Phrase Explanation: Why Bother

The phrase “why bother” is often used when a person feels that an action is pointless, unnecessary, or will not change the outcome of a situation. It’s similar to saying, “What’s the point?” or “Why should I make the effort?”.

Here are two examples in sentences:

Example 1:
After several unsuccessful attempts to fix his old, unreliable car, Jack finally said, “Why bother? It’s time to buy a new one.”

Example 2:
Laura looked at the stack of papers she had to grade by the next morning and sighed, “Why bother? These students don’t care about learning.”

Here are two examples in conversation:

Example 3:
Ben: I’m thinking about redoing this entire project.
Emma: Why bother? The deadline is tomorrow, and what you have is good enough.

Example 4:
Lucy: Should we try to get front row seats for the concert?
Mark: Why bother? We’ll be able to hear the music just fine from the back.

So, when someone says “why bother“, they’re expressing frustration, skepticism, or a sense of futility about a particular situation or task.

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