can be bothered

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be bothered" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express whether someone is willing to make an effort or take action regarding something. Example: "I can't be bothered to go out tonight; I'd rather stay in and relax."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"If they can be bothered.

The Guardian - Books

Not sure we can be bothered..

The Guardian

Who can be bothered with precise facts?

The Guardian - Opinion

We can smell a sequel if Travolta can be bothered".

The Guardian - Film

"If anyone can be bothered to dig it up.

The Guardian

Who can be bothered with disc cleaners, either?

The New York Times

Like I can be bothered to describe those.

The Guardian - Sport

Honestly, Brian, I do know how you can be bothered.

The Guardian - Books

There are loads if you can be bothered to look.

The Guardian

Vote for me if you can be bothered.

The Guardian

And who can be bothered, or has the money, for upkeep?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When you want to convey the idea that someone is disinclined to put in effort, consider using "can be bothered" to highlight their reluctance.

Common error

Avoid using "can be bothered" in highly formal contexts, such as academic papers or business reports. Opt for more professional alternatives like "willing to undertake" or "prepared to invest time in" to maintain a more appropriate tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be bothered" functions as a predicate expressing a lack of willingness or inclination. It indicates someone's reluctance to exert effort or engage in a particular activity, as demonstrated by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "can be bothered" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to express a lack of willingness to make an effort. While versatile, Ludwig AI confirms its more appropriate for informal contexts, finding frequent use in news and media. For formal situations, consider alternatives like "willing to undertake" or "prepared to invest time in". Remember context matters, adapt accordingly to ensure your message resonates effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be bothered to

Directly mirrors the original phrase but emphasizes action.

make the effort to

Emphasizes the act of consciously trying to do something.

be willing to

Indicates a readiness or agreement to do something.

have the motivation to

Focuses on the inner drive needed to accomplish something.

feel inclined to

Suggests a mild willingness or tendency to do something.

take the time to

Highlights the investment of time required for the activity.

feel up to

Implies having the energy or motivation to do something.

trouble oneself to

Suggests that the task is somewhat bothersome or inconvenient.

want to do

A straightforward expression of desire or intention.

care to do

Implies a degree of interest or concern about doing something.

FAQs

How can I use "can be bothered" in a sentence?

You can use "can be bothered" to indicate a lack of willingness to do something. For example, "I "can't be bothered" to cook tonight" means you don't want to make the effort to cook.

What does it mean to say someone "can't be bothered"?

Saying someone "can't be bothered" means they are unwilling to make the effort to do something, often because they find it tedious or uninteresting. It implies a lack of motivation.

Are there more formal alternatives to "can be bothered"?

Yes, in formal contexts, you could use phrases like "unwilling", "disinclined", or "not prepared to" instead of "can be bothered". These options sound more professional and less casual.

Is "can't be bothered" grammatically correct?

Yes, "can't be bothered" is grammatically correct and commonly used in informal English. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. However, it's important to consider the context and audience when deciding whether to use this phrase.