Which one of these sentences is correct?
- I don't bother to study.
- I don't bother studying.
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Antony Quinn is correct, but I think it could do with a little more explanation. No. 1 is perfectly understandable, but would not be used by a native English speaker. However, compare the following: 3) I won't bother to look for it 4) I won't bother looking for it In my view 3 is just as acceptable as 4. I think the difference in the two cases is to do with whether it is a specific or a general statement: to my intuition the "-ing" form is strongly preferred for a general sense, but not when a specific occasion is being referred to. Also note that the almost synonymous phrase "can't be bothered" prefers the "to" form, though the "-ing" form is also found. |
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Number 2 is correct: I don't bother studying. |
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From my (UK) perspective, "bother to study" sounds correct, and "bother studying" sounds colloquial. However, the implied casualness of "I don't bother" seems to establish a preference for the colloquial version. |
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