does not say

USAGE SUMMARY

'does not say' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that someone has not expressed their opinion on something, or that something is deliberately not being stated or revealed. For example: "The note was unsigned, so it does not say who wrote it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He does not say.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr Stern does not say.

The Economist

The S.E.C. does not say.

The New York Times

The book does not say.

The Economist

It does not say that".

The New Yorker

History does not say.

The New York Times - Arts

Harcourt does not say.

The New York Times

Schlosser does not say.

The Guardian

Worth does not say.

The New York Times

To what end, it does not say.

The New York Times

This does not say what we meant.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "does not say", ensure the context is clear. Specify what information is missing and why it's relevant to the discussion.

Common error

Avoid assuming intent or drawing unwarranted conclusions simply because a source "does not say" something. Focus on what is explicitly stated, and only infer cautiously.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "does not say" primarily functions as a declarative statement indicating the absence of specific information within a given context. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is commonly used to highlight omissions in texts or statements. Examples in Ludwig show its application in news, academic writing, and general discourse.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "does not say" is a versatile and commonly used phrase for neutrally indicating the absence of specific information. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. It is prevalent in News & Media and Science, serving to highlight omissions or encourage further inquiry. To use it effectively, specify what is missing, why it matters, and avoid jumping to conclusions. Alternatives like "fails to specify" or "omits to mention" can add nuance, but "does not say" remains a clear and reliable choice for most contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

declines to reveal

Indicates a refusal to make something known.

does not disclose

Implies a withholding of information.

doesn't make clear

Highlights the absence of clarification on a particular topic.

fails to specify

Emphasizes the absence of detailed information.

avoids mentioning

Highlights the act of steering clear of a particular topic.

refrains from stating

Indicates a deliberate avoidance of making a particular statement.

omits to mention

Highlights the act of intentionally leaving something unsaid.

leaves unexpressed

Focuses on the lack of outward articulation.

neglects to add

Focuses on an oversight in providing additional information.

keeps silent about

Suggests a conscious decision not to reveal something.

FAQs

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

Use "does not say" to indicate that a particular piece of information is absent from a statement or text. For example, "The report "does not say" how the funds were allocated".

What is a more formal way to say "does not say"?

In formal writing, you can use alternatives like "fails to specify", "omits to mention", or "declines to reveal" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to use "doesn't say" instead of "does not say"?

Yes, "doesn't say" is a contraction of "does not say" and is perfectly acceptable in informal contexts. However, ""does not say"" is generally preferred in formal writing.

How does "does not say" differ from "does not imply"?

"Does not say" indicates that something is not explicitly stated, while "does not imply" suggests that something is not hinted at or suggested. The former focuses on explicit content, and the latter on implicit meaning.