doesn't go with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "doesn't go with" is correct and usable in written English
It can be used to indicate that two things are not compatible or do not match well together. Example: "The red shoes doesn't go with the blue dress."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Somehow it doesn't go with modern dress.

The Guardian

"My personality doesn't go with small breasts," she added.

The New York Times

And it definitely doesn't go with the food".

Independent

The plural "they" doesn't go with the singular "anyone".

The New York Times

Let's hope the tolerance doesn't go with it.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Traditionally, Armagnac doesn't go with food," she said.

The New York Times - Food

Who says a lot of makeup doesn't go with jeans?

The New York Times - Style

"It doesn't go with the ditzy image, I guess.

The Guardian - Music

So she walked away from it because it doesn't go with what she believes in.

The New York Times - Food

To be honest, the word "exciting" just doesn't go with the word "Duchamp".

The Guardian - Arts

"Being a conservative Republican, it doesn't go with the image," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing visual elements, be specific about why something "doesn't go with" something else. For example, instead of saying "That tie doesn't go with that shirt", specify "That patterned tie doesn't go with that striped shirt because the patterns clash."

Common error

While "doesn't go with" is perfectly acceptable in informal settings, it can sound too casual in formal writing. Opt for more sophisticated alternatives like "is incompatible with" or "is inconsistent with" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "doesn't go with" functions as a verb phrase indicating incompatibility or lack of harmony between two or more things. As shown in Ludwig, it expresses a relationship where items are unsuitable or clash with each other. It's often used to express aesthetic mismatches or functional disagreements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

99%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "doesn't go with" is a common and grammatically sound way to express incompatibility or disharmony. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability, noting its prevalent use in News & Media. While versatile, it's advisable to consider more formal alternatives like "is incompatible with" in academic or professional contexts. As Ludwig examples show, this phrase commonly points out aesthetic mismatches or incongruities, making it a useful tool for both descriptive and evaluative writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

doesn't match

Direct synonym, indicating a lack of visual or aesthetic harmony.

is incompatible with

Emphasizes a fundamental lack of suitability or workability between two things.

doesn't suit

Focuses on appropriateness, particularly in terms of style or personal preference.

is not in keeping with

Highlights a contrast or violation of established standards or expectations.

clashes with

Implies a strong, often jarring, discordance.

is at odds with

Suggests a fundamental conflict or opposition.

doesn't align with

Indicates a lack of agreement or correspondence in purpose or direction.

is not harmonious with

Emphasizes a lack of aesthetic or emotional balance.

is inconsistent with

Highlights a contradiction or a lack of logical coherence.

is not a good fit for

Suggests that something is not suitable for a specific purpose or context.

FAQs

What does it mean when something "doesn't go with" something else?

It means that the two things are not harmonious, compatible, or aesthetically pleasing when combined. They may clash in style, color, or function.

How can I rephrase the sentence "That "hat doesn't go with" your outfit"?

You could say "That hat clashes with your outfit", "That hat "doesn't match" your outfit", or "That hat is not in harmony with your outfit".

Is it grammatically correct to say "doesn't go with"?

Yes, "doesn't go with" is grammatically correct and widely used in spoken and written English.

What are some formal alternatives to "doesn't go with" for academic writing?

In academic writing, consider using more formal alternatives such as "is incompatible with", "is inconsistent with", or "doesn't align with".