does not rule out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "does not rule out" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is still a possibility or has not been excluded from consideration. Example: "The findings of the study are inconclusive and do not rule out the possibility of other contributing factors."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Rogers does not rule out the possibility.

The New York Times - Sports

International control does not rule out Iraqi involvement.

The Economist

But it does not rule out eye donation.

The New York Times

But that does not rule out further appreciation.

The Economist

He does not rule out a "major financial crisis".

The Economist

It does not rule out election in so many words.

The Economist

But it does not rule out the possibility.

The New York Times

But this does not rule out a future candidacy.

The Economist

Willgoose does not rule out working BFI again.

BBC

Plato's argument does not rule out such changes.

SEP

And he does not rule out more blog acquisitions.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "does not rule out" when you want to express that an option or possibility remains open, without making a definitive statement about its likelihood.

Common error

While "does not rule out" is useful, avoid using it excessively in a single piece of writing. Vary your language with alternatives like "doesn't preclude" or "leaves open the possibility" for a more engaging and nuanced text.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "does not rule out" functions as a qualifier, indicating that a particular possibility or option remains viable. It is used to express that something has not been dismissed or excluded from consideration. This aligns with the numerous examples Ludwig provides, showcasing its use across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

56%

News & Media

42%

Encyclopedias

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "does not rule out" is a grammatically sound and very common expression used to indicate that a possibility remains open. Ludwig's AI confirms its correct usage. It is versatile, appearing in both formal and informal contexts, with a slight preference for scientific and news-related domains. While highly useful, varying your vocabulary with alternatives like "doesn't preclude" or "leaves open the possibility" can enhance your writing style. Understanding its function and communicative purpose allows for its effective deployment in diverse scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

doesn't preclude

Replaces "rule out" with "preclude", maintaining a formal tone but altering the vocabulary.

does not exclude

Uses "exclude" instead of "rule out", offering a more direct and slightly less formal alternative.

leaves open the possibility

Emphasizes the openness of a particular outcome, shifting the focus to potential rather than exclusion.

does not dismiss

Replaces "rule out" with "dismiss", indicating that something is still considered or under consideration.

maintains as a possibility

Focuses on the active maintenance of a possibility, highlighting a more deliberate consideration.

allows for the chance

Suggests that circumstances permit a specific opportunity or event.

does not eliminate

Similar to "does not exclude", but with a slightly stronger emphasis on removing something from consideration.

keeps the option available

Highlights the sustained availability of a choice or action.

entertains the idea of

Indicates consideration of a concept without necessarily committing to it.

has not discounted

Implies that a prior assessment or evaluation has not completely rejected something.

FAQs

What does "does not rule out" mean?

The phrase "does not rule out" means that something is still possible or has not been excluded as a potential outcome or explanation.

How can I use "does not rule out" in a sentence?

You can use "does not rule out" to indicate that a specific factor or possibility remains valid or under consideration. For example, "The investigation "does not rule out" foul play."

What can I say instead of "does not rule out"?

You can use alternatives like "doesn't preclude", "does not exclude", or "leaves open the possibility" depending on the context.

Is "does not rule out" formal or informal?

"Does not rule out" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It is commonly used in news articles, scientific papers, and everyday conversations.