that would annoy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that would annoy" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing actions or behaviors that are likely to cause irritation or displeasure to someone. Example: "If you keep interrupting me during the meeting, that would annoy everyone present."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Indian politicians are in no hurry to debate a reform that would annoy religious extremists.

Independent

I know he'd do something that would annoy Oscar,' " Simon recalled.

The New Yorker

She was appalled to hear the screetching laughter of the two old ladies as they thought up things that would annoy her.

The New Yorker

But by the following week Andrew Neil had recruited him to the Sunday Times to write "an anti-Thatcher column that would annoy Sunday Times readers".

The Guardian

Mr. Harding recalled that the mayor said he did not want to do anything that would annoy the Chinese, citing the recent purchase of a major building in the city by Chinese investors.

The New York Times

I wanted something that would annoy animals but wouldn't actually kill them, leaving bits of fur on the BMW.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

One aspect of the selection process was never made explicit - the unwillingness on the part of Gollancz, Strachey and Laski to criticize the Soviet Union and its leadership, or to publish anything that would seriously annoy the communist party.

The Guardian - Books

But it does allow the company to summarily reject apps that are designed to use advertising in unwelcome ways – those that would ultimately annoy Alexa's users, and decrease interest in voice computing in general.

TechCrunch

Something that would normally annoy me.

Huffington Post

Setting aside the fact that this would annoy a huge percentage of those 500 million users to no end, that's not exactly what Jobs was talking about.

TechCrunch

None of the American carriers would comment publicly about the Israeli decision to exempt European airlines, out of concern that it would annoy the Israelis.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that would annoy" to clearly and directly express that something is likely to cause irritation or displeasure. This phrase is suitable for various contexts, but be mindful of your audience and the level of formality required.

Common error

While "that would annoy" is generally acceptable, avoid overuse in highly formal or professional writing. Consider alternatives like "that would displease" or "that would be inappropriate" to maintain a more refined tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that would annoy" functions as a descriptor indicating a potential outcome or consequence, specifically that a certain action or situation is likely to cause irritation or displeasure. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatical and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

13%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "that would annoy" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression for indicating something likely to cause irritation. Ludwig AI confirms that it's perfectly acceptable in written English. While versatile, its register is generally neutral, making it suitable for news, general writing, and conversation, but potentially less ideal for highly formal contexts. Consider alternatives such as "that would irritate" or "that would displease" for increased formality. Remember to use it mindfully to avoid overuse, especially in professional settings. This phrase serves as a practical tool for advising against actions likely to cause annoyance in various situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that would irritate

Replaces "annoy" with a synonym, maintaining a similar level of formality and impact.

that would frustrate

Emphasizes the feeling of being blocked or prevented from achieving something, adding a layer of intensity.

that would bother

A more informal alternative, suggesting a lighter degree of irritation.

that would displease

A more formal alternative, implying a lack of satisfaction or contentment.

that would aggravate

Implies making a situation or feeling worse, highlighting the escalation of annoyance.

that would vex

A slightly more archaic and formal term for annoying, suggesting a state of perplexity or worry.

that would antagonize

Suggests provoking hostility or opposition, shifting the focus to the negative reaction.

that would ruffle feathers

An idiomatic expression indicating something that would cause upset or disagreement, adding a colorful touch.

that would rub someone the wrong way

An idiomatic expression describing something that would irritate or displease someone, emphasizing the negative reaction.

that would get under someone's skin

An idiomatic expression that emphasizes the persistent and irritating nature of something.

FAQs

How can I use "that would annoy" in a sentence?

You can use "that would annoy" to describe an action or situation that is likely to irritate someone. For example, "If you constantly interrupt, "that would annoy" the speaker."

What are some alternatives to "that would annoy"?

Some alternatives to "that would annoy" include "that would irritate", "that would bother", or "that would frustrate", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "that would annoy" too informal for professional writing?

While generally acceptable, "that would annoy" can be perceived as slightly informal. In formal writing, consider alternatives like "that would displease" or "that would be inappropriate" to maintain a more professional tone.

What's the difference between "that would annoy" and "that would irritate"?

"That would annoy" and "that would irritate" are quite similar, but "irritate" often suggests a stronger or more prolonged feeling of annoyance. The choice depends on the intensity of the feeling you wish to express.