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 mother for ice cream. [pestered: past tense verb]
Example
The salesman kept pestering me with phone calls even after I told him I wasn't interested. [pestering: gerund or present participle]
nagging
Example
My boss keeps nagging me about the deadline. [nagging: present participle]
Example
My mother-in-law is always nagging my husband to do his chores. [nagging: gerund]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Nagging is more commonly used than pestering in everyday language. Nagging is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while pestering is less common and may be considered informal.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between pestering and nagging?
While both pestering and nagging are informal words, nagging can be used in more formal contexts than pestering due to its wider usage and versatility.
