does not preclude

USAGE SUMMARY

"does not preclude" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to indicate that something is not a barrier or an obstacle that would prevent something else from happening. Example: The fact that he is not available for a meeting today does not preclude us from proceeding with the project as planned.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Pessimism does not preclude pleasure.

The Economist

Simplicity does not preclude ingenuity.

The New York Times

This does not preclude love.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Decency does not preclude that.

The Guardian - Opinion

That does not preclude their being sexual.

The Economist

One fault does not preclude another.

The New Yorker

But one phenomenon does not preclude another.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But that does not preclude suppressed rage.

The New York Times

Besides, amazement does not preclude anxiety".

The New York Times - Books

This suggests dogma does not preclude movement.

The New York Times

It does not preclude using your head.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "does not preclude" to precisely indicate that one action, condition, or possibility doesn't necessarily prevent another. This is particularly useful in formal writing, legal documents, and technical reports where clarity and accuracy are essential.

Common error

While "does not preclude" is grammatically correct, avoid using it in casual conversations or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "doesn't prevent" or "doesn't rule out" for better clarity and naturalness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "does not preclude" functions as a negative constraint, indicating that a specific condition, action, or possibility does not serve as a barrier to another. Ludwig examples show how this phrase is commonly used to negate a potential obstacle.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "does not preclude" is a grammatically correct phrase that indicates something does not prevent something else from happening. As Ludwig AI highlights, this phrase is widely used across various contexts, notably in news media and scientific literature. While effective in formal settings, simpler alternatives like "doesn't prevent" may be preferable in informal communication. The phrase's function is to clarify that a certain condition isn't necessarily a barrier, serving a crucial role in precision within formal discourse. By understanding its nuances and appropriate contexts, writers can leverage "does not preclude" to enhance clarity and accuracy in their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

does not prevent

This alternative is a more direct and common way of saying that something doesn't stop another thing from happening.

does not rule out

This phrase suggests that something remains a possibility, even if it's not the most likely outcome.

does not exclude

This alternative emphasizes that something is still included or allowed, despite other considerations.

does not hinder

This suggests that something does not impede or obstruct another thing.

does not impede

Similar to "does not hinder", it implies that something does not slow down or obstruct progress.

does not obviate

This is a more formal alternative, suggesting that something does not make another thing unnecessary.

does not eliminate the possibility

This alternative emphasizes that something remains a potential outcome.

is not a barrier to

This phrase frames something as not being an obstacle preventing something else.

is not incompatible with

This indicates that two things can coexist or occur together without conflict.

leaves room for

This suggests that something allows for the possibility of something else occurring.

FAQs

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

You can use "does not preclude" to indicate that one thing does not prevent another from happening. For example: "The lack of prior experience "does not preclude" you from applying for the position."

What are some simpler alternatives to "does not preclude"?

If you're looking for simpler options, consider phrases like "doesn't prevent", "doesn't rule out", or "doesn't exclude". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "does not preclude" or "doesn't preclude"?

Both "does not preclude" and "doesn't preclude" are grammatically correct. The contracted form "doesn't" is more informal, while "does not" is more formal and often preferred in academic or legal writing.

What's the difference between "does not preclude" and "does not exclude"?

While similar, ""does not preclude"" implies something is not necessarily a barrier, "does not exclude" suggests something is still included or allowed. The best choice depends on the specific context.