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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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does not get

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "does not get" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone or something fails to understand, receive, or experience something. Example: "She does not get the joke, which is why she isn't laughing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It does not get better.

He does not get up.

News & Media

The New York Times

This does not get old.

"He does not get rattled.

He does not get defensive.

News & Media

The New York Times

Google does not get wit.

News & Media

The Guardian

Hernández does not get unnerved.

It does not get easier.

The crowd does not get far.

News & Media

Independent

It does not get any easier.

News & Media

The New York Times

Money does not get made without games.

News & Media

The New York Times
Show more...

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "does not get", ensure the context clearly indicates what is not being understood, received, or attained. For example, instead of saying "He does not get it", specify "He does not get the joke".

Common error

Avoid using "does not get" with vague pronouns like "it" without providing context. This can confuse the reader. Instead, clarify what "it" refers to, such as "He does not get the concept".

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

87%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "does not get" functions primarily as a negative verb phrase, indicating a lack of understanding, attainment, or experience. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples showing its usage across various contexts to negate the action of "getting".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "does not get" is a very common and grammatically sound negative verb phrase used to express a lack of understanding, attainment, or experience. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent use across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While appropriate for neutral registers, more formal alternatives might be preferred in specific contexts. When using the phrase, it's important to provide clear context to avoid ambiguity. The Ludwig analysis reveals that this phrase is well-established and effectively communicates a negative state.

FAQs

What does "does not get" mean?

The phrase "does not get" generally means someone fails to understand something, doesn't receive something, or doesn't experience something.

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

You can use "does not get" to indicate a lack of understanding, such as "She "does not get" the joke". It can also mean not receiving something, for example, "He "does not get" enough sleep".

What can I say instead of "does not get"?

You can use alternatives like "fails to understand", "does not comprehend", or "does not receive" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "doesn't get" instead of "does not get"?

"Doesn't get" is a contraction of "does not get". Both are correct, but "doesn't get" is more informal. Use "does not get" in more formal writing.

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Source & Trust

87%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: