stressing me out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stressing me out" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe how something is making you anxious or causing you to have a lot of stress. For example, "Preparing for my college entrance exams is really stressing me out."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

"It's stressing me out".

The New York Times - Sports

"This is stressing me out," she said.

The New York Times

"It's really stressing me out," she says.

The Guardian

"You see, it's stressing me out just thinking about it".

The New York Times

"Having no service for pokemon go is stressing me out," @EzmaeS said.

The Guardian - Tech

Doctor: "What is your level of stress on a scale of 1 to 10?" Me: "I have nothing in particular stressing me out at the moment, but I am a Russian Jew from New York".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

"Anger will just stress me out more".

The New York Times

"It definitely stresses me out".

The New York Times

It stresses me out, but I prefer creative chaos.

The New York Times - Magazine

"It probably stressed me out and made me back away some".

The New York Times - Sports

"I know I'm not supposed to be letting it stress me out," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the source of your stress, be specific. For example, instead of just saying "work is stressing me out", try "the upcoming deadline at work is stressing me out".

Common error

While "stressing me out" is perfectly acceptable in casual conversation, consider using more formal alternatives like "causing me considerable stress" in professional writing to maintain a polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stressing me out" functions as a phrasal verb expressing a state of being affected by stress. Ludwig AI confirms it is correct in written English. For example, "Having no service for pokemon go is stressing me out" showcases this usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

28%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "stressing me out" is a common phrasal verb used to express feelings of anxiety or being overwhelmed. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and appropriate for use in written English, although it leans toward informal contexts. While you'll find it frequently in news and media, consider more formal alternatives like "causing me stress" in professional settings. When using the phrase, be specific about what's causing the stress for clarity. Ludwig examples highlight the phrase's role in expressing personal feelings regarding various life situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

causing me stress

Focuses on the cause of the stress, rather than the experience of it.

making me anxious

Highlights the anxiety-inducing aspect of the situation.

overwhelming me

Emphasizes the feeling of being burdened beyond capacity.

putting pressure on me

Indicates that external forces are creating stress.

freaking me out

Conveys a stronger sense of panic or fear.

getting on my nerves

Implies annoyance and irritation as a result of stress.

agitating me

Focuses on causing restlessness and unease.

disturbing my peace

Highlights disruption of tranquility and calm.

filling me with dread

Emphasizes anticipation of something unpleasant.

making me lose sleep

Points to the impact of stress on rest and well-being.

FAQs

How can I use "stressing me out" in a sentence?

You can use "stressing me out" to express that something is causing you anxiety or pressure. For example, "The upcoming exam is really stressing me out".

What are some alternatives to saying "stressing me out"?

You can use alternatives like "causing me stress", "making me anxious", or "overwhelming me" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "stressing me out" in a professional setting?

While understandable, "stressing me out" is generally considered informal. In professional contexts, consider using phrases like "causing me stress" or "presenting a challenge".

What's the difference between "stressing me out" and "stresses me out"?

"Stressing me out" is typically used to describe something that is currently causing you stress, while "stresses me out" describes something that generally causes you stress. The first implies ongoing, and the second recurring or habitual, stress.