bother to read

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bother to read" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing the idea that someone should take the effort to read something, often implying that it may be worth their time. Example: "If you want to understand the project better, you should really bother to read the entire report."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Should we still bother to read him?

The Guardian - Books

Who else will bother to read it?

The New York Times

But I just don't bother to read him".

The New Yorker

Did you bother to read any of the IPCC reports?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

How many people bother to read before they condemn?

The New York Times

Of course they didn't bother to read the report.

The Guardian - Opinion

And don't bother to read up on the issues, either.

The New York Times - Books

Ms. Asvestas said she did not bother to read them.

The New York Times

IF YOU bother to read this article, you will see it is clearly about politics.

The Economist

He seemed not to even bother to read the defense before many snaps.

The New York Times

But I'll be surprised if many listeners, under seduction of the music, bother to read them.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "bother to read" consider the tone, as it can come across as slightly dismissive or sarcastic if not used carefully.

Common error

While "bother to read" is widely understood, it might not be appropriate for highly formal or professional documents. Opt for phrases like "take the time to read" or "make an effort to read" in such situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bother to read" functions primarily as a verb phrase expressing a question of effort or inclination towards reading. It's used to inquire whether someone has taken the time to read something or to imply that they have not.

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 read" is a common and grammatically sound verb phrase used to question someone's effort or interest in reading something. Ludwig shows that it frequently appears in News & Media, and while it's acceptable for general use, more formal options like "take the time to read" may be better suited for professional contexts. Overall, its usage is straightforward, serving to express mild frustration or inquiry about whether reading has occurred.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take the time to read

Emphasizes allocating sufficient time for reading.

make an effort to read

Highlights the exertion required for reading.

trouble oneself to read

Suggests that reading might be inconvenient.

go to the length of reading

Implies a considerable undertaking to read.

deign to read

Suggests a condescending attitude towards reading.

feel inclined to read

Focuses on the reader's willingness.

deem it necessary to read

Highlights the perceived need for reading.

undertake to read

Formally commits to the act of reading.

bring oneself to read

Implies difficulty or reluctance in reading.

make it a point to read

Highlights the importance of reading.

FAQs

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

You can use "bother to read" to express that someone didn't take the time to read something, like: "I wonder if they'll even "bother to read" this email before replying."

What's a more formal way to say "bother to read"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases such as "take the time to read" or "make an effort to read" to convey a similar meaning with a more professional tone.

Is "bother to read" grammatically correct?

Yes, "bother to read" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English. It follows the standard verb construction and is widely understood.

What does it imply when someone asks, "Did you even bother to read it?"

The question, "Did you even "bother to read" it?" often implies frustration or disappointment that someone didn't take the time to read something important or relevant.