does not talk to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "does not talk to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone is not communicating or engaging with another person. Example: "She does not talk to her neighbors, preferring to keep to herself."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

One department does not talk to another.

The New York Times

He does not talk to them.

The New York Times - Sports

He said he does not talk to Ms. Constantine.

The New York Times

I insist on leaving: Redknapp does not talk to me.

The Guardian - Sport

She does not talk to her parents about anything, she declared, least of all sex.

The New York Times

As a strict Muslim Mrs. Zeda does not talk to men outside the family.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

"He doesn't talk to the guys".

The New York Times

She doesn't talk to anybody.

The New York Times

Putin doesn't talk to terrorists".

Independent

"He doesn't talk to anyone".

The New York Times - Sports

He doesn't talk to the media.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "does not talk to", ensure the context clearly indicates whether the lack of communication is due to choice, circumstance, or inability. For instance, specify if it's a conscious decision ('He does not talk to his former business partner after their dispute') or a situational constraint ('The software does not talk to the older system').

Common error

Avoid assuming "does not talk to" solely implies hostility or disagreement. Sometimes, it simply means there's no need or opportunity for communication. For instance, saying 'The sensor does not talk to the display unit because they operate on different frequencies' is a technical limitation, not a personal conflict.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "does not talk to" functions as a verb phrase indicating a lack of communication or interaction between two or more entities. It specifies that there is no verbal exchange or dialogue occurring. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating its widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Wiki

14%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "does not talk to" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe a lack of communication between individuals or entities. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides various real-world examples. It is generally neutral in register and frequently appears in news and media, although its usage extends to other contexts, like science and wiki articles. When using this phrase, it's important to clearly convey the reason behind the lack of communication to avoid misinterpretations. Alternatives like "doesn't communicate with" or "is not on speaking terms with" can provide nuanced meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

doesn't communicate with

A direct synonym, emphasizing the lack of exchange.

isn't in communication with

Similar to 'doesn't communicate with' but slightly more formal.

is not on speaking terms with

Indicates a breakdown in relations preventing communication.

avoids conversation with

Highlights deliberate actions to prevent dialogue.

cuts off communication with

Highlights a decisive action to end contact.

refrains from speaking with

More formal alternative, emphasizing conscious avoidance of communication.

shuns dialogue with

Emphasizes avoidance and a negative attitude towards conversation.

has no contact with

Focuses on the absence of any interaction, not just verbal.

remains silent towards

Focuses on the act of remaining quiet in the presence of someone.

disregards all interaction with

Emphasizes a complete lack of attention and engagement.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "does not talk to"?

You can use alternatives like "doesn't communicate with", "is not on speaking terms with", or "avoids conversation with" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "does not talk to"?

Yes, "does not talk to" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English to describe a lack of communication or interaction between people or systems, as supported by Ludwig.

How do I use "does not talk to" in a sentence?

You can use "does not talk to" to describe a situation where someone is avoiding communication, such as "She does not talk to her ex-boyfriend anymore" or "The new software does not talk to the legacy system".

What's the difference between "does not talk to" and "does not speak to"?

While similar, "does not talk to" implies a broader lack of communication, whereas "does not speak to" can specifically refer to verbal interaction. However, they are often interchangeable.