source of irritation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "source of irritation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that causes annoyance or discomfort to someone. Example: "The constant noise from the construction site became a significant source of irritation for the residents living nearby."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Video piracy is also a source of irritation.

The New York Times

We're sure that must be a source of irritation.

The Washington Post

The patrols are a constant source of irritation to Iran.

The New York Times

But it is an abiding source of irritation and insecurity for many New Yorkers.

The New York Times

The film version of "Brokeback Mountain" is a source of irritation for Annie Proulx.

The New Yorker

Since then, the group has become a major source of irritation to Republican leaders.

The New Yorker

Wide spreads on the Nasdaq have long been a source of irritation for investors.

The New York Times

As such, the show represents a source of irritation more than a serious danger to Trump.

The New Yorker

But it can also be a source of irritation, especially when they get it wrong.

The Economist

The length of time they take remains a source of irritation for complainants and police.

Independent

His one constant source of irritation was the public's refusal to move with him as he explored jazz history.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "source of irritation", ensure the context clearly identifies what is causing the irritation. Be specific to enhance clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "source of irritation". Vary your language by using synonyms such as "cause of annoyance" or "point of frustration" to maintain reader engagement and prevent monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "source of irritation" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject complement or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct. Examples show it describing the origin of annoyance, from personal habits to global issues.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

28%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "source of irritation" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe something that causes annoyance or frustration. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is adaptable across various contexts, from news and media to academic writing. While widely used, varying your language with synonyms like "cause of annoyance" or "point of frustration" can enhance your writing. Remember to use this phrase judiciously and be specific about what is causing the irritation for maximum impact. Top sources include The New York Times, The Guardian, and The Washington Post.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cause of annoyance

Replaces "source" with "cause", focusing on the origin of the annoyance.

point of frustration

Shifts the focus to the feeling of frustration rather than the irritation itself.

reason for complaint

Highlights the justification for expressing dissatisfaction.

bone of contention

Implies a subject of ongoing disagreement or dispute.

thorn in one's side

Uses a figurative expression to describe something persistently annoying.

cause of vexation

Uses a more formal term, "vexation", for annoyance.

pet peeve

Refers to a minor but particularly annoying thing.

nuisance

A general term for something causing inconvenience or annoyance.

aggravation

Focuses on the act of being made worse or more intense by something.

problem

A broad term indicating a difficulty or something needing to be resolved.

FAQs

How can I use "source of irritation" in a sentence?

You can use "source of irritation" to describe anything that causes annoyance or frustration. For example, "The constant delays were a major "source of irritation" for the travelers."

What are some alternatives to "source of irritation"?

Some alternatives include "cause of annoyance", "point of frustration", or "reason for complaint", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "source of irritation" or "cause of irritation"?

Both "source of irritation" and "cause of irritation" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice often depends on personal preference and the specific tone you want to achieve.

What makes something a "source of irritation"?

A "source of irritation" is anything that consistently causes annoyance, frustration, or discomfort. It can range from minor inconveniences to more significant problems.