does not call

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "does not call" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone or something fails to make a phone call or does not reach out in communication. Example: "She does not call her friends as often as she used to."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Sometimes the situation does not call for anything else".

Huffington Post

She does not call.

The New Yorker

Olbermann does not call games.

The New York Times - Sports

(Slimane does not call himself an artist).

The New Yorker

But when he does not call back quickly, she frets.

The New York Times

The Senate bill does not call for such competition.

The New York Times

Ms. Pirro does not call him a suspect.

The New York Times

But Warner does not call the signals off the field.

The New York Times - Sports

Mayor Giuliani's wife does not call herself Mrs. Giuliani.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

As mentioned earlier, Bumphunter does not call DMRs where the CpG coverage is sparse.

Epigenetics and Chromatin

Sack gardening does not call for big space.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "does not call" to describe a lack of action, ensure the subject and context are clear to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of "He does not call", specify "He does not call his mother often".

Common error

Avoid assuming that "does not call" exclusively refers to phone calls. While common, it can also imply a lack of any form of communication, such as emails or messages. Be specific to avoid confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "does not call" primarily functions as a verb phrase, indicating the absence of a phone call or communication attempt. Examples from Ludwig demonstrate its use in describing someone who isn't making calls or when a situation doesn't require something specific.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "does not call" is a versatile verb phrase used to indicate a lack of communication or a situation where calling is absent. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, primarily in News & Media and Science. While generally neutral in register, its specific meaning can vary based on the context, so be mindful of potential ambiguities. Common alternatives include "doesn't phone", "fails to contact", and "doesn't reach out". These alternatives may be more contextually appropriate depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

doesn't phone

Simple synonym indicating a lack of telephone communication.

fails to contact

Indicates a failure to establish communication.

does not contact

A formal way of saying someone isn't making contact.

never calls

Emphasizes the complete absence of calls.

doesn't reach out

Suggests a lack of effort to connect with someone.

does not communicate

A broader term for not engaging in any form of communication.

refrains from calling

Indicates a deliberate choice not to call.

avoids calling

Suggests actively trying not to call.

omits to call

A more formal and less common way of saying someone forgets or neglects to call.

is not named

In the context of terminology, this indicates something goes by a different name.

FAQs

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

You can use "does not call" to indicate a lack of communication. For example, "She "does not call" her parents as often as she should", or "The company "does not call" back after the initial interview".

What are some alternatives to "does not call"?

Alternatives include "doesn't phone", "fails to contact", or "doesn't reach out", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "do not call" instead of "does not call"?

No, "do not call" is used with plural subjects (e.g., "They do not call") or the pronoun "I" or "you" (e.g., "I do not call", "You do not call"). "Does not call" is used with singular subjects (e.g., "He does not call", "She does not call", "It "does not call" for that kind of action").

What's the difference between "does not call" and "never calls"?

"Does not call" indicates a general lack of calling, while "never calls" emphasizes that calling has not occurred at any time. The latter is stronger and suggests a complete absence of communication.