most bothered by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "most bothered by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express the degree of annoyance or concern someone feels about a particular issue or situation. Example: "She was most bothered by the constant noise coming from the construction site next door."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

The children were most bothered by the public showers.

The New York Times

The coaching staff was most bothered by swings at pitches outside the strike zone.

The New York Times - Sports

In the book, Mr. Isaacson elaborates on Mr. Jobs's refusal to see his father, quoting him saying he was most bothered by Mr. Jandali's abandonment of his sister.

The New York Times

Critics said they were most bothered by the lack of transparency and their inability to play any role in determining where the plant would be built.

The New York Times

Potter was most bothered by the way his small-time characters' lip-synching fantasies became glitzy Busby Berkeley style production numbers.

The New York Times

Coughlin was most bothered by the injury to the reserve safety Craig Dahl, who tore the anterior cruciate ligament in a knee, ending his rookie season.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Aside from complaints of users who, because of satellite-image limitations, cannot get their home courses listed, Mr. Phung said users were most often bothered by the application's tendency to sap battery life from an iPhone.

The New York Times - Tech

The third-base coach, JOHN STEARNS, among the most visibly bothered by Clemens's actions last season, said, "If I was Roger, I would have insisted on pitching at Shea Stadium".... STEVE TRACHSEL will make his first start since returning from Class AAA Norfolk on Friday at Tampa Bay.

The New York Times - Sports

Besides, we have passed the point where most people are bothered by inferior teams winning a title.

The New York Times - Sports

Older employees are often the most vigorous, the most focused, the least bothered by office politics and the distractions of the lunchroom.

Huffington Post

He said that he thought most chefs weren't bothered by it, and for the most part he wasn't either, even though he came from an artistic background that placed a premium on documentation.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "most bothered by", ensure the subject experiencing the annoyance is clearly defined. Clarity prevents ambiguity and strengthens your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "most bothered by" in overly passive constructions. Instead of "It was most bothered by him", opt for "He was most bothered by it" for a more direct and impactful statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "most bothered by" typically functions as a descriptive element, often appearing within a clause to specify what someone finds most irritating or concerning. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and readily usable in written English. Examples show it describing reactions to noise, policy, or personal behavior.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

21%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "most bothered by" is a common and grammatically correct way to express what someone finds most annoying or concerning. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and the provided examples highlight its prevalence in news and media, as well as scientific contexts. While it is generally neutral in register, more formal alternatives like "most concerned by" may be preferable in academic or professional settings. When using this phrase, ensure that the subject is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. Overall, "most bothered by" is a useful and versatile phrase for expressing subjective reactions and opinions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

most annoyed by

Replaces "bothered" with a more direct synonym, emphasizing irritation.

most irritated by

Similar to "most annoyed by", but can suggest a slightly higher level of frustration.

most troubled by

Indicates a deeper level of disturbance or worry compared to "bothered".

most concerned about

Shifts the focus to worry or apprehension rather than simple annoyance.

most disturbed by

Suggests a significant emotional impact or unease.

most upset by

Highlights emotional distress or unhappiness.

most aggrieved by

Implies a sense of injustice or resentment.

most vexed by

Indicates a state of being puzzled or frustrated.

most preoccupied with

Suggests a state of being absorbed in thought, often due to worry or concern.

most disquieted by

Emphasizes a loss of peace or tranquility.

FAQs

What does "most bothered by" mean?

The phrase "most bothered by" indicates the thing or situation that someone finds the most annoying, concerning, or disturbing. It reflects their primary source of irritation or worry.

How can I use "most bothered by" in a sentence?

You can use "most bothered by" to express what someone finds particularly irritating. For example: "She was "most bothered by" the noise from the construction site."

What are some alternatives to "most bothered by"?

Alternatives include "most annoyed by", "most concerned about", or "most troubled by", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it more formal to say "most concerned by" instead of "most bothered by"?

Yes, "most concerned by" is generally considered more formal than "most bothered by". "Most bothered by" is suitable for everyday conversation, while "most concerned by" is more appropriate for professional or academic writing.