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I shouldn't bother vs i shouldn't bothered

The correct phrase is 'I shouldn't bother.' The verb 'bother' should be in the base form after 'shouldn't.' 'I shouldn't bothered' is incorrect, although "I shouldn't have bothered" is correct.
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Explained by Jennifer
Editor at TextRanch

Last updated: October 14, 2024 • 14144 views

I shouldn't bother

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

This phrase is used to express that one should not make an effort or take the trouble to do something.
  • I'm sorry, I can't help it, but I shouldn't bother you at night because I have sleeping pills.
  • I'm sorry, I shouldn't bother you anymore.
  • Eli said I shouldn't bother.
  • Mama tells me I shouldn't bother

i shouldn't bothered

This phrase is incorrect in English. The verb 'bothered' is the past participle form and should not be used after 'shouldn't.'

  • I see now I shouldn't have bothered.
  • I shouldn't have bothered you.
  • Captain. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have bothered you this late.
  • I guess I shouldn't have bothered you today.
  • You'll tell me that I shouldn't have bothered and, while you're showing me around your house, shaped like a ship, your wife will be cooking a turkey.
  • I probably shouldn't have bothered you with this. I know I don't really have any hard evidence.
  • He takes pictures, but he hasn't bothered anyone.
  • Even dogs aren't bothered when they eat.
  • Especially for people who haven't bothered to read the book.
  • The rest of you haven't bothered me.
  • They haven't bothered to fuel it, good.
  • Mind you, I haven't bothered yet.
  • They weren't bothered at all because they had once witnessed a motorcycle stunt go horribly wrong.
  • I wish you hadn't bothered, thank you.
  • Since Mother's death... I haven't bothered about my new patent.
  • Hasn't bothered me in months.
  • More importantly, his girlfriend's wearing new uncomfortable underwear and hasn't bothered to pick this thread off his jacket, or point out the grease smudge on his neck.
  • I haven't bothered you at all, even though I'm...
  • I haven't bothered anyone for almost 40 years now.
  • Only one guy at Oregon can do that, and he hasn't bothered to try.

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