bother to answer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bother to answer" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing whether someone is willing to take the time or effort to respond to a question or request. Example: "I wonder if he will even bother to answer my email after all this time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

Don't bother to answer this. 1.

Stanford University

The GT did not bother to answer.

The Guardian

Cameron didn't bother to answer; he just demanded an apology.

The Guardian

"You did not bother to answer any of my messages," he wrote.

The New York Times

Didn't bother to answer the phone, no emails, sod everybody – loved it.

The Guardian

We didn't even bother to answer it, that is how ridiculously far from a serious offer it was".

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

Only one bothered to answer.

The New York Times - Sports

Then again maybe I was the only one who had bothered to answer his ad.

The New Yorker

What are you for?" No one bothers to answer his question.

The New York Times

The state here is not a public trust; it has rarely bothered to answer to anybody for its losses.

The New Yorker

And it bothers to answer its own questions, which ought to be the genre's sine qua non.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "bother to answer" in questions, consider the tone; it can sound accusatory or sarcastic if not carefully worded.

Common error

Avoid using "bother to answer" in highly formal or professional writing, especially when directly addressing someone. Opt for more neutral phrases like "take the time to respond" or "make an effort to reply" to maintain a respectful tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bother to answer" functions primarily as an infinitive phrase indicating reluctance or unwillingness to respond. Ludwig AI examples show it used in contexts where a response is expected but not given, highlighting a negative attitude.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "bother to answer" is a commonly used infinitive phrase that conveys reluctance or unwillingness to respond. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and predominantly found in news and media contexts, although less frequent in formal academic settings. The phrase serves to express disapproval or frustration regarding a lack of response. When writing, consider the tone, as it can be perceived as accusatory, and opt for more neutral alternatives like "take the time to respond" or "make an effort to reply" in formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make the effort to answer

Similar to "bother to answer", this phrase refers to trying to formulate an answer.

can be bothered to reply

Expresses whether someone has the motivation to answer.

take the time to respond

Focuses on the time investment required for a response, rather than the annoyance.

make an effort to reply

Emphasizes the exertion involved in providing an answer.

trouble oneself to respond

Highlights the inconvenience or difficulty associated with answering.

be at pains to answer

It underscores the reluctance of someone to reply.

deign to reply

Suggests a condescending tone, implying that responding is beneath someone.

condescend to answer

Similar to 'deign', this phrase suggests a lowering of oneself to answer.

feel obliged to answer

Indicates a sense of duty or compulsion to provide a response.

deem it worthy to answer

It shows that someone considers the action of replying to a question is worthwhile.

FAQs

What does "bother to answer" mean?

The phrase "bother to answer" suggests that someone is unwilling or finds it troublesome to respond. It often implies a lack of interest or effort in giving a response.

What can I say instead of "bother to answer"?

You can use alternatives like "take the time to respond", "make an effort to reply", or "can be bothered to reply" depending on the context.

Is "bother to answer" formal or informal?

"Bother to answer" tends to be more informal. In professional or formal settings, it's better to use phrases like "take the time to respond".

How to use "bother to answer" in a sentence?

You can use it in sentences like, "He didn't even "bother to answer" my question" or "Why would she "bother to answer" him after what he said?".