does not suit

USAGE SUMMARY

"does not suit" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to express disagreement or discomfort with a certain action, statement, or situation. Example: The new dress I bought does not suit my body type at all. In this sentence, the speaker is expressing that the dress does not flatter or fit them well. Example: John's abrasive personality does not suit a customer service job. In this sentence, the speaker is expressing their opinion that John's personality is not suitable for a customer service job.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And that does not suit me".

The New York Times

Silence does not suit Ai Weiwei.

The New Yorker

Because it does not suit the politicians, it does not suit the police, themselves.

The New York Times

Unfortunately it does not suit him now.

The Guardian

But battling does not suit every woman.

The Guardian

It does not suit the culture of the Intelligence Bureau.

The New York Times

Little-Britainism does not suit a globalized world.

The New York Times

It does not suit his personality or his past politics.

The New York Times

A life in exile does not suit Mr. Fujimori.

The New York Times

Unfortunately, your work does not suit our current needs".

The Guardian - Books

If that does not suit you, then get out".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "does not suit", ensure the subject and object of the phrase are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "It does not suit", specify "This strategy does not suit our current goals".

Common error

Avoid confusing "suit" (meaning to be appropriate or fitting) with "follow" (meaning to adhere to or obey). For example, instead of saying "He does not suit the rules", say "He does not follow the rules".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "does not suit" functions as a verb phrase expressing a negative compatibility or appropriateness. It indicates that something is unsuitable or mismatched for a particular purpose, person, or situation. Ludwig shows that it often appears in contexts where preferences, requirements or conditions are discussed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

24%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "does not suit" is a common and versatile expression used to indicate that something is inappropriate, unsuitable, or incompatible. As Ludwig AI affirms, it is grammatically correct and appears frequently in various contexts, including news, science, and general writing. While alternatives like "is not appropriate for" or "is incompatible with" exist, "does not suit" maintains a neutral register and is widely understood. When using the phrase, clarity is key to avoiding ambiguity, and distinguishing it from similar words like "follow" is important for precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is incompatible with

Stresses the lack of harmony or ability to coexist.

is ill-suited for

Emphasizes a poor match or lack of fitness.

clashes with

Emphasizes a strong incompatibility or conflict.

is not fitting for

Highlights the lack of suitability in a given situation.

is out of place in

Highlights the inappropriateness of something within a certain environment.

is not appropriate for

Focuses on appropriateness rather than compatibility.

is not cut out for

Implies someone or something lacks the necessary qualities.

is a poor choice for

Suggests that something is not a good selection.

does not work well with

Focuses on functional incompatibility.

is not designed for

Indicates a mismatch between purpose and application.

FAQs

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

Use "does not suit" to express that something is not appropriate, fitting, or advantageous in a particular situation. For example, "This approach "does not suit" our current needs" or "The lifestyle "does not suit" her personality".

What are some alternatives to "does not suit"?

Alternatives to "does not suit" include "is not appropriate for", "is ill-suited for", and "is incompatible with". The best choice depends on the specific context and intended nuance.

Is it better to say "does not suit" or "do not suit"?

Use "does not suit" with singular subjects (e.g., "This plan does not suit me"). Use "do not suit" with plural subjects or the pronouns "I", "you", "we", and "they" (e.g., "These conditions do not suit our requirements" or "I do not suit this role").

What's the difference between "does not suit" and "does not fit"?

While both phrases indicate incompatibility, "does not suit" implies a mismatch in terms of appropriateness or advantage, whereas "does not fit" typically refers to physical size or compatibility. For example, "This strategy "does not suit" our goals" (appropriateness), but "This shirt "does not fit" me" (physical size).