trouble me

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "trouble me" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when asking someone not to cause inconvenience or difficulty to you. Example: "Please don't trouble me with minor issues; I have more important matters to attend to."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They were troubling videos, but they didn't trouble me.

Vice

Categories trouble me.

The New York Times

But it didn't trouble me.

The New Yorker

Both trouble me".

The New York Times

Oh, Yoko, you trouble me so.

The New York Times - Magazine

So why should its fall trouble me?

The New Yorker

Other questions however trouble me.

The Guardian

You punks don't trouble me".

The New York Times - Magazine

"It did not trouble me," she adds.

The New Yorker

Honestly, it didn't trouble me that much.

The New Yorker

"It doesn't trouble me," he says.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Be mindful of the context and audience when using "trouble me"; it can be perceived as more formal than alternatives like "bother me".

Common error

While "trouble me" is grammatically correct, it might sound overly formal or stiff in very casual conversations. Consider using more relaxed alternatives such as "bother me" or "worry me" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "trouble me" primarily functions as a verb phrase where "trouble" acts as a transitive verb, and "me" is the direct object. According to Ludwig, this phrase is correct and widely used to express concern or unease. For example, "These vast disparities in health care coverage trouble me because they compromise, in a subtle but real way, my ability to do my best work as a nurse."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "trouble me" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for conveying unease, concern, or worry. According to Ludwig, the phrase "trouble me" is correct and usable in written English. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts, with some presence in scientific and formal business settings. While not strictly formal, it maintains a neutral register suitable for diverse communication scenarios. When choosing alternative phrases, consider the nuance you wish to convey, as options like "bother me" or "worry me" may be more appropriate for informal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bother me

Similar in meaning, but often suggests a less intense form of disturbance than "trouble me".

worry me

Focuses specifically on causing anxiety or concern.

concern me

Indicates causing feelings of unease or worry, often regarding something important.

disturb me

Suggests interrupting peace of mind or causing emotional agitation.

vex me

Implies causing irritation or annoyance.

plague me

Suggests persistent and recurring trouble or worry.

preoccupy me

Indicates that something is constantly on one's mind, causing concern.

weigh on me

Implies a burden or emotional pressure caused by something.

be a burden to me

Focuses on the difficulty or inconvenience caused.

give me grief

An idiomatic expression indicating causing trouble or annoyance.

FAQs

How can I use "trouble me" in a sentence?

You can use "trouble me" to express that something is causing you concern or worry. For example, "The increasing number of errors in the report "trouble me"." It's commonly used to express a feeling of unease or disturbance.

What are some alternatives to "trouble me"?

Alternatives to "trouble me" include "bother me", "worry me", or "concern me". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "trouble me" more formal than "bother me"?

Yes, "trouble me" tends to be slightly more formal than "bother me". "Bother me" is more commonly used in casual conversation, while "trouble me" can be used in more formal or professional settings.

What's the difference between "trouble me" and "worry me"?

"Trouble me" generally indicates a sense of unease or disturbance, while "worry me" specifically suggests causing anxiety or concern. The former is broader, while the latter is more focused on anxiety.