does not engage

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "does not engage" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a lack of involvement or participation in an activity or conversation. Example: "The student does not engage in class discussions, which affects their overall learning experience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He does not engage.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He does not engage in witty banter.

The Guardian - Film

Beijing does not engage in arguments.

The New York Times

Sheriff Arpaio does not engage in traditional campaigning.

The New York Times

Alber Elbaz does not engage in this kind of behavior.

The New Yorker

But the site does not engage in spoiling.

The New York Times - Tech

Burton does not engage in irresponsible speculation or rumor-mongering.

The New Yorker

"Tell Me a Story" does not engage in soul-searching.

The New York Times - Arts

HBP does not engage in aggressive tax planning schemes.

Harvard Business Review

Stanford typically does not engage in joint fundraising.

Stanford University

The country does not engage in significant economic activity in the forestry sector.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "does not engage", consider the specific nuance you wish to convey: active avoidance, passive lack of involvement, or formal refusal. Choose a synonym if a more precise meaning is needed.

Common error

Avoid using "does not engage" in highly informal contexts where simpler phrases like "doesn't get involved" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "does not engage" functions as a verbal phrase indicating a lack of action or participation. It is commonly used to describe someone or something that is not involved in a particular activity or discussion. As shown in the Ludwig examples, the phrase is used to describe the actions of people, organizations and systems.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

20%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "does not engage" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote a lack of participation or involvement. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability and provides numerous examples across various domains. While versatile, it leans towards a formal or neutral register, suitable for news, academic, and professional settings. When writing, be mindful of the specific context to ensure the phrase accurately conveys the intended meaning and level of formality. Consider alternative phrases like "refrains from participating" or "avoids involvement" for subtle nuances. Avoiding overuse in informal contexts will enhance the clarity and appropriateness of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

doesn't get involved

A more informal way of saying that someone does not participate.

refrains from participating

Emphasizes a conscious decision to abstain from participation.

avoids involvement

Highlights an active effort to stay away from being involved.

takes no part in

A formal and emphatic way of stating non-participation.

declines to participate

Focuses on a formal refusal to take part.

abstains from taking part

Suggests a deliberate and often moral decision to not participate.

shies away from

Implies reluctance or timidity in approaching or participating.

stays aloof from

Conveys a sense of detachment and emotional distance.

remains uninvolved

Indicates a lack of participation without necessarily implying an active choice.

keeps distance from

Suggests avoiding close contact or participation to maintain separation.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "does not engage"?

Alternatives include "refrains from participating", "avoids involvement", or "declines to participate", depending on the desired nuance and formality.

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

You might say, "The company does not engage in aggressive tax planning schemes" or "The student does not engage in class discussions."

What's the difference between "does not engage" and "doesn't participate"?

"Does not engage" is slightly more formal than "doesn't participate". The best choice depends on the context and intended audience.

Is "does not engage" suitable for academic writing?

Yes, "does not engage" is perfectly suitable for academic writing, as it conveys a formal and professional tone.