%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Science

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "more of a nuisance" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe something that is bothersome but not seriously problematic. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is frequently used in news and media, as well as in academic writing, with a generally neutral tone. While versatile, it's important to consider the context and audience, opting for more formal or precise language when needed. Remember to assess the true impact of the situation and choose language that accurately reflects its severity, avoiding the downplaying of significant issues. Consider alternatives like "rather bothersome" or "minor annoyance" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rather bothersome

Focuses on the act of bothering, implying a slight irritation.

somewhat inconvenient

Highlights the lack of convenience, suggesting a mild disruption.

a minor annoyance

Emphasizes the small degree of irritation caused.

slightly troublesome

Indicates a bit of difficulty or problem.

a slight inconvenience

Similar to 'somewhat inconvenient' but with more focus on the disruption.

a petty irritation

Highlights the insignificance and trivial nature of the annoyance.

not a big deal

Downplays the significance of the problem, making it seem unimportant.

a trivial matter

Indicates something of little consequence or importance.

a mere inconvenience

Similar to 'a slight inconvenience' but 'mere' downplays it more.

a minor setback

Focuses on the hindering aspect of the situation, portraying it as a temporary obstacle.

FAQs

How can I use "more of a nuisance" in a sentence?

You can use "more of a nuisance" to describe something that is annoying or inconvenient, but not a major problem. For example, "The traffic jam was "more of a nuisance" than a serious delay".

What's a good alternative to "more of a nuisance"?

Alternatives to "more of a nuisance" include "rather bothersome", "somewhat inconvenient", or "a minor annoyance", depending on the specific context and the level of formality required.

Is it appropriate to use "more of a nuisance" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "more of a nuisance" might be too informal for some formal writing contexts. Consider using a more precise and serious term that accurately reflects the issue, such as "a significant impediment" or "a notable disruption".

What's the difference between "more of a nuisance" and "a serious problem"?

"More of a nuisance" implies something is annoying or inconvenient but not significantly impactful, while "a serious problem" indicates a significant negative impact or challenge. Using one over the other depends on accurately reflecting the situation's severity.