may not bother

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may not bother" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone might choose not to take action or to express indifference about a situation. Example: "If you're not interested in the event, you may not bother attending."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

These flaws may not bother readers previously blinded by sparkly vampires, but as those readers are less likely to commit to series as complex as this one, expect some mild disappointment along with howling clamors for the next book.

Johns Hopkins University

That may not bother prosecutors.

The Economist

That may not bother the target audience.

The New York Times

The cost may not bother every customer.

The New York Times

Without that hope, many may not bother.

The New York Times - Sports

Or we may not bother at all.

The Guardian

Others may not bother to come at all.

The Economist

Criminals may not bother to conceal the skimmers from victims.

The New York Times - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Take a look at that slim plasma screen hanging on the store wall with gorgeous Van Gogh images, and you may not bother wondering where all the wires went.

Forbes

And they may not bother reinfusing America's university system with new talent.

The New York Times

Others may not bother with the law, opting to keep their heads down and wallets closed.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, consider whether a stronger expression of disinterest or a more active choice to ignore something would be more appropriate.

Common error

Be careful not to use "may not bother" when you mean a stronger level of disinterest or active avoidance. "May not bother" suggests a possibility of indifference, while other phrases might indicate active opposition or stronger feelings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may not bother" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing a possibility of indifference or a decision not to take action. It indicates that someone might choose not to do something or might not be concerned about a particular situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "may not bother" is a versatile expression indicating a possibility of indifference or a decision not to take action. As Ludwig AI points out, it's grammatically sound and widely used. It is prevalent in diverse contexts, including news, science, and academia, rendering it suitable for both formal and informal communication. When using "may not bother", ensure that the level of indifference aligns with the intended meaning, and consider alternatives such as "might not care" or "might disregard" for nuances in expression. The phrase carries a neutral tone and is frequently found in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Economist.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might not care

Suggests a lack of interest or concern.

might disregard

Indicates a decision to ignore something.

might not worry

Emphasizes a lack of anxiety or concern.

might not mind

Suggests something is acceptable or not problematic.

might not trouble oneself

Highlights the avoidance of effort or inconvenience.

might not give a second thought

Emphasizes a complete lack of concern or attention.

might not take the time

Indicates a decision not to invest effort or attention.

might not feel inclined

Suggests a lack of motivation or desire to act.

might not be fussed

Implies a casual indifference or lack of strong feelings.

might not see the need

Indicates a lack of perceived necessity or importance.

FAQs

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

You can use "may not bother" to indicate a possibility of indifference or lack of action. For example, "If the noise isn't too loud, they "may not bother" complaining."

What are some alternatives to "may not bother"?

Alternatives include "might not care", "might disregard", or "might not worry", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "might not bother" instead of "may not bother"?

Yes, "might not bother" is also correct and conveys a similar meaning, indicating a possibility of indifference or lack of action.

What's the difference between "may not bother" and "won't bother"?

"May not bother" indicates a possibility of indifference, whereas "won't bother" expresses a definite decision not to take action. "I "may not bother" attending" suggests I'm unsure, while "I won't bother attending" is a firm decision.