bother yourself

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bother yourself" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when suggesting that someone should take the initiative to concern themselves with something or to take action on their own. Example: "If you feel strongly about the issue, then please don't hesitate to bother yourself with it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

"All of you are young people, and do not have time to bother yourself with facts from the past," he said.

The New York Times

All Trailfinders' reservations staff are exceedingly well travelled and prices often beat booking direct on the internet (without you having to go to the bother yourself).

The Guardian - Travel

Walsh's house – a completely different one – has been shown on ITV primetime during the X Factor's "judges' houses" round almost every year since 2004, but don't bother yourself with details, just hang back and enjoy the banter.

Independent

Can't bother yourself to go out and have actual experiences with your friends?

TechCrunch

But there might not even be any reason to bother yourself with the multitouch question as it may never hit US retailers.

TechCrunch

Guys, if you are deep into watching sports, meat and potatoes, and never having to bother yourself with a new or original thought for the rest of your life, don't even think of marrying a career woman.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

And you won't have to go bothering yourself with tags or whatnot – Yakaz automatically recognizes various keywords and places your ad in the appropriate categories.

TechCrunch

In many cases, you may be asked to do or not do something far simpler than the imaginings you've conjured up and bothered yourself with.

WikiHow

But don't bother starving yourself before your next workout.

The New York Times

The new Claude Chabrol thriller "Merci Pour le Chocolat" has been given the English title "Nightcap," which makes sense by the time the climax rolls into view, so don't bother asking yourself why it isn't an accurate translation.

The New York Times

Why bother putting yourself through the torture of writing?

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "bother yourself", consider the context to ensure it aligns with the level of formality and the intended tone. In formal situations, "concern yourself" might be a more appropriate substitute.

Common error

Avoid using "bother yourself" in highly formal or professional contexts where a more refined phrase like "take the liberty" or "concern yourself" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bother yourself" functions as an imperative or suggestion, prompting someone to take initiative or concern themselves with a matter. This is evident in Ludwig's examples where it encourages action or consideration.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

40%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "bother yourself" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase, as validated by Ludwig AI. It serves to encourage initiative or discourage worry, and while typically informal, can appear in news and media contexts. Alternatives like "trouble yourself" or ""concern yourself"" may be more appropriate for formal settings. While the phrase is not incorrect, it's essential to consider the audience and context to ensure it aligns with the intended tone and formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Trouble yourself

Replaces "bother" with "trouble", suggesting a similar level of inconvenience or effort.

Concern yourself

Substitutes "bother" with "concern", emphasizing a focus on worry or interest.

Worry yourself

Uses "worry" instead of "bother", highlighting the mental or emotional aspect of being concerned.

Inconvenience yourself

Replaces "bother" with "inconvenience", focusing on the potential disruption or difficulty involved.

Take the trouble

Shifts the focus to the effort required, rather than the act of bothering.

Go to the effort

Similar to "take the trouble", emphasizing the exertion needed.

Get involved

Suggests a broader participation or engagement, not just concern.

Take it upon yourself

Implies assuming responsibility or initiative.

Deal with it

Suggests handling a situation, which might involve some bother.

Attend to it

Focuses on giving attention to a matter, which could be considered bothering.

FAQs

What does "bother yourself" mean?

The phrase "bother yourself" means to take the time, effort, or trouble to do something. It suggests a degree of concern or engagement with a particular task or issue.

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

You can use "bother yourself" in sentences like: "Don't "worry yourself" about the small details" or "If you have concerns, please "concern yourself" with addressing them directly".

What can I say instead of "bother yourself"?

You can use alternatives like "trouble yourself", ""concern yourself"", or "take the time" depending on the context.

Is "bother yourself" formal or informal?

"Bother yourself" is generally considered informal. In formal settings, phrases like ""concern yourself"" or "take the liberty" may be more suitable.