What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
pestering
Example
The children kept pestered their parents for a new toy. [pestered: past tense]
Example
Stop pestering me with your constant questions! [pestering: present participle]
annoying
Example
The sound of the dripping faucet is so annoying. [annoying: adjective]
Example
Her constant complaining is really annoying me. [annoying: present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Annoying is more commonly used than pestering in everyday language. Annoying is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while pestering is less common and typically used in more informal contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between pestering and annoying?
While both pestering and annoying are generally informal, annoying can be used in more formal contexts depending on the situation, while pestering is typically reserved for informal situations.