not care

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not care" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express indifference or a lack of concern about something. Example: "I really do not care what others think about my choices."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

You will not care.

The New York Times - Food

He does not care.

The New Yorker

I do not care.

The New Yorker

He did not care.

The New York Times

Baroni did not care.

The New York Times - Arts

But they do not care.

The Economist

We actively did not care.

The New York Times

But I did not care.

The Guardian

Worse, did he not care?

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Not caring.

The New Yorker

She don't care".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not care" to express indifference or a lack of concern when you want to convey a neutral or slightly negative sentiment. It is suitable for many situations but consider using more emphatic alternatives if a stronger feeling is required.

Common error

While generally acceptable, "not care" can sometimes sound too casual for formal writing. In professional or academic settings, consider using more formal alternatives like "be unconcerned" or "have no interest" to maintain a more appropriate tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not care" functions primarily as a verb phrase expressing a lack of concern, interest, or emotional investment in something. It is frequently used to indicate indifference or a conscious decision to disregard something, as seen in many Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

17%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "not care" is a common and generally acceptable way to express a lack of concern or interest. As noted by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and finds frequent use across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media. While perfectly suitable for most situations, remember that more formal options might be preferable in academic or professional writing. When opting for a more emphatic expression, consider alternatives like "not give a damn". "Not care" provides a simple yet versatile means of conveying indifference.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be indifferent

Focuses on a state of emotional detachment or lack of interest.

be unconcerned

Highlights a lack of worry or anxiety about something.

not mind

Indicates a lack of objection or concern.

disregard

Emphasizes the act of ignoring or paying no attention to something.

not be bothered

Suggests a reluctance to engage with or be affected by something.

have no interest

Indicates a lack of curiosity or enthusiasm.

not give a damn

A more vulgar and emphatic way of expressing lack of care.

not give a fig

An idiom expressing a lack of value or concern.

be apathetic

Describes a general lack of emotion or motivation.

not be fussed

British English idiom indicating a lack of worry or concern.

FAQs

How can I use "not care" in a sentence?

You can use "not care" to express a lack of interest or concern about something. For example, "I do not care what others think" or "They simply do not care about the consequences."

What are some alternatives to "not care"?

Alternatives to "not care" include "be indifferent", "be unconcerned", or "disregard", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "don't care" instead of "not care"?

Yes, "don't care" is a contraction of "do not care" and is grammatically correct and commonly used, especially in informal contexts. "Not care" is also correct, but might sound slightly more formal or emphatic.

What is the difference between "not caring" and "caring"?

"Not caring" implies a lack of interest or concern, while "caring" indicates a sense of responsibility, empathy, or affection. The phrase "not caring" suggests indifference, whereas "caring" implies active involvement and concern.