less bothered

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less bothered" is correct and is commonly used in written English.
It usually means to be less troubled or concerned about something. For example, "I'm less bothered about the results of the test now that I've studied more."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Edinburgh is less bothered.

The Economist

Grimshaw is less bothered with particulars.

The Guardian

Less bothered about dominating a group?

The Guardian - Tech

Other residents were less bothered by it.

The Guardian

Europeans, so far, seem to be less bothered.

The Economist

Others on Twitter were less bothered by the photo op.

The Washington Post

And they can see that their leader is less bothered.

The Guardian - Opinion

They became desensitized in terms of being less bothered by the sexual content.

Sexologies

I'd be less bothered if it happened now.

The Guardian

And, though voters dislike immigration, they are less bothered by actual immigrants.

The Economist

Had they simply misread the play, he said, he would have been less bothered.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "less bothered", ensure the context clearly indicates what the subject is not concerned about. For instance, 'She was less bothered by the criticism than he was'.

Common error

Avoid using "less bothered" when a stronger expression of disinterest is more appropriate. "He was less bothered by the outcome" implies some level of concern, while "He was completely indifferent to the outcome" conveys absolute disinterest.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less bothered" primarily functions as an adjectival phrase. It modifies a noun or pronoun to describe a state of reduced concern or indifference. Ludwig AI's examples demonstrate its use in expressing a comparative lack of worry about something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

18%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "less bothered" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adjectival phrase indicating a reduced state of concern or indifference. As highlighted by Ludwig, it effectively conveys a diminished level of worry or interest across various contexts. While the phrase is suitable for neutral settings like news and media, one should be aware of situations where a more emphatic expression, like "completely indifferent", is more appropriate. The analysis indicates its prevalent use in expressing a comparative lack of worry or interest. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correctness and common usage, making it a reliable choice for writers seeking to express a moderate level of disinterest.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less concerned

Focuses on a reduction in worry or anxiety.

less worried

Emphasizes a decrease in the state of being troubled or anxious.

not as concerned

Uses a negative construction to express a similar meaning.

less anxious

Highlights a diminished state of unease or nervousness.

less affected

Indicates a weaker impact or influence on someone's emotions or actions.

less disturbed

Suggests a reduced level of disruption or agitation.

less perturbed

Implies a slighter state of being unsettled or disquieted.

unfazed

Highlights a state of not being disturbed or surprised.

more indifferent

Shifts the focus to a lack of interest or concern.

more apathetic

Emphasizes a stronger sense of detachment or lack of feeling.

FAQs

How to use "less bothered" in a sentence?

You can use "less bothered" to indicate a reduced level of concern or worry. For example, "He seemed "less bothered" by the news than I expected."

What can I say instead of "less bothered"?

You can use alternatives like "less concerned", "less worried", or "more indifferent" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "less bothered" or "least bothered"?

"Less bothered" indicates a comparative reduction in concern, while "least bothered" implies the lowest level of concern among a group or set of options. The correct choice depends on the intended meaning.

What's the difference between "less bothered" and "unfazed"?

"Less bothered" suggests a decrease in worry, while "unfazed" indicates a complete lack of concern or surprise in the face of something unexpected or challenging.