not attend

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not attend" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating the absence of someone from an event or gathering. Example: "Due to a scheduling conflict, I will not attend the meeting tomorrow."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Couric did not attend.

The New Yorker

(Cheney did not attend).

The New Yorker

Cynics need not attend.

The New Yorker

The Hudsons did not attend.

The New York Times

Ms. Jolie did not attend.

The New York Times

The woman did not attend.

The New York Times

Lohan did not attend.

The Guardian - Film

Finney did not attend.

The Guardian

Moshe did not attend.

The New York Times - Magazine

Franklin did not attend.

The Guardian

Bird did not attend.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not attend", ensure clarity regarding the event or activity being referenced. Specify the occasion to avoid ambiguity, such as "I will not attend the conference." This adds context and makes the statement more informative.

Common error

Avoid using the passive voice unnecessarily when employing "not attend". Instead of saying "The meeting will not be attended by me", opt for the more direct and active "I will not attend the meeting." This enhances clarity and conciseness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not attend" functions as a verb phrase indicating the absence or non-participation of a subject in a specific event or activity. As seen in the Ludwig examples, it's a straightforward way to express that someone will not be present.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Wiki

6%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "not attend" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that someone will be absent from an event or activity. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and applicable in various contexts, primarily within news and media sources. Alternatives like "be absent from" or "fail to attend" can be used for similar meanings, but "not attend" provides a straightforward and neutral way to communicate non-attendance. When using the phrase, it's best to specify the event to avoid ambiguity. Avoid passive voice constructions to ensure clarity and conciseness in your writing. The phrase is widely understood and used across different registers, although it is more prevalent in news and general communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not be present at

Highlights the physical absence from a location or event.

be absent from

Focuses on the state of being away from an event.

not participate in

Indicates a lack of involvement in an activity.

fail to attend

Emphasizes a lack of fulfillment of an expected action.

decline to attend

Formally refuses an invitation or opportunity to be present.

miss

A simple and direct way to say someone was not present.

stay away from

Suggests a deliberate choice to avoid an event.

beg off

Implies a polite refusal or excuse for not attending.

be a no-show

Informally emphasizes unexpected absence.

give something a miss

Suggests a casual decision to skip an event.

FAQs

What does "not attend" mean?

The phrase "not attend" simply means to not be present at or participate in an event, meeting, or activity.

What are some alternatives to saying "not attend"?

You can use alternatives like "be absent from", "fail to attend", or "miss" depending on the context.

How do I use "not attend" in a sentence?

You can use "not attend" in a sentence like this: "Due to a prior commitment, I will "not attend" the workshop."

Is it better to say "will not attend" or "cannot attend"?

Both "will not attend" and "cannot attend" are correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "Will not attend" indicates a choice or decision, while "cannot attend" suggests an inability or constraint preventing attendance.