Cool MateDon't bother vs Don't worry
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Don't bother
InformalTop 2,000 (common)
Don't worry
Top 2,000 (common)
Most formal: Don't worry
| Don't bother | Don't worry | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //dəʊnt ˈbɒðə//🇺🇸 //doʊnt ˈbɑːðər// | 🇬🇧 //dəʊnt ˈwʌri//🇺🇸 //doʊnt ˈwɜri// |
| Meaning | Don't waste your time or effort. | A way to tell someone not to be anxious. |
| Example | You can try to convince her, but honestly, don't bother. | You'll be fine on your exam, so just don't worry. |
| Register | Informal | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| Collocations | don't bother me, don't bother asking, don't bother waiting | don't worry about it, don't worry too much, don't worry, everything will be fine |
| Antonyms | - | worry, fret, stress |
| Common mistakes | Using 'don't' instead of 'do not' in formal writing., 'Bother' is sometimes misused as 'to annoy' rather than 'to make an effort'. | Omitting 'don't' and saying 'worry'., Using it in overly serious contexts., Confusing with 'don't care'. |
| Usage notes | Use 'don't bother' to advise someone against doing something unnecessary. It's informal; avoid in formal contexts. | Use in reassuring contexts; avoid in serious situations where worry is justified. |
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Frequently asked questions: Don't bother vs Don't worry
What's the difference between Don't bother and Don't worry?
Don't bother: Don't waste your time or effort. Don't worry: A way to tell someone not to be anxious.
Which is more formal: Don't bother and Don't worry?
Don't worry is the most formal of these.
Can you show an example of each?
Don't bother: You can try to convince her, but honestly, don't bother. Don't worry: You'll be fine on your exam, so just don't worry.
Can I use Don't bother and Don't worry interchangeably?
Not always. Don't bother and Don't worry are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.