please don't bother

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "please don't bother" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it in polite requests when you do not want someone to do something for you. For example, "Thank you for offering to help me with the dishes, but please don't bother."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Please don't bother to correct my English.

The New York Times

I have no need for a sidewalk made of right shoes, so please, don't bother.

The New York Times - Arts

You won't like it, but please don't bother voting against the rescue.

The Guardian - Business

"Please don't bother me about this mess," she shouted through the closed door.

The New York Times

If you do not satisfy them, please don't bother applying for a license; we won't respond.

Stanford University

And I know that you know what I'm talking about, so please don't bother to pretend otherwise".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Please do not bother us with them!

The Washington Post

He replied: "Please do not bother me with this.

The Guardian

"Please do not bother the animals," it read.

The New York Times

Please do not bother Cherry with the fact that they do win.

The New York Times - Sports

After two days of watching Mays destroy the home team, the public-address announcer said, "Ladies and gentlemen, I know you may not like that kid playing center field, but please do not bother him again because he's killing us".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "please don't bother" when you want to politely decline an offer of help or prevent someone from taking an action that is unnecessary or inconvenient. It adds a layer of courtesy to your refusal.

Common error

While generally polite, "please don't bother" can sound too casual in highly formal settings. Opt for alternatives like "please do not concern yourself" or "please do not feel obliged" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "please don't bother" functions as a polite imperative, used to dissuade or discourage someone from taking a specific action, offering assistance, or expressing concern. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

31%

Academia

19%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "please don't bother" is a common and generally polite way to decline an offer or discourage an action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in News & Media and informal contexts. While "please don't bother" is a useful expression, it's essential to consider the context and your audience. In more formal situations, alternatives such as "please do not concern yourself" may be more appropriate. Remember, using "please don't bother" politely signals that the action is unnecessary, unwanted, or would cause inconvenience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Please don't trouble yourself

Emphasizes avoiding inconvenience for the other person.

Please don't go to any trouble

Highlights the effort required and asks the person not to exert themselves.

Please don't worry about it

Shifts the focus to relieving the other person's concern or obligation.

Please disregard it

Asks someone to ignore or pay no attention to something.

Please forget about it

Suggests the matter is not important and should be dismissed.

No need to worry

Reassures someone that concern is unnecessary.

Don't even think about it

Strongly discourages the other person from considering an action.

Please leave it be

Asks someone to not interfere or meddle with something.

Let it go, please

Suggests relinquishing further action or thought about the matter.

Please set it aside

Indicates something should be put away or not dealt with immediately.

FAQs

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

You can use "please don't bother" to politely decline an offer or request, such as, "Thank you for offering to pick me up, but "please don't bother"; I can take the bus".

What's a more formal alternative to "please don't bother"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "please do not concern yourself", "please do not feel obliged", or "it's not necessary, thank you".

Is "please don't bother" appropriate in all situations?

While generally polite, "please don't bother" might be too informal for very formal or professional settings. Assess the context and your relationship with the person to ensure it's appropriate.

What's the difference between "please don't bother" and "please don't worry about it"?

"Please don't bother" focuses on preventing someone from taking an action, while "please don't worry about it" reassures someone that there's no need for concern or anxiety. The first aims to avoid an action; the second to allay a feeling.