it does not constitute

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it does not constitute" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It means that something does not make up or count as a particular thing or action. Example: "The letter I received does not constitute a valid contract as it does not contain all of the required terms and conditions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

A room, generally speaking, is sufficient for its own purposes, but it does not constitute a house.

The Guardian - Books

Some educators claim that teacher education borrows so heavily from other disciplines that it does not constitute a field of study in its own right.

Teaching and Teacher Education

It does not constitute a research programme.

The Guardian

He found that its rules are part of the contract signed by residents, and that it does not constitute a form of government.

The New York Times

But that, as Eagleton remarks, "is really just a ponderous Teutonic way of saying, Wow!" It does not constitute a meaning.

The Guardian - Books

Another court was successfully persuaded that because a phone box is an enclosed space, leaving stuff inside it does not constitute littering.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

It doesn't constitute a third-degree grilling like the vaunted Israeli airport security.

The New York Times

That's a lengthy amount of time, but for most recipients under 50 it doesn't constitute a lifetime.

The Guardian

You claim that the court's action was a "burst of judicial activism," but every time the court takes action you don't agree with, it doesn't constitute judicial activism.

The New York Times

Given this understanding, however, Lilla concludes that, in current America politics, everyone is a liberal: "We take it for granted that we are born free, that we constitute society, it doesn't constitute us and that together we legitimately govern ourselves".

The New York Times

Michael Rosenblum, an attorney defending those suits, says even if the allegations are true, it doesn't constitute stock manipulation.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it does not constitute", ensure the subject is clearly defined and the context makes it clear what it is not forming or representing. Clarity is key to avoiding ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid overusing "it does not constitute" in contexts where a simpler negation would suffice. For instance, instead of "the fact that it rains doesn't constitute a problem", you could say "the rain isn't a problem" for better conciseness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it does not constitute" functions as a negating verb phrase. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage, indicating that something does not form, represent, or amount to a specified thing. It's frequently used to clarify the nature or status of a subject.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Science

57%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it does not constitute" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to indicate that something doesn't amount to or form a specific thing. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears frequently in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts. While it can be useful for precise articulation, writers should avoid overuse and consider simpler alternatives when appropriate. Its versatility makes it a valuable tool for expressing negation and clarification.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it doesn't represent

Replaces "constitute" with "represent", focusing on the idea of symbolizing or standing for something.

it does not amount to

Uses "amount to" instead of "constitute", highlighting the idea of reaching a certain level or significance.

it is not equivalent to

Emphasizes a lack of equality or equivalence between two things.

it is not considered

Focuses on the perception or classification of something.

it doesn't qualify as

Indicates that something fails to meet the necessary requirements or standards.

it fails to be

Highlights the absence of a specific characteristic or state.

it is not regarded as

Similar to "it is not considered", but with a slightly more formal tone.

it is distinct from

Emphasizes the separateness or difference between two things.

it is separate from

Similar to "it is distinct from", but perhaps implying a physical separation.

it is not the same as

A more direct and simple way of saying that two things are not identical.

FAQs

How can I use "it does not constitute" in a sentence?

Use "it does not constitute" to specify that something doesn't form a particular thing or action. For example, "This single incident "does not constitute" a pattern of behavior."

What are some alternatives to "it does not constitute"?

You can use alternatives like "it does not represent", "it does not amount to", or "it is not equivalent to" depending on the context.

Is "it does not constitute" formal or informal?

"It does not constitute" is generally considered a more formal expression. In informal contexts, simpler alternatives may be preferable. However, you can use this phrase on a neutral register.

What's the difference between "it does not constitute" and "it doesn't constitute"?

"It does not constitute" and "it doesn't constitute" have the same meaning; the latter is simply a contraction and is slightly less formal. Both are grammatically correct.