[Grammar] how to use bother

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kwfine

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Feb 3, 2008
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British English
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Australia
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Hong Kong
Dear teachers,

Here are two example sentences that I really need your help to clarify:

(1):
Why don't you bother to take a bath?
(Should the receiver take or not take a bath?)
(2):
Why did you bother to call her?
(She should call or should not call?)

Thank you

Kitty.
 

Raymott

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Jun 29, 2008
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Academic
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Dear teachers,

Here are two example sentences that I really need your help to clarify:

(1):
Why don't you bother to take a bath?
(Should the receiver take or not take a bath?)
He should, if he cares what the asker thinks.
It means "Why don't you take the trouble to have a bath occasionally; you stink!"


(2):
Why did you bother to call her? = Past Tense
(She should call or should not call?)
She has already called. The questioner is asking her why she bothered.

Thank you

Kitty.
R
 

kwfine

Member
Joined
Feb 3, 2008
Member Type
Student or Learner
Native Language
British English
Home Country
Australia
Current Location
Hong Kong
Thanks, Raymott, and mmasny
 
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