did not gain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "did not gain" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that someone or something failed to achieve or acquire a particular benefit, advantage, or result. Example: "Despite his efforts, he did not gain the recognition he deserved for his hard work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We did not gain anything else.

The Guardian

The children who drank diet drinks did not gain weight.

The New York Times

But the union did not gain recognition at St . Johns.

The New York Times

He did not gain a yard on either attempt.

The New York Times - Sports

"Some did not gain in fitness," he added.

The New York Times - Health

Britain and France did not gain control of the canal.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Women did not gain the franchise until 1920.

The New Yorker

The momentum, however, did not gain traction in some areas.

The Washington Post

That case did not gain traction with the N.C.A.A.

The New York Times - Sports

But Johnson did not gain on Sterling Marlin, the points leader, even though Marlin finished fourth.

The New York Times - Sports

"The man, who had been drinking, did not gain access to the palace.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "did not gain", ensure the context clearly specifies what was not achieved or acquired. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using incorrect prepositions after "did not gain". For instance, instead of saying "did not gain on success", say "did not gain success". The word "on" is unnecessary in this case.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "did not gain" functions as a negative verb phrase, indicating the absence of an action or result. As shown by Ludwig AI, it's used to negate the idea of obtaining something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

13%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "did not gain" is a versatile phrase used to express a lack of achievement or acquisition. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly found across various sources, particularly in news, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts. When using this phrase, clarity is key, ensuring the context clearly specifies what was not achieved. Alternatives like "failed to acquire" or "did not achieve" can provide nuanced variations in meaning. Overall, "did not gain" is a reliable and effective way to communicate the absence of a desired outcome.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

failed to acquire

Emphasizes the lack of obtaining something specific.

did not achieve

Focuses on the lack of accomplishment.

did not attain

Highlights the failure to reach a certain level or status.

did not secure

Emphasizes the lack of gaining control or possession.

did not earn

Focuses on the absence of deserving or meriting something.

did not develop

Highlights a failure in growth or progression.

did not win

Specifically indicates a failure to triumph or be victorious.

did not receive

Focuses on the lack of getting something given or sent.

did not procure

Emphasizes a lack of successful effort to get something.

did not capture

Highlights failing to seize or record something.

FAQs

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

Use "did not gain" to express a lack of achievement or acquisition. For example, "Despite the effort, the company "did not gain" market share".

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

You can use alternatives like "failed to acquire", "did not achieve", or "did not attain" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "did not gain" or "gained not"?

"Did not gain" is the correct and standard English construction. "Gained not" is archaic and rarely used in modern English.

What's the difference between "did not gain" and "failed to gain"?

While similar, ""did not gain"" simply states a lack of achievement. "Failed to gain" implies an attempt was made but was unsuccessful.