bother with

USAGE SUMMARY

"bother with" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It generally means to take the time or effort to do something. For example: "I don't want to bother with washing the dishes today."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Why bother with it now?

The New Yorker

But why bother with nostalgia?

The New York Times - Arts

So, why bother with it?

The Economist

We can't bother with them".

The New Yorker

Otherwise, why bother with fiction?

The New York Times - Books

Why bother with an update?

The New York Times

He didn't bother with buttons.

The New Yorker

And don't bother with pines.

The New York Times

Don't bother with science.

The Guardian

Why bother with suspense?

The Guardian - Music

Why bother with boba?

The New York Times - Style

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bother with" when you want to express a conscious decision to avoid expending effort on something perceived as unimportant or troublesome. It suggests a practical assessment of the value versus the effort required.

Common error

While "bother with" is acceptable in many contexts, it can sound too informal or dismissive in formal or professional writing. In these situations, consider using alternatives like "address", "consider", or "attend to" to maintain a more serious and respectful tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bother with" functions as a verb phrase combined with a preposition, indicating a decision to avoid or disregard something. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in questioning the necessity of an action or expressing reluctance to engage with it. It is a common way to express a lack of interest or willingness to expend effort.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bother with" is a frequently used phrase that conveys a lack of interest or willingness to engage with something. Ludwig AI confirms that this expression is grammatically correct. Its usage is most common in news and media, with a neutral to informal register. While versatile, it's best to avoid "bother with" in highly formal contexts, where alternatives like "attend to" or "concern oneself with" are more appropriate. The frequency and widespread use of "bother with" across diverse sources highlights its significance in everyday communication, making it a valuable tool for expressing when something simply isn't worth the effort.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be bothered by

This puts emphasis on the negative feeling associated with having to interact with something.

trouble oneself with

This alternative focuses on the personal effort involved in dealing with something.

waste time on

This highlights the inefficient use of time when addressing something.

take the time with

This emphasizes the investment of time required.

concern oneself with

This suggests a level of worry or involvement that one might choose to avoid.

spend energy on

This underlines the inefficient use of effort in dealing with something.

engage with

This implies interaction or involvement, which might be intentionally skipped.

deal with

This focuses on handling or managing something, which could be seen as unnecessary.

worry about

This implies a level of concern or anxiety that one might choose to dismiss.

attend to

This highlights the act of giving attention, which might be deemed not worth the effort.

FAQs

How do I use "bother with" in a sentence?

You can use "bother with" to indicate a reluctance or lack of interest in dealing with something. For example, "I didn't "bother with" the instructions because it seemed straightforward" or "Why "bother with" cooking when we can order takeout?"

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

In more formal settings, consider using phrases like "concern oneself with", "attend to", or "take the time to" instead of ""bother with"". These alternatives offer a more professional tone.

Is it correct to say "I can't be bothered with"?

Yes, "I can't be "bothered with"" is a common and acceptable idiom meaning you don't want to spend the time or effort on something. It's generally used in informal contexts.

What does "don't even bother with" mean?

"Don't even "bother with"" is a stronger way of saying "don't "bother with"". It suggests that something is definitely not worth your time or effort, often because it's futile or of very low value.