does not belong

USAGE SUMMARY

"does not belong" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is out of place or not a part of a group or collection. For example, "This book does not belong in this section of the library."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The soldier does not belong.

The New York Times

"It does not belong to a member.

The New York Times

The future does not belong to capitalism!

The New York Times

"This sea does not belong to you".

The New York Times

Yemen does not belong to the bloc.

The New York Times

Yemen does not belong to the council.

The New York Times

"This land does not belong to you".

The New York Times

does not belong to any directory.

Stanford University

Taiwan does not belong to China.

The New York Times

He does not belong to that club.

The New York Times - Arts

Child custody does not belong in court.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "does not belong" to clearly indicate when something is out of place or not a legitimate part of a group, system, or context.

Common error

While versatile, overuse of "does not belong" can sound repetitive. Consider more nuanced alternatives like "is extraneous to" or "is inconsistent with" in formal writing to add variety and precision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "does not belong" functions as a declarative statement indicating that something is not a proper member or part of a specific group, place, or context. Ludwig examples show it used to express exclusion or inappropriateness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Academia

6%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "does not belong" is a versatile phrase used to indicate that something is out of place, not a member of a group, or inappropriate for a specific context. Ludwig AI confirms it's correct and usable in written English. While common in various settings, including news and media, formal writing might benefit from considering more nuanced alternatives to avoid repetitiveness. The examples provided by Ludwig illustrate its use in diverse scenarios, emphasizing its role in expressing exclusion and misplacement. Therefore, understanding its function and context is crucial for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is not a part of

Emphasizes the lack of inclusion within a group or system.

is misplaced in

Focuses on the item being in the wrong location or context.

is out of place

Focuses on the inappropriateness of something in a specific setting, rather than its inherent belonging.

is not suited to

Indicates a lack of compatibility or fitness for a specific purpose or context.

is inappropriate for

Highlights the unsuitability of something for a particular situation.

is alien to

Implies that something is foreign or unfamiliar in a given context.

is foreign to

Highlights that something is from another place or concept.

is extraneous to

Suggests that something is unnecessary or irrelevant to a particular situation.

is inconsistent with

Highlights a lack of harmony or agreement with a set of standards or expectations.

is irrelevant to

Emphasizes the lack of connection or importance to a particular subject.

FAQs

How can I use "does not belong" in a sentence?

You can use "does not belong" to indicate that something is not a part of a particular group or is out of place. For example, "That file "does not belong" in this folder" or "He "does not belong" in this team".

What are some alternatives to "does not belong"?

Alternatives include "is out of place", "is not a part of", or "is inappropriate for", depending on the specific context.

Is it ever incorrect to use "does not belong"?

While grammatically correct, using "does not belong" might be too direct or informal for certain formal contexts. In such cases, consider more nuanced phrases like "is extraneous to" or "is inconsistent with".

What's the difference between "does not belong" and "is not related to"?

"Does not belong" implies a lack of membership or inclusion, while "is not related to" suggests a lack of connection or relevance. For instance, "That document "does not belong" in this file" indicates it shouldn't be there, whereas "That document "is not related to" the project" means it's irrelevant to the project.