don't bother

USAGE SUMMARY

'don't bother' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to suggest that someone should not put their time or effort into doing something. For example: "I've already made dinner, so don't bother cooking."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Don't bother.

The New York Times

Don't bother playing.

Stanford University

Don't bother subsampling.

Cornell University

Shoo — don't bother me.

The New York Times

Don't bother to count".

The New Yorker

Don't bother coming.

The Economist

Don't bother calling Obama.

The New York Times

"Don't bother," I said.

The New York Times

Don't bother washing dishes.

The New Yorker

Or you don't bother".

The New York Times - Sports

It don't bother me.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "don't bother" to politely discourage unnecessary actions or to reassure someone that their assistance is not required.

Common error

While generally acceptable, using "don't bother" can sometimes sound dismissive or impolite in formal settings. Choose alternative phrases like "it's not necessary" or "please, don't trouble yourself" for more formal situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "don't bother" functions primarily as an imperative, advising someone against taking a particular action because it is deemed unnecessary, futile, or not worth the effort. Ludwig shows examples across various domains where this phrase is used to discourage effort.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Academia

12%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Science

7%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "don't bother" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression that serves to discourage a particular action. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use. While versatile, caution should be exercised in formal settings, where alternatives may be more appropriate. Its primary function is to advise against unnecessary effort, and it appears commonly in news, media, and informal contexts. Remember to consider the context and tone to ensure its appropriateness. When in doubt, alternatives like "it's not necessary" or "please don't trouble yourself" can provide a more formal tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's unnecessary

Directly states that something is not required or needed.

it's not worth it

Implies that the benefits of an action do not justify the effort or cost.

never mind

Indicates that something is not important or should be disregarded.

there's no point

Suggests that an action will not achieve a desired outcome.

don't concern yourself

Assures someone that they do not need to be involved or worried.

don't stress about it

Recommends avoiding anxiety or worry regarding a situation.

no need to worry

Indicates that there is no reason for concern or anxiety.

forget about it

Advises against dwelling on a particular issue or task.

leave it be

Suggests that something should be left untouched or undisturbed.

save your breath

Suggests that arguing or explaining is futile.

FAQs

How can I use "don't bother" in a sentence?

You can use "don't bother" to advise someone not to do something because it's unnecessary or won't be helpful. For example, "I already finished the report, so "don't bother" checking it again."

What's a more formal way to say "don't bother"?

In formal situations, consider using phrases like "it's not necessary", "please, don't trouble yourself", or "there's no need" instead of "don't bother".

Is it ever rude to say "don't bother"?

Yes, the phrase "don't bother" can sometimes come across as dismissive or impolite, especially if the person is offering help. Pay attention to your tone and the context of the conversation.

What are some alternatives to "don't bother" that still sound casual?

Alternatives like "no need", "it's okay", or "forget about it" can be used in informal settings instead of "don't bother".