bother to

USAGE SUMMARY

'bother to' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express the idea of taking the time and effort to do something. For example, "I didn't bother to check the forecast before leaving the house."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Don't bother to count".

The New Yorker

Why bother to plan?

The New York Times - Books

Why bother to car pool?

The Economist

Why bother to please everyone?

Independent

Few even bother to vote.

The Economist

Yao doesn't bother to challenge.

The New Yorker

Don't bother to call.

The New York Times

Why bother to vote?

The Guardian

Why bother to listen?

The New York Times

Don't bother to rinse.

The New York Times

Why bother to write?

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bother to" when you want to express a lack of willingness or inclination to do something, often implying that the action is not worth the effort.

Common error

While "bother to" is acceptable, excessive use, particularly in formal writing, can sound dismissive. Opt for more nuanced alternatives like "make an effort to" or "take the trouble to" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bother to" functions as a verb phrase indicating a lack of inclination or willingness to perform an action. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in various contexts to express indifference or a perceived lack of necessity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Academia

12%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "bother to" is a common and grammatically sound way to express a lack of inclination or effort towards a particular action. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It is frequently found in news and media, and academic contexts. While versatile, it's essential to consider the tone; in formal settings, alternatives like "take the trouble to" might be more appropriate. Avoid overuse to maintain a professional sound. Common authoritative sources include The New York Times and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take the trouble to

Emphasizes the effort involved, similar to "bother to" but slightly more formal.

trouble oneself with

Implies that something is not worth the effort or concern.

make an effort to

Highlights the deliberate exertion of energy, implying a choice not to act.

make a point of

Highlights a deliberate choice not to do something.

go to the extent of

Suggests a limit of willingness, indicating a reluctance to proceed further.

go out of one's way to

Suggests an unwillingness to make any special effort.

feel inclined to

Focuses on a lack of motivation or willingness to perform an action.

waste time on

Implies that something is not worth dedicating time or attention to.

care to

Indicates a lack of interest or concern in doing something.

be concerned with

Emphasizes a lack of attention or worry about a specific matter.

FAQs

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

You can use "bother to" to indicate a lack of willingness or effort, like in "I didn't "bother to" check the weather before leaving."

What are some alternatives to "bother to"?

Alternatives include "take the trouble to", "make an effort to", or "feel inclined to", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "didn't bother to"?

Yes, "didn't "bother to"" is a common and grammatically correct way to express a lack of action or effort in the past.

What's the difference between "bother to" and "try to"?

"Bother to" implies a lack of willingness or effort, while "try to" suggests an attempt, even if unsuccessful. "I didn't "bother to" call" means I didn't feel it was worth the effort, while "I tried to call" means I made an attempt.