do not gel

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "do not gel" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation where two or more things do not fit well together or do not work harmoniously. Example: "The new marketing strategy and the existing brand image do not gel, leading to confusion among customers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

"I don't want it to be challenging dexterity-wise or logic-wise, because emotion and rationality do not gel together".

The New York Times - Arts

Blythman dismisses those who eat from "a mongrel menu that cannibalises world cuisine and spawns meals that do not gel into a coherent whole because they lack any sound unifying principle".

The Guardian - Books

By the time Citi announces its first-quarter profits next week, analysts will once again be focused on the here and now, not tomorrow's promised jam.Moreover, it isn't clear what the restructuring will do to solve Citi's biggest problem: its agglomeration of businesses brought together, but not properly integrated, by Mr Weill still do not gel.

The Economist

After all, they do not gel with South Korea's modern, international image.

BBC

The microgel/PEG mixtures containing no salt do not gel upon heating, however, they gel at physiological pH and ionic strength.

Polymer

Statements like this do not gel with recent actions that indicate Napolitano's desire to overhaul U.S. detention practices, such as creating a new advisory position to focus on these issues.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

They don't gel".

The Guardian - Books

In the songs that don't gel, however, a trait that is both Travis's greatest flaw and its greatest asset is amplified: its ordinariness.

The New York Times

While the dance sequences aptly explore the beauty, strength and precision of football, they don't gel with the caravan narrative.

The Guardian

On the other hand, though, if you don't gel with the town's nightlife and vibe, you may not have the best experience.

Independent

Other routines don't gel as gags in the usual sense; two adjacent flats are shot to look like a single space, so that neighbours appear to inhabit the same room.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "do not gel" to describe situations where elements or ideas are incompatible or fail to form a cohesive whole. It's particularly effective when discussing abstract concepts or relationships where a smooth integration is expected.

Common error

Avoid using "do not gel" to describe purely physical incompatibilities (e.g., materials that don't bond). Opt for more literal descriptions like "do not adhere" or "do not mix properly" in those cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "do not gel" functions as a predicate in sentences, indicating a lack of cohesion, compatibility, or harmony between two or more elements. Ludwig AI indicates that it follows standard grammar rules.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

21%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "do not gel" is a grammatically sound and acceptably common way to express a lack of compatibility or cohesion. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While it's versatile enough for both neutral and informal settings, avoid using it for physical incompatibilities. Use it effectively to describe situations where different elements fail to create a unified or harmonious whole. Related phrases like "do not mesh" or "are not compatible" can provide suitable alternatives depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

do not mesh

Replaces "gel" with "mesh", implying a lack of coordination or fitting together.

do not align

Focuses on a lack of agreement or correspondence between elements.

do not harmonize

Emphasizes the absence of a pleasing or coherent combination.

are not compatible

Uses a more formal tone to express a lack of suitability or consistency.

do not synchronize

Highlights the lack of simultaneous or coordinated movement or action.

do not integrate

Indicates a failure to combine or unify separate elements into a whole.

do not click

Employs a more informal expression to suggest a lack of connection or understanding.

do not resonate

Suggests a lack of emotional or intellectual connection or agreement.

do not coalesce

Uses a more formal and technical term to describe a failure to unite or fuse.

are not in sync

Implies a lack of coordination or agreement, often in terms of timing or rhythm.

FAQs

How can I use "do not gel" in a sentence?

You can use "do not gel" to describe situations where ideas, people, or elements don't combine effectively. For instance, "The new marketing strategy and the existing brand image "do not gel", leading to confusion among customers."

What's a more formal way to say "do not gel"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "are not compatible" or "do not integrate". These alternatives convey a similar meaning with increased sophistication.

What can I say instead of "do not gel" in an informal setting?

In informal contexts, you might use phrases like "do not click" or "are not in sync". These options offer a more casual way to express a lack of compatibility.

Is it correct to use "do not gel" when referring to physical objects?

While "do not gel" is generally used for abstract concepts, it is less appropriate for physical objects. Instead, consider using terms like "do not adhere" or "do not mix" for concrete situations.