did not join

USAGE SUMMARY

"did not join" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to show that someone did not take part in an activity or event. For example, "Although the other children went swimming, Sally did not join them."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Politics

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He did not join them.

The Guardian

Mr. Kumar ultimately did not join Galleon.

The New York Times

Croatia did not join in the statement.

The Economist

I did not join them.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But supermarkets did not join the revolution.

The New Yorker

He did not join a political party.

The New York Times

Kim Jong Un did not join him.

The Economist

Mrs. Cusenz did not join the lawsuit.

The New York Times

I did not join the party.

The New York Times

Ronaldo did not join the line.

The New York Times - Sports

But Soledad did not join them.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "did not join", ensure the context clearly indicates what the subject declined to participate in. Ambiguity can arise if the object of the verb is not explicitly stated or easily inferred from the surrounding text.

Common error

Avoid using "did not join" when a stronger term like "opposed" or "boycotted" more accurately reflects the subject's intent. "Did not join" simply indicates non-participation, not necessarily active resistance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "did not join" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating the absence of participation in an action, group, or event. This is supported by Ludwig examples where various subjects intentionally or circumstantially did not join different scenarios.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Sports

12%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Science

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "did not join" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to indicate a lack of participation or affiliation. As confirmed by Ludwig, its usage spans various contexts, ranging from news reports to personal anecdotes. While generally neutral in tone, its precise connotation can vary based on the surrounding text, emphasizing either a deliberate choice or an imposed exclusion. When using this phrase, clarity is key: explicitly state what the subject "did not join" to avoid ambiguity. Considering alternative phrases like "declined to join" or "refrained from joining" can also help refine your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

didn't participate in

A more informal way of saying someone did not take part in something.

refrained from joining

Emphasizes a deliberate choice to abstain, suggesting a more conscious decision.

opted out of joining

Highlights the act of choosing not to participate, often implying a formal process.

declined to join

Indicates a polite refusal to participate, suggesting a formal invitation or offer.

was not involved in

Indicates a lack of connection or engagement with a particular activity or event.

stayed away from

Implies avoidance, suggesting a desire to distance oneself from the activity or group.

was not a part of

Focuses on the lack of membership or inclusion, emphasizing a state of being separate.

took no part in

Emphasizes the absence of involvement, highlighting a lack of action or contribution.

remained separate from

Highlights maintaining a distance or distinct identity from a group or activity.

excused themselves from

Indicates a formal withdrawal or request to be absent, often due to prior commitments.

FAQs

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

Use "did not join" to indicate that someone or something chose not to participate in a specific activity or group. For example, "The company "did not join" the industry coalition."

What are some alternatives to "did not join"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "declined to join", "refrained from joining", or "opted out of joining".

Is it better to say "did not join" or "didn't join"?

"Did not join" and "didn't join" are both grammatically correct, but "didn't join" is more informal. Choose the option that best suits the tone of your writing.

What's the difference between "did not join" and "was not part of"?

"Did not join" implies a decision not to become a member or participant, while "was not part of" simply indicates a lack of inclusion, without necessarily implying a choice. For example, one might say "He "did not join" the team because he was injured," or "He "was not part of" the team because he was cut."