not be having

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not be having" is not standard in written English and is generally considered incorrect. It may be used in informal spoken contexts, but it is not appropriate for formal writing. Example: "I would rather not be having this conversation right now." Alternative expressions include "not having" and "not experiencing."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It may not be having the intended effect at all.

Harvard Business Review

He may or may not be having an affair.

The New Yorker

David Stern's N.B.A. will not be having any Brooklyn discounts.

The New York Times - Sports

Fish'n'chips may not be having a fashion moment.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But Dennis Skinner will not be having a party.

The Guardian

Yet even these lessons in personal financial management may not be having much impact.

The New York Times

"We'll not be having this on the floor of the Senate," McConnell told Fox News.

The Washington Post

Some are frantic with fear; others could not be having a better time.

The New York Times - Arts

I know that most people would rather not be having it.

The Washington Post

If it were fit for purpose we would not be having this debate.

Independent

O.K., ideally we would not be having our elected officials do either.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "not in possession of" or "abstaining from" instead of "not be having".

Common error

Avoid using "not be having" in professional emails or academic papers. This construction is generally considered too informal and can detract from your credibility. Instead, opt for more formal alternatives such as "not to have" or "not experiencing".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not be having" functions as a negative form of the present continuous tense, often used to indicate the absence of an experience or possession. However, it's considered grammatically questionable in formal contexts, as noted by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "not be having" appears frequently, especially in news and media, it's generally regarded as grammatically incorrect in formal writing. Ludwig AI highlights this discrepancy. For professional and academic contexts, it's advisable to replace "not be having" with more standard alternatives like "not to have" or "not experiencing". Despite its common usage, particularly in informal settings, awareness of its grammatical limitations is essential for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not to have

This is a more direct and grammatically standard way of expressing the absence of possession or experience.

not experiencing

Focuses on the lack of an experience, which is often the intended meaning of the original phrase.

not to be experiencing

A more formal alternative to "not experiencing", emphasizing the absence of a current sensation or event.

not possessing

Highlights the lack of ownership or control, suitable when discussing tangible or intangible assets.

not in possession of

A formal and emphatic way to state that someone does not own or control something.

not undergoing

Emphasizes the absence of a process or procedure, often used in medical or technical contexts.

not participating in

Focuses on the lack of involvement in an event or activity.

abstaining from

Implies a deliberate choice to avoid something, often used in the context of food, drink, or activities.

eschewing

A formal term for deliberately avoiding or abstaining from something.

doing without

Suggests managing in the absence of something, implying a need or desire.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "not be having" in a formal context?

In formal writing, replace "not be having" with alternatives like "not to have", "not experiencing", or "not participating in" for clarity and professionalism.

What are some grammatically correct alternatives to "not be having"?

Consider using phrases such as "not to have", "not experiencing", or "not in possession of" to ensure grammatical correctness in your writing.

When is it acceptable to use "not be having"?

While generally discouraged in formal writing, "not be having" may be acceptable in casual conversation or informal contexts where a more relaxed tone is appropriate. However, it's best to opt for more standard alternatives in professional settings.

Is "not be having" grammatically correct?

The phrase "not be having" is generally considered grammatically incorrect in formal writing. It's advisable to use more standard constructions like "not to have" or "not experiencing" to ensure grammatical accuracy.