could not be bothered

USAGE SUMMARY

"could not be bothered" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you can't be motivated to do something or when you think something is not important enough to warrant your attention. For example: "I had a lot of chores I could have done, but I just couldn't be bothered."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Chopin could not be bothered.

The New York Times - Arts

Many could not be bothered.

The Economist

Like her, I could not be bothered.

The New York Times

Doll collectors today could not be bothered.

The New York Times - Style

Mrs. Sesay said she could not be bothered.

The New York Times - Health

In the past, some farmers could not be bothered with it.

The Economist

They were either high on their incumbent players or could not be bothered.

The New York Times

There were so many intricate social rules that I just could not be bothered to observe.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Mark Jackson could not be bothered with that aspect of the peculiar present.

The New York Times - Sports

The landlord insisted that Miss West had come there to rest & could not be bothered with the other guests.

The New Yorker

That said, he has had some bad games too where he simply could not be bothered to turn up.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "could not be bothered" to express a deliberate lack of interest or effort, especially when the task at hand is perceived as unimportant or tedious.

Common error

Avoid using "could not be bothered" in professional or academic writing where a more formal and nuanced expression of disinterest or lack of time might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could not be bothered" functions as a predicate expressing a lack of interest or motivation to perform a specific action. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. The examples showcase its deployment across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "could not be bothered" is a common idiom used to express a lack of interest or willingness to put in effort. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness, noting its frequent use across diverse contexts. While primarily found in news and media, as well as informal conversation, it's crucial to use more formal alternatives in academic or professional writing. Alternatives such as "didn't feel like it", "was too lazy to", or "couldn't care less" offer varying shades of meaning. Mastering the appropriate use of this phrase and its alternatives enhances effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

couldn't care less

Emphasizes indifference or lack of concern, shifting focus from effort to emotion.

didn't feel like it

Highlights a lack of inclination or desire to perform an action, focusing on feeling.

was too lazy to

Directly attributes inaction to laziness, indicating an unwillingness to exert effort.

didn't want to trouble myself

Expresses a reluctance to inconvenience oneself, highlighting self-preservation.

wasn't in the mood

Indicates a lack of emotional or mental readiness, making it unsuitable to do something.

declined to exert myself

Formally communicates a refusal to make an effort, stressing a deliberate decision.

had no inclination to

Indicates an absence of desire or motivation, emphasizing a lack of internal drive.

was disinclined to

Suggests a mild aversion or reluctance, portraying a lack of enthusiasm.

took no interest in

Shows a lack of curiosity or engagement, focusing on a deficit of enthusiasm.

shirked the responsibility

Indicates an evasion of duty or obligation, highlighting a deliberate avoidance of task.

FAQs

How can I use "could not be bothered" in a sentence?

You can use "could not be bothered" to express a lack of interest or willingness to do something. For example, "I had a pile of laundry to fold, but I "could not be bothered"."

What's a more formal way to say "could not be bothered"?

In formal contexts, consider alternatives such as "declined to participate", "lacked the inclination", or "did not deem it necessary".

Is it appropriate to use "could not be bothered" in professional emails?

While understandable, "could not be bothered" might be too informal for professional emails. Opt for phrases like "was unable to prioritize" or "did not have the capacity" instead.

What is the difference between "could not be bothered" and "couldn't care less"?

"Could not be bothered" indicates a lack of motivation to act, whereas "couldn't care less" expresses indifference or a lack of concern. The former implies a reluctance to exert effort, while the latter suggests a complete absence of interest.