bother to write

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bother to write" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing whether someone is willing to take the time or effort to write something. Example: "I didn't think he would bother to write a response, but he surprised me."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

Why bother to write?

The Guardian - Books

If not to connect, why else would one bother to write?

The Guardian

One Boston businessman, Joe Chung, wonders whether he will bother to write the convention committee a cheque.

The Economist

But she probably wouldn't bother to write it: VANYA: If only you could see yourself, the way you move.

The New Yorker

Town fathers of Minnesota's capital city didn't even bother to write a nasty note to the editor.

The New York Times - Travel

Why bother to write a novel if it was going to offer more or less the same experience someone could have by turning on a television?

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

Why am I bothering to write this?

The Guardian - Opinion

I can't be bothered to write books".

The New Yorker

I shouldn't have bothered to write otherwise.

The New Yorker

One wonders why they bothered to write fiction at all.

The Guardian - Books

Why, I wondered, if the guy's so anti-­everything, does he keep bothering to write?

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bother to write" when you want to express a lack of inclination or willingness to write something. It's useful for conveying surprise or questioning the motivation behind someone's writing.

Common error

Avoid using "bother to write" in highly formal or professional settings. Opt for phrases like "take the time to write" or "make an effort to write" for a more appropriate tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bother to write" functions as an infinitive phrase, often used to express disinterest or reluctance towards writing. According to Ludwig, the phrase is used when expressing whether someone is willing to take the time or effort to write something.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Books

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Social Media

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "bother to write" is a common expression used to question or express surprise about someone's decision to write something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for expressing whether someone is willing to dedicate time or effort to writing. While grammatically correct and frequently found in news and media sources, it's important to consider the context. In more formal or professional settings, alternatives like "take the time to write" or "make an effort to write" might be more appropriate. The phrase conveys a sense of reluctance or questioning the value of writing in a given situation. While versatile, its tone should be carefully considered to ensure it aligns with the intended message and audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take the time to write

Emphasizes dedicating time for writing.

make an effort to write

Highlights the exertion involved in writing.

trouble oneself to write

More formal and emphasizes inconvenience.

go to the length of writing

Implies a significant commitment to writing.

deign to write

Suggests a sense of condescension or reluctance.

condescend to write

Similar to 'deign', implying a lowering of oneself.

feel inclined to write

Indicates a desire or motivation to write.

undertake the task of writing

Focuses on writing as a deliberate task.

see fit to write

Suggests a decision was made to write.

consider it worthwhile to write

Emphasizes the perceived value in writing.

FAQs

What does "bother to write" mean?

It means to take the time and effort to write something, often implying that the action is not worth the effort or is unexpected. It suggests a reluctance or questioning of the motivation behind writing.

When is it appropriate to use "bother to write"?

It's appropriate when expressing surprise or questioning someone's motivation for writing something. It's common in informal contexts, especially when suggesting that writing wasn't necessary or expected.

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

You can use alternatives like "take the time to write", "make an effort to write", or "trouble oneself to write depending on the context".

Which is correct, "bother to write" or "bother writing"?

"Bother to write" is generally used when referring to a specific instance of writing, while "bother writing" (without "to") is used when discussing writing in general. For example, "Why would he bother to write that letter?" vs "Why bother writing at all?".