did not touch

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "did not touch" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that someone or something refrained from making physical contact with another person or object. Example: "Despite the temptation, she did not touch the delicate sculpture on display."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The guards did not touch him.

The New York Times

But he did not touch his camera.

The New Yorker

They did not touch the ball again.

The New York Times - Sports

This week's tornadoes did not touch it.

The Economist

Accused Yamanaka did not touch the prioners.

University of California, Berkeley

But they did not touch Punjab.

The Washington Post

They did not touch its source.

The New York Times

He did not touch many balls.

The New York Times - Sports

He did not touch the carriage.

The New York Times

But she did not touch him.

The New York Times

But Litvinenko did not touch his drink.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "did not touch", ensure the context clearly indicates what was avoided and why. This phrase is effective for emphasizing the absence of physical interaction, whether intentional or unintentional.

Common error

Avoid constructing overly passive sentences with "did not touch". Instead of saying "The vase was not touched by anyone", consider "No one touched the vase" for a more direct and impactful statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "did not touch" primarily functions as a verbal phrase expressing the negation of a physical action. Ludwig's examples show it used to negate contact with objects, people, or concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

19%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "did not touch" is a versatile and common expression used to denote the absence of physical contact or interaction. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. The phrase is frequently found in news reports, scientific publications, and academic writing. While neutral in tone, it is crucial to provide context on what was not touched and why. Consider alternatives like "remained untouched" or "avoided contact with" to add nuance. Avoiding passive constructions will enhance the impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

refrained from touching

Emphasizes the conscious decision to abstain from physical contact.

remained untouched

Emphasizes the state of being unaffected or undisturbed.

left untouched

Similar to "remained untouched", but focuses on the act of leaving something undisturbed.

avoided contact with

Highlights the deliberate act of preventing physical interaction.

did not handle

Specifically refers to not taking something in hand or manipulating it.

was not in contact with

Highlights the lack of physical connection or proximity.

kept away from

Implies maintaining a distance to prevent touching.

did not lay a hand on

Emphasizes a complete absence of physical force or manipulation.

never came into contact with

Stresses the absence of any physical meeting.

steered clear of

Suggests a deliberate effort to avoid a situation or object that might lead to contact.

FAQs

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

You can use "did not touch" to indicate a lack of physical contact. For example, "He "did not touch" the exhibit to avoid setting off the alarm" or "The tornado "did not touch" down in the city center".

What are some alternatives to "did not touch"?

Alternatives include "remained untouched", "avoided contact with", or "left untouched", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Both "did not touch" and "didn't touch" are grammatically correct. "Didn't touch" is a contraction and is more informal, while "did not touch" is more formal and emphasizes the lack of contact. The choice depends on the tone and context of your writing.

What's the difference between "did not touch" and "never touched"?

"Did not touch" implies a specific instance or period where contact was avoided. "Never touched" implies that contact has not occurred at any time in the past. For instance, "He "did not touch" the painting today" versus "He "never touched" a musical instrument in his life".