not in league with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not in league with" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone is not collaborating or associated with another person or group, often implying a sense of opposition or disagreement. Example: "Despite the rumors, she is not in league with the competitors and remains committed to her own business strategy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

I am not in league with anyone.

The Guardian

Khweis insisted he was not in league with the terrorist group.

The Washington Post

Although himself a German, Mr. Asmussen is not in league with Mr. Schäuble, a member of Chancellor Angela Merkel's administration.

The New York Times

"He's not in league with the Devil," Mr. Feldman said during a recent tour of the Thurston trove in his apartment.

The New York Times - Arts

Even if he is not in league with them, as the army is apt to complain, he has reason to fear them: some 50 mayors have been murdered by guerrillas this year.

The Economist

Stalin refused to advance troops to help a Polish resistance that was not in league with Moscow-backed Communists and blocked British and American airlifts; Churchill and Franklin D. Roosevelt did not press the matter.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Iraq wasn't in league with al-Qaida.

The Guardian - Opinion

While Romney was not a gay-marriage supporter, I gradually came to the view that he was not necessarily in league with the "Mass.

Huffington Post

His latest movie, "Postal," is not likely to win over those detractors who call his work tasteless: It portrays President Bush as not only in league with Osama bin Laden, but also in love with him.

The New York Times

Writing in Vanity Fair in 2004 about the right's scurrilous smear on John Kerry's bravery in Vietnam, Halberstam said, "We require Democrats to work a little harder to prove that they're really patriotic and not somehow in league with our enemies".

The New York Times

There is Happerton, a "thrusting" sort of sporting man, in top boots and cutaway coat, who marries money, buys up Davenant's debts by means legal and not, is in league with a sinister safecracker and eventually ends up in possession of both Scroop Hall and Tiberius, whom he intends to run in the Derby.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "not in league with" to clearly and directly indicate that individuals or groups are not associated or collaborating, especially when implying potential conflict or disagreement.

Common error

Avoid using "not in league with" when a simple lack of contact is meant; the phrase often suggests active opposition or disagreement, not just absence of interaction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not in league with" functions as a negative assertion of association. It's used to deny any collaboration, partnership, or alignment with another entity. As seen in Ludwig, this phrase commonly clarifies a relationship (or lack thereof) between individuals or groups.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not in league with" effectively communicates a lack of association or collaboration, often implying opposition. Ludwig AI affirms its correct usage, and its prevalence in news and media confirms its suitability for neutral to professional contexts. Alternatives like "not aligned with" or "not associated with" can provide similar clarity. While grammatically sound, remember that this phrase often implies more than just a lack of contact; it suggests active opposition or disagreement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not aligned with

Focuses on the absence of alignment or agreement.

not associated with

Highlights the lack of connection or affiliation.

not affiliated with

Emphasizes the absence of official connection or membership.

not in cahoots with

Suggests a secret or underhanded agreement is absent.

not colluding with

Specifically denies any secret cooperation or conspiracy.

not conspiring with

Highlights the lack of a joint effort towards an unlawful goal.

not in partnership with

Indicates the absence of a formal business relationship.

not in collaboration with

Focuses on the lack of cooperative effort.

not in alliance with

Emphasizes the lack of a formal agreement for mutual benefit.

not working with

Simply states there is no current cooperation.

FAQs

How can I use "not in league with" in a sentence?

Use "not in league with" to clearly indicate that someone is not collaborating or associated with another person or group, often implying opposition. For example, "The politician insisted he was "not in league with" the opposing party".

What does "not in league with" mean?

The phrase "not in league with" means not associated or collaborating with someone or a group, often implying disagreement or opposing interests.

What are some alternatives to "not in league with"?

You can use alternatives like "not aligned with", "not associated with", or "not affiliated with", depending on the specific context.

Is "not in league with" a formal or informal expression?

"Not in league with" is suitable for both neutral and professional contexts, commonly found in news and media reporting, but it may sound slightly less formal than alternatives like "not formally associated with".