does not sleep

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "does not sleep" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that is always awake or active, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "The city does not sleep, with its vibrant nightlife and bustling streets at all hours."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

God does not sleep".

The New Yorker

He does not sleep much these days.

The New York Times

The garden does not sleep at night.

The New Yorker

Still, he does not sleep well.

The New York Times

But she does not sleep at night.

The Guardian - Books

It does not sleep in my lap.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

"He doesn't sleep.

The New York Times

Science doesn't sleep!

The Guardian

Spam doesn't sleep.

The New York Times - Tech

Sometimes he doesn't sleep.

The New York Times

He doesn't sleep, really.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "does not sleep" in a metaphorical sense, ensure the context clearly supports the intended meaning. For example, saying "the city does not sleep" is effective if the surrounding text emphasizes the city's constant activity.

Common error

Avoid using "does not sleep" literally when describing someone who is simply having trouble sleeping. Instead, opt for more accurate phrases like "has trouble sleeping" or "is experiencing insomnia".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "does not sleep" functions primarily as a verb phrase indicating a state of wakefulness or an inability to sleep. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "does not sleep" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe a state of wakefulness or continuous activity. As Ludwig AI points out, it's adaptable to both literal and metaphorical contexts, appearing often in News & Media and Scientific sources. While alternatives like "is sleepless" or "cannot rest" exist, the choice depends on the desired nuance. Remember to use "does not sleep" accurately, avoiding misinterpretations of literal versus figurative use. Its versatility and common occurrence make it a valuable addition to your vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is sleepless

Describes the condition of being without sleep, differing in its adjectival form.

stays awake

Directly states the act of remaining conscious, differing in its active sense compared to the passive "does not sleep".

is wakeful

Describes a state of being prone to waking or staying awake, offering a more clinical tone.

is wide awake

Indicates a state of complete wakefulness, differing in intensity and directness.

is restless

Implies an inability to relax or be still, suggesting a lack of sleep as a potential cause.

cannot rest

Highlights the inability to find peace or relaxation, differing in its focus on the absence of rest rather than sleep specifically.

never rests

Suggests a constant state of activity, extending beyond just sleep to encompass all forms of relaxation.

loses sleep

Focuses on the deprivation of sleep, implying a struggle or sacrifice.

is vigilant

Emphasizes a state of alertness and watchfulness, often implying a need to be awake for potential threats or responsibilities.

remains active

Highlights continuous engagement or operation, shifting the focus from sleep to general activity.

FAQs

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

You can use "does not sleep" to describe a person or entity that is always awake or active. For example: "The city "never sleeps"" or "He "does not sleep" due to anxiety."

What are some alternatives to "does not sleep"?

Some alternatives include "is sleepless", "cannot rest", or "stays awake". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it more common to say "does not sleep" or "doesn't sleep"?

"Doesn't sleep" is a more common and informal contraction of "does not sleep". Both are grammatically correct, but "doesn't sleep" is typically used in everyday conversation and informal writing.

What's the difference between "does not sleep" and "can't sleep"?

"Does not sleep" implies a habitual or characteristic state of being awake, while "can't sleep" suggests a temporary inability to fall asleep. The former is more descriptive, while the latter focuses on the immediate situation.