bother about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bother about" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express concern or worry about something, often implying that the speaker thinks it may not be worth the effort. Example: "I wouldn't bother about the small details; focus on the bigger picture instead."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What we do have to bother about is the waste of human labor".

Business Research

Don't bother about this stuff.

The New Yorker

Mezals didn't bother about that.

The Guardian

But do we ever bother about them?

Yale University

"Don't bother about him anymore," he said.

The New York Times

Why should they bother about their constituents?

The Guardian

Nora: I couldn't bother about that.

The Guardian

I don't ever bother about their business.

The New York Times - Sports

models, you don't need to bother about this.

Yale University

She doesn't have to bother about that at all.

Princeton University

I don't bother about that, I think it is good.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When deciding whether to use "bother about", consider the level of formality required. In professional or academic contexts, consider alternatives such as "concern oneself with" or "be concerned about" for a more sophisticated tone.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "bother about" in formal documents. While grammatically correct, its slightly informal tone can undermine the seriousness of your writing. Opt for stronger verbs or more nuanced expressions to convey your message effectively.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bother about" primarily functions as a phrasal verb, indicating a state of concern, worry, or the act of taking trouble over something. As Ludwig highlights, it's frequently used in various contexts, suggesting a lack of necessity to worry over trivial matters or a questioning of the worth of the effort involved.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

24%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bother about" is a versatile phrasal verb used to express concern, question the need for effort, or downplay the importance of something. Ludwig AI validates that this phrase is grammatically correct and very common across different contexts, especially in News & Media and Academia. While generally neutral in register, it is important to use the phrase consciously, choosing alternatives like ""worry about"" or "concern oneself with" in more formal settings. Understanding its subtle implications allows for more effective and precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

worry about

This alternative is the closest synonym, indicating a state of anxiety or concern regarding something.

concern oneself with

This phrase is more formal, suggesting a deliberate act of paying attention and taking interest in something.

trouble oneself with

This implies that the subject matter is potentially difficult or problematic.

be concerned about

This is a more formal way of expressing worry or unease about something.

give a damn about

This phrase is informal and direct, indicating a strong level of care or lack thereof.

pay attention to

This suggests directing focus and observation towards something.

take interest in

This indicates a curiosity or desire to learn more about something.

be bothered by

This suggests that something is causing annoyance or irritation.

care about

This shows general interest or liking.

mind

This is a simpler, more direct way of asking if someone objects to something.

FAQs

What does "bother about" mean?

The phrase "bother about" means to take the time or make an effort to do something, often implying that the effort might not be worth it, or to be concerned or worried about something.

How can I use "bother about" in a sentence?

You can use "bother about" to express a lack of concern: "I wouldn't "worry about" the small details". You can also use it to question the need for effort: "Why "concern yourself with" such trivial matters?"

What are some alternatives to "bother about"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include ""worry about"", "concern oneself with", "trouble oneself with", or simply "care about".

Is it more correct to say "bother about" or "bother with"?

Both "bother about" and "bother with" are grammatically correct, but "bother about" is more commonly used when expressing concern or worry. "Bother with" often implies dealing with something cumbersome or annoying.