that bothered me

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that bothered me" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express a feeling of discomfort or annoyance regarding a specific situation or comment. Example: "When he made that remark about my work, it really bothered me."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

That bothered me.

The New Yorker

And that bothered me.

The New York Times - Magazine

That bothered me," she said.

The New York Times

That bothered me at times," Francona said.

The Washington Post

"Yeah, that bothered me," Ms. Forest said.

The New York Times

That bothered me a great deal".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

"That bothers me so much".

The New York Times

Does that bother me?

The Guardian

"That's the thing that bothers me".

The New York Times - Tech

Those are the things that bother me.

The New Yorker

"That bothers me more than anything.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that bothered me" to express a personal feeling of unease or annoyance in response to a specific event or situation. Be direct and clear about what caused your discomfort.

Common error

While appropriate for casual conversation, avoid overusing "that bothered me" in formal writing. Opt for more sophisticated language like "that concerned me" or "that presented a challenge" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that bothered me" functions as a subjective expression of personal discomfort or annoyance. It typically follows an event or statement, indicating the speaker's negative reaction. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent usage for expressing personal feelings.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Academia

8%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "that bothered me" is a commonly used expression to convey personal feelings of discomfort or annoyance. Ludwig AI analysis confirms that it is grammatically correct and readily found in News & Media and Academia contexts. While acceptable in many situations, it's important to consider the formality of the context and opt for more nuanced language when appropriate. Alternatives such as "that annoyed me" or "that concerned me" may be preferable in formal settings. Use "that bothered me" to directly express your reaction, but be mindful of the audience and choose your words accordingly.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that annoyed me

Emphasizes a feeling of irritation or mild anger.

that irritated me

Highlights a sense of being provoked or agitated.

that troubled me

Suggests a deeper sense of unease or concern.

that disturbed me

Indicates a feeling of being unsettled or disrupted.

that concerned me

Focuses on a feeling of worry or apprehension.

that upset me

Highlights a feeling of emotional distress.

that worried me

Emphasizes a state of anxiety or fear.

that displeased me

Conveys a sense of dissatisfaction or disapproval.

that vexed me

Implies a state of being frustrated or irritated.

that aggravated me

Suggests a feeling of being intensified or made worse.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "that bothered me" to sound more formal?

In more formal settings, consider using phrases like "that concerned me", "that presented a challenge", or "that caused me some unease" to express a similar sentiment with greater sophistication.

What's the difference between "that bothered me" and "that annoyed me"?

"That bothered me" suggests a deeper sense of unease or concern, while "that annoyed me" typically indicates a feeling of irritation or mild anger. The choice depends on the intensity of the feeling you want to convey.

Is "that bothered me" appropriate for professional emails?

While "that bothered me" is understandable, it may be too informal for professional emails. Depending on the context, alternatives like "that raised concerns" or "that required further consideration" might be more suitable.

When is it best to use "that bothered me" in writing?

Use "that bothered me" in personal narratives, informal communications, or situations where you want to express a direct, personal reaction. In academic or business writing, consider more nuanced and formal alternatives.