does not like to be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "does not like to be" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a preference or aversion regarding a particular state or situation. Example: "She does not like to be the center of attention at social gatherings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Elliot does not like to be surprised.

The New Yorker

Mahathir does not like to be contradicted.

The New Yorker

May does not like to be rushed.

The Guardian - Opinion

Emerson said that "nature does not like to be observed".

The New Yorker

He does not like to be told what to do.

The New York Times

Brown, it is plain, does not like to be thwarted.

The Guardian - Opinion

He says he does not like to be talked about.

The Guardian

Huckabee does not like to be thought of as a homophobe.

The New Yorker

For starters, Elliot does not like to be called "El" or "Ellie".

The New Yorker

"This elephant does not like to be ordered about by others than its first mahout".

The New York Times - Magazine

And the corollary of that is that he does not like to be crossed.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use “does not like to be” to express a clear preference against a specific state or action. For example, “He "does not like to be" interrupted during meetings.”

Common error

Avoid using “"does not like to be"” when a more active construction would be clearer and more direct. Instead of “The report "does not like to be" read by anyone,” consider “No one reads the report.”

Linguistic Context

The phrase “does not like to be” functions as a verbal expression indicating a negative preference or aversion. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent usage in various contexts. The structure follows the pattern: auxiliary verb ('does') + negation ('not') + verb ('like') + infinitive ('to be').

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, “does not like to be” is a versatile phrase used to express aversion or preference. Ludwig AI analysis confirms it's grammatically correct and common in English, especially in News & Media. While universally understood, consider formality when choosing between "does not like to be" and alternatives like "dislikes being" in formal writing. Be mindful of overuse and passive voice; prioritize direct language for clarity. Ultimately, “does not like to be” serves as a reliable way to communicate personal aversions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dislikes being

Replaces the multi-word phrase with a single verb expressing aversion.

is not fond of being

Uses a more formal and slightly less direct way of expressing dislike.

is not keen on being

Uses a more informal and conversational expression of dislike, common in British English.

avoids being

Focuses on avoidance of a situation rather than dislike.

cannot stand being

Emphasizes a strong feeling of aversion or intolerance.

is averse to being

Employs a more formal and emphatic expression of dislike.

is unhappy about being

Focuses on the feeling of unhappiness resulting from a situation.

is reluctant to be

Indicates hesitation or unwillingness rather than outright dislike.

objects to being

Expresses a formal disapproval or opposition to something.

resents being

Suggests a feeling of indignation or bitterness about a particular situation.

FAQs

How can I rephrase the expression "does not like to be"?

You can use alternatives like "dislikes being", "is not fond of being", or "avoids being" depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "does not like to be" in formal writing?

Yes, the phrase "does not like to be" is grammatically correct and can be used in formal writing. However, consider using more sophisticated alternatives like "is averse to being" for a more formal tone.

What is the difference between "does not like to be" and "dislikes being"?

While both phrases convey a similar meaning, "does not like to be" is slightly more verbose. "Dislikes being" is more concise and can often be used interchangeably, but the choice depends on the desired tone and rhythm of the sentence.

How to use "does not like to be" in a sentence?

You can use "does not like to be" to express a preference against a particular state or action. For example, "She "does not like to be" the center of attention" or "He "does not like to be" interrupted."