Definition

Verb phrase: - To make the effort or take the time to do something, often implying a slight inconvenience or that the action is not strictly necessary. It frequently appears in negative constructions or questions to suggest that the effort is not warranted.

Usage

This phrase is used to describe the act of exerting oneself to perform a task. It often carries a nuance that the action requires more effort than one is willing to give, or it is used to politely tell someone their effort is not required. - It is commonly used in the negative form: "do not trouble oneself" or "did not trouble to." - It can be used in questions to express that an action is unnecessary: "Why trouble yourself?" - It is often followed by an infinitive verb (to + verb).

Examples

Advanced Usage

• "not trouble oneself over/with/about": To not concern oneself with a particular issue or detail.
  • Don't trouble yourself over the arrangements; everything is taken care of.
• "trouble oneself to do something": The standard construction for making the specific effort.
  • Few people trouble themselves to vote in local elections.

Variants and Related Words

• Trouble (verb): To cause inconvenience or distress to someone.
  • May I trouble you for a glass of water?
• Troubled (adjective): Showing distress or anxiety.
  • She had a troubled expression.

Synonyms

• Bother: To take the time or effort.
  • Don't bother locking the door.
• Inconvenience oneself: To go out of one's way.
• Take the trouble: To make a special effort.
  • He took the trouble to write a thank-you note.

Related Phrases

• "Don't trouble trouble until trouble troubles you": A proverb advising not to worry about problems before they actually occur.
• "Go to the trouble": To make a significant effort.
  • You shouldn't have gone to the trouble of cooking a feast.

Verb

1. take the trouble to do something; concern oneself
   • He did not trouble to call his mother on her birthday
   • Don't bother, please