did not bother

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "did not bother" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to indicate that someone chose to not take any kind of action or spend time on something, such as in the sentence: "We didn't think the problem was serious, so we did not bother to fix it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

It did not bother Tolkien.

The New Yorker

He did not bother nobody.

The New York Times

"Others did not bother," he said.

The New York Times

His piousness did not bother them".

The New York Times

But Schott did not bother with that.

The New York Times - Sports

This year some did not bother.

The Economist

Being an underdog did not bother Ferguson.

The New York Times

But that did not bother him.

The New York Times - Sports

She did not bother to unpack.

The New Yorker

He did not bother with a ruler.

The New York Times

But it apparently did not bother investors.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "did not bother" to clearly and concisely convey that someone chose not to take a particular action or expend effort on something. It's suitable for describing a deliberate choice or a perceived lack of necessity.

Common error

While "did not bother" is widely understood, avoid relying on it excessively in formal or academic writing. Opt for more nuanced alternatives like "did not deem it necessary" or "did not consider it appropriate" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "did not bother" functions primarily as a verb phrase indicating a lack of action or concern. It conveys that someone chose not to expend effort or attention on something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Sports

15%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

3%

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "did not bother" is a versatile phrase used to indicate a lack of effort, concern, or attention. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used, especially in news and media contexts. While generally neutral in register, it's essential to consider the context and opt for more formal alternatives when appropriate. Remember to avoid overusing the phrase in formal writing and be mindful of the specific nuance you want to convey when choosing among related expressions. Considering its prevalence, understanding the proper usage of "did not bother" is crucial for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

didn't take the trouble

Implies a conscious decision not to exert effort; slightly more emphatic.

didn't make an effort

Highlights the absence of any attempt to do something; slightly more formal.

didn't feel inclined

Suggests a lack of motivation or willingness; focuses on internal disposition.

didn't see the need

Indicates a judgment that something was unnecessary; emphasizes a rational decision.

didn't consider it necessary

A more formal way of saying something wasn't deemed important enough to warrant action.

abstained from

Suggests a deliberate choice to refrain from something; more formal and often implies a rule or expectation.

didn't trouble oneself

Emphasizes the lack of personal inconvenience or worry; can sound slightly archaic.

paid no attention

Focuses on ignoring something, rather than a lack of action; semantic transformation is higher.

ignored

A simple verb indicating a deliberate choice to disregard something; less nuanced.

overlooked

Suggests a failure to notice or address something; implies a potential oversight.

FAQs

How can I use "did not bother" in a sentence?

Use "did not bother" to indicate a lack of effort or concern. For example, "He "didn't take the trouble" to read the instructions before assembling the furniture".

What's a more formal alternative to "did not bother"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "did not deem it necessary" or "did not consider it appropriate". These alternatives provide a more professional tone than simply saying someone "didn't see the need".

Is "did not bother" grammatically correct?

Yes, "did not bother" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English. It's a simple and direct way to express a lack of effort or concern about doing something.

What's the difference between "did not bother" and "didn't make an effort"?

While similar, "did not bother" suggests a broader lack of concern, whereas "didn't make an effort" specifically highlights the absence of any attempt to do something. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.