pestering you

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pestering you" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of annoying or bothering someone persistently. Example: "I apologize for pestering you with so many questions, but I really need your help."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

Or, better yet, wander off and stop pestering you.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

For every one you manage to catch, there are 10 more undeterred ones pestering you.

The New York Times - Tech

Charles to Elliot Morley, Environment Minister  (Oct 2004) "I need hardly say, apologies for pestering you about so many things".

Independent

You know, sometimes it's actually nice not having to deal with strangers pestering you for photos and so forth.

The New Yorker

Chief executive Paul Pester promises they won't be pestering you in future to buy whatever the marketing department is pushing that month.

The Guardian - Money

"And if you sign up for our Gold Star membership level we stop pestering you to sign up for our Gold Star membership level".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

I will pester you, because I'll be pestered too if I don't get sales.

The Guardian - Tech

He called to a colleague, "Do you want a journalist to pester you?

The New Yorker

"He wants to pester you because he also knows he has enough speed to run with you.

The New York Times - Sports

Two 20-something waitresses were close on his heels, gushing: "We don't want to pester you.

The New York Times - Sports

"Leniency," I said, "I do not want to pester you—" "How could anything pester me on such a beautiful evening?" "Yes, it is beautiful".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To avoid sounding accusatory, use "pestering you" with caution, especially in professional communications. Always consider the recipient's perspective and the potential impact of your words.

Common error

While "pestering you" is a common expression, overusing it can make your writing sound repetitive. Replace some instances with "bothering you", "annoying you", or "harassing you" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pestering you" functions as a present participle phrase, often used as part of a continuous verb tense (e.g., "They are pestering you") or as a gerund modifying a noun. Ludwig examples show it used to describe an ongoing action causing annoyance.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Wiki

40%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "pestering you" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe the act of persistently annoying or bothering someone. Ludwig AI analysis, backed by numerous examples from reputable sources, confirms its widespread use in both news media and general writing. While the phrase is generally acceptable, being mindful of the context and choosing more formal alternatives, such as "repeatedly contacting you" or "persistently inquiring", might be better suited for professional or academic settings. Overuse of "pestering you" can make your writing sound repetitive; varying your language with synonyms like "bothering you" or "annoying you" can improve clarity and engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bothering you

A more general term for causing annoyance or inconvenience.

annoying you

Focuses on the feeling of irritation caused by someone's actions.

irritating you

Highlights the act of provoking impatience or mild anger.

harassing you

Emphasizes a more aggressive and potentially illegal form of unwanted attention.

nagging you

Suggests persistent and irritating requests or reminders.

badgering you

Implies relentless and insistent questioning or demands.

hassling you

Indicates a form of harassment that causes stress and inconvenience.

vexing you

Describes something that causes worry or frustration.

pressuring you

Focuses on the act of trying to force someone to do something.

tormenting you

Implies severe and prolonged suffering, either physically or mentally.

FAQs

What does "pestering you" mean?

The phrase "pestering you" refers to the act of persistently annoying or bothering someone, typically through repeated requests, questions, or unwanted attention.

How can I use "pestering you" in a sentence?

You can use "pestering you" in a sentence like this: "I apologize for "pestering you" with so many questions, but I need clarification on this matter."

What are some alternatives to "pestering you"?

Some alternatives to "pestering you" include "bothering you", "annoying you", or "harassing you", depending on the context and intensity of the annoyance.

Is "pestering you" appropriate in formal writing?

While "pestering you" is widely understood, it may be considered too informal for certain professional or academic contexts. In such cases, consider using more formal alternatives like "persistently inquiring" or "repeatedly contacting you".