not bothered to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not bothered to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a lack of concern or interest in doing something. Example: "I was not bothered to attend the meeting since I already knew the outcome."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

But I have not bothered to try.

The Guardian - Opinion

He had not bothered to ask me where I'd gone.

The New Yorker

Whoever was behind the wheel had not bothered to stop.

The Guardian

And God has not bothered to redesign it.

The New York Times - Sports

The station cafe had not bothered to open.

The Guardian

Worse, company executives made it abundantly clear they had not bothered to read his résumé.

The New York Times - Tech

Until the recent march, however, Mr Cardoso had not bothered to meet the MST.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Most do not bother to vote.

The Economist

The GT did not bother to answer.

The Guardian

She did not bother to unpack.

The New Yorker

Clemens did not bother to look.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not bothered to", consider the tone you want to convey. It can range from mild disinterest to strong disapproval. The context should make your intended emotion clear.

Common error

While acceptable in many situations, avoid overusing "not bothered to" in formal writing, as it can sound too casual. In formal reports, consider alternatives like "did not deem it necessary" or "did not consider it worthwhile".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not bothered to" functions as a verb phrase indicating a lack of inclination or willingness to perform a certain action. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

3%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not bothered to" is a common and grammatically sound verb phrase used to express a lack of interest or motivation in performing an action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is most frequently found in news and media sources, with occasional use in scientific and business contexts. When writing, be mindful of the level of formality required and consider alternatives like "didn't care to" or "didn't feel inclined to" in more formal settings. Understanding the nuances of the phrase ensures its effective and appropriate usage in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

didn't care to

Focuses on a lack of interest or concern in doing something.

didn't feel inclined to

Emphasizes a lack of willingness or motivation.

didn't take the trouble to

Highlights the effort required and the choice not to exert it.

didn't make an effort to

Similar to 'didn't take the trouble', but focuses on the absence of effort.

didn't see the point in

Highlights a lack of perceived value or purpose in doing something.

didn't think it worth

Focuses on the perceived value or worth of the action.

avoided the hassle of

Emphasizes the desire to avoid inconvenience or trouble.

shunned the idea of

Suggests a stronger aversion or rejection of the idea.

passed on the opportunity to

Highlights the choice not to take advantage of an opportunity.

couldn't be asked to

Informal way of expressing a strong lack of motivation or willingness.

FAQs

What does "not bothered to" mean?

The phrase "not bothered to" signifies a lack of concern or motivation to perform a particular action. It suggests the person was aware of the action but chose not to do it.

How can I use "not bothered to" in a sentence?

You can use "not bothered to" when you want to express that someone didn't feel like doing something, like: "He was "too tired" and "didn't care to" finish the job."

What are some alternatives to "not bothered to"?

Alternatives to "not bothered to" include "didn't care to", "didn't feel inclined to", or "didn't take the trouble to". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "not bothered to" suitable for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "not bothered to" is generally more suitable for informal or neutral contexts. In formal writing, consider alternatives that sound more professional or objective.