did not belong

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "did not belong" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone or something was not a part of a particular group, place, or situation. Example: "She felt that she did not belong in the elite social circle that surrounded her."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Here it did not belong.

The New York Times

We looked like we did not belong".

The New York Times - Sports

Backboards did not belong to him.

The New York Times - Sports

An International Freedom Center did not belong there.

The New York Times

But Escher did not belong to any movement.

The Guardian - Arts

The body, however, did not belong to their son.

The Guardian

But, crucially, he did not belong to any paramilitary outfit.

The Guardian

"The material removed did not belong to the Labour party.

The Guardian

"He did not belong to any political party.

The Guardian

Biancone said the substance did not belong to him.

The New York Times

They did not belong to clubs or play sports.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "did not belong" to express a clear sense of exclusion or incongruity, whether physical, social, or conceptual. For example, "The modern sculpture did not belong in the antique-filled room."

Common error

Avoid using "did not belong" when you mean to indicate ownership. Instead of saying "The book did not belong to him", say "The book was not his" or "He did not own the book".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "did not belong" functions as a declarative statement expressing a lack of association or fittingness. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is correct and usable. It often describes a mismatch between a subject and its environment, context, or group.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

10%

Huffington Post

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "did not belong" is a versatile expression used to indicate a lack of fittingness or association. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely used, particularly in News & Media. It serves to highlight exclusion or incongruity, with neutral tone appropriate for various contexts. Related phrases include ""was out of place"" or ""did not fit in"", offering alternative ways to express similar ideas. When writing, ensure to avoid using "did not belong" in contexts related to ownership.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

did not fit in

Emphasizes a lack of social integration or compatibility.

had no place in

Indicates a lack of relevance or justification within a particular context.

was out of place

Suggests a lack of suitability or appropriateness in a specific environment.

felt like an outsider

Focuses on the subjective experience of being excluded or different.

was alien to

Suggests a sense of unfamiliarity or foreignness.

was not a member of

Highlights the absence of affiliation with a specific group or organization.

was detached from

Highlights a state of separation or emotional distance.

was separate from

Indicates a clear distinction or lack of integration.

was not cut out for

Implies a lack of inherent suitability or aptitude for a role or situation.

did not have a connection to

Emphasizes the absence of a meaningful link or relationship.

FAQs

What does "did not belong" mean?

The phrase "did not belong" indicates that someone or something was not a natural or appropriate part of a particular group, place, or situation. It suggests a sense of exclusion or incompatibility.

How can I use "did not belong" in a sentence?

You can use "did not belong" to describe a person who feels like an outsider, an object that is out of place, or an idea that is irrelevant. For instance, "She felt that she "did not fit in" with her new colleagues" or "That comment "was out of place" during the solemn ceremony".

What are some alternatives to "did not belong"?

Alternatives to "did not belong" include phrases like ""was out of place"", ""did not fit in"", or "was not a member of". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "did not belong to"?

Yes, it is correct to say "did not belong to". This phrase indicates that something is not owned or associated with a particular person or group. For example, "The car "did not belong" to him".