vexed by

USAGE SUMMARY

"vexed by" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe a feeling of annoyance or frustration caused by something or someone. Example: She was vexed by the constant interruptions during her presentation.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Gang boss vexed by dysfunctional family.

The New York Times - Arts

Coco Crisp looked vexed by Boston's plight.

The New York Times - Sports

But the Blackhawks remained vexed by the Wachovia Center.

The New York Times - Sports

Soccer is a sport newly vexed by concussion.

The New Yorker

Goldman is not the only bank vexed by current conditions.

The New York Times

The local government has long been vexed by the problem.

The New York Times - Magazine

Her uncle, Jim Sielaff, is vexed by her attitude.

The New York Times - Tech

Scott continues to be vexed by the issue.

The Guardian - Sport

The Wrights were particularly vexed by their hometown coverage.

The New York Times

If vexed by this turn, he was undeterred.

The New York Times

"George is vexed by things I don't understand," Mr. Nimmons said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "vexed by" to express a sense of annoyance or frustration that is caused by a specific person, thing, or situation. It's best suited for contexts where the cause of the annoyance is clear and defined.

Common error

While "vexed by" is a perfectly valid phrase, it can sound overly formal or stilted in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "annoyed by" or "bothered by" in informal settings to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "vexed by" functions as a passive adjectival construction, describing a subject's state of being annoyed or troubled by something. It's used to indicate that the subject is the recipient of the action causing the vexation, as illustrated in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "vexed by" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to describe a state of annoyance or frustration caused by something. As Ludwig AI accurately points out, it is commonly found in news and media contexts and acts as a passive adjectival construction. While effective, it can sometimes sound slightly formal, making it wise to consider simpler alternatives like "annoyed by" in informal settings. The phrase enjoys widespread usage across reputable sources, reflecting its reliability and clarity in conveying a specific emotional state.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

annoyed by

Implies a lighter degree of irritation or displeasure compared to "vexed by".

irritated by

Similar to "annoyed by", suggesting a mild level of frustration.

bothered by

Indicates a feeling of being slightly worried or disturbed.

frustrated by

Conveys a sense of being prevented from achieving a goal, leading to dissatisfaction.

troubled by

Suggests a deeper sense of worry or concern.

plagued by

Implies being persistently troubled or afflicted by something.

beset by

Suggests being harassed or overwhelmed by difficulties.

aggravated by

Highlights the intensification of a negative feeling due to something.

perturbed by

Indicates a state of anxiety or unease.

exasperated by

Conveys a feeling of intense irritation and annoyance.

FAQs

What does "vexed by" mean?

"Vexed by" means annoyed, frustrated, or worried by something. It implies a state of being troubled or disturbed.

How can I use "vexed by" in a sentence?

You can use "vexed by" to describe someone's emotional state, such as "She was "annoyed by" the constant interruptions" or "He felt "frustrated by" the lack of progress".

What are some alternatives to "vexed by"?

Alternatives include "annoyed by", "bothered by", "irritated by", or "troubled by", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "vexed by" formal or informal?

"Vexed by" tends to be more formal than alternatives like "annoyed by" or "bothered by". It's suitable for written communication and situations where a slightly elevated tone is appropriate.