does not sound

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "does not sound" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that something doesn't sound right or doesn't seem realistic. For example: "That price does not sound right - can you double check it?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Haugh does not sound conflicted.

The New York Times

It does not sound pompous.

The New York Times

It does not sound appealing.

The New York Times

That does not sound hot.

The New York Times - Books

This just does not sound right.

The New York Times - Arts

That does not sound like much.

The New York Times

That does not sound too hard.

The Economist

That does not sound too dramatic.

The Economist

He does not sound sympathetic.

The Guardian

He does not sound deflated.

The New York Times

"This does not sound plausible".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "does not sound" to express skepticism or doubt about information or a situation. It's effective for conveying a cautious or critical perspective.

Common error

While useful, overuse of "does not sound" can weaken your writing in formal contexts. Opt for stronger verbs or more precise adjectives to convey your skepticism more effectively.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "does not sound" functions as a hedge or qualifier, expressing a degree of uncertainty or doubt about a statement or situation. Ludwig AI confirms it's a valid English phrase. It softens the assertion, suggesting the speaker is not entirely convinced.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "does not sound" is a versatile tool for expressing doubt, skepticism, or simply a lack of complete agreement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and widely used, particularly in News & Media. While it can be replaced with alternatives like "doesn't seem" or "does not ring true", it provides a useful middle ground between direct disagreement and complete acceptance. When using it, consider the context and audience to ensure your message is conveyed effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

doesn't seem

Emphasizes the lack of apparent quality or characteristic.

doesn't appear

Highlights a lack of visual or observational evidence.

does not ring true

Indicates a lack of authenticity or believability.

does not resonate

Suggests a lack of emotional or personal connection.

fails to convince

Focuses on the lack of persuasive power or effectiveness.

is unconvincing

Highlights the lack of believability.

is not credible

Highlights the lack of trustworthiness.

lacks plausibility

Emphasizes the lack of realism or likelihood.

seems improbable

Indicates something appears unlikely to be true or to happen.

is questionable

Highlights that it is dubious or open to doubt.

FAQs

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

You can use "does not sound" to express doubt or disbelief. For example, "That excuse "does not sound" very convincing".

What are some alternatives to "does not sound"?

Alternatives include "doesn't seem", "doesn't appear", or "does not ring true", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "do not sound" instead of "does not sound"?

No, "do not sound" is grammatically incorrect when referring to a singular subject. The correct form is "does not sound". You would use "do not sound" with plural subjects (e.g., "Those ideas do not sound feasible").

What is the difference between "does not sound" and "does not seem"?

"Does not sound" implies a judgment based on auditory information or metaphorical 'sound', while "does not seem" is a more general expression of doubt based on overall perception or evidence. "That plan "does not sound" well thought out" (focus on the plan's description). "That plan does not seem feasible" (focus on the overall assessment of the plan).