did not budge

USAGE SUMMARY

"did not budge" is a correct phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation in which someone or something is unwilling to move or change, for example: "The door was locked shut and no matter how hard I pulled, it did not budge."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It did not budge.

The New York Times

Steinbrenner did not budge.

The New York Times - Sports

He did not budge.

The New York Times

Arafat did not budge.

The New York Times - Books

We did not budge.

The Guardian - Opinion

The needle did not budge.

The New York Times

The government did not budge.

The Economist

The vehicle did not budge.

The New York Times

But he did not budge.

The Economist

The patient did not budge.

The New York Times

The Navy did not budge.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "did not budge" to clearly convey a lack of movement, change, or compromise in a situation. It's effective when highlighting resistance to external forces or internal pressure.

Common error

While versatile, "did not budge" can sound informal in highly formal or academic writing. Consider alternatives like "remained firm" or "refused to yield" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "did not budge" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to describe a subject's refusal to move, change, or compromise. As supported by Ludwig, it signifies resistance to external forces or internal pressure.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Wiki

3%

Sports

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "did not budge" is a versatile verb phrase indicating a refusal to move, change, or compromise. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, as well as informal writing. While generally neutral in register, more formal alternatives may be preferred in academic or highly professional settings. The phrase effectively conveys steadfastness and resistance, making it a useful addition to any writer's vocabulary. Example sentences include those from prestigious sources like The New York Times, The Economist and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remained firm

Focuses on the persistence of a decision or position, emphasizing resolve.

stood their ground

Highlights resistance to pressure or opposition, with a sense of defensiveness.

refused to yield

Emphasizes the act of resisting surrender or compromise.

held fast

Suggests a strong grip or unwavering commitment, often in challenging conditions.

would not move

A more literal alternative emphasizing the lack of physical or figurative movement.

stayed put

Implies remaining in the same location or condition, resisting change or relocation.

remained resolute

Emphasizes a steadfast and unwavering determination in the face of adversity.

was unyielding

Highlights inflexibility and a refusal to concede or compromise.

did not give way

Focuses on resisting pressure or force, maintaining position or structure.

held the line

Emphasizes maintaining a boundary or defending against an advance, often in a competitive context.

FAQs

What does "did not budge" mean?

The phrase "did not budge" means someone or something refused to move, change their position, or compromise, even when faced with pressure or opposition.

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

You can use "did not budge" to describe a person, object, or entity that remained fixed or unyielding, such as, "Despite repeated requests, the company "did not budge" on its pricing policy."

What can I say instead of "did not budge"?

You can use alternatives like "remained firm", "refused to yield", or "stood their ground" depending on the context.

Is "did not budge" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "did not budge" might be considered less formal. For formal writing, consider alternatives such as "remained resolute" or "was unyielding".