stop pestering

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stop pestering" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when asking someone to cease annoying or bothersome behavior. Example: "I appreciate your enthusiasm, but please stop pestering me with questions about the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

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

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Now maybe people will stop pestering them with the fact that they are supposed to be nonprofit, academic institutions.

The New York Times

And driving around Pyongyang, I couldn't stop pestering her with questions: "I don't see any trash cans," I said.

The New York Times

Finally he had enough: "Listen, if you Americans don't stop pestering us about the Taliban, we'll give them the nuclear bomb.

The New York Times - Magazine

"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

How do you do all that and be husband and father to your own family?" The pager was purring again and it was high time for a visitor to stop pestering the friar.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

I pray every day that you get jobs, mainly because you need the money and self respect that working brings, but also because I need you to stop incessantly pestering me to stay in touch with you.

Huffington Post

It was not until federal legislation effectively put them out of business with the Do Not Call Registry did they stop their pestering.

TechCrunch

Over the weekend, while stopping and pestering 'artists' who have better things to do - like get the mud out of their gold lame jackets - we'll be asking them a series of highly pertinent questions.

The Guardian - Music

Dori, his beautiful new girlfriend and the movie's occasional narrator, personifies a neediness so desperate that she can't stop herself from pestering Norman for proof of his affection.

The New York Times

It didn't stop him from pestering her about going for coffee.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "stop pestering" when you want to directly and clearly ask someone to cease annoying behavior. It's suitable for informal to neutral contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "stop pestering" in highly formal situations, such as professional emails to superiors or official documents. Opt for more polite and professional alternatives like "please refrain from" or "kindly discontinue".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stop pestering" functions as an imperative, directly instructing someone to cease a specific action. This is confirmed by Ludwig AI, which identifies the phrase as correct and usable for requesting the cessation of annoying behavior.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Wiki

28%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

6%

Reference

4%

Encyclopedias

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "stop pestering" is a grammatically sound imperative used to directly request someone to cease annoying behavior. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid and usable phrase, particularly in neutral to informal contexts. While common in News & Media and Wiki sources, it should be used cautiously in formal settings. When a more polite or professional tone is needed, alternatives like "please refrain from" or "kindly discontinue" may be more appropriate. Remember to consider your audience and the specific situation to choose the most effective way to communicate your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

quit bugging me

More informal and direct than "stop pestering".

cease bothering me

More formal than "stop pestering".

desist from nagging

More formal and emphasizes the repetitive nature of the annoyance.

leave me alone

Emphasizes a desire for solitude more strongly than "stop pestering".

discontinue badgering me

More formal and emphasizes the persistent, irritating nature of the behavior.

give me a break

More colloquial and implies a need for respite from persistent demands.

stop hounding me

Implies relentless pursuit or pressure.

get off my back

More forceful and confrontational than "stop pestering".

cease your importuning

Very formal and emphasizes persistent requests or demands.

stop harassing me

Stronger connotation, implying more serious and persistent unwanted attention.

FAQs

What does "stop pestering" mean?

The phrase "stop pestering" means to ask someone to cease annoying or bothering you, often through persistent requests or actions.

When is it appropriate to use "stop pestering"?

It's appropriate in informal or neutral situations when you want someone to stop bothering you. It's less suitable for formal contexts.

What can I say instead of "stop pestering"?

You can use alternatives like "quit bugging me", "leave me alone", or "stop bothering me" depending on the context.

Is "stop pestering" rude?

It can be perceived as rude depending on your tone and the relationship with the person you're addressing. Consider the context and use a more polite alternative if necessary.