not in me

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not in me" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that something does not exist within oneself, whether it be a feeling, quality, or belief. Example: "I understand your perspective, but honesty is simply not in me."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

Simply not in me". She grandly spent eleven thousand dollars to build Laura and Almanzo a new fieldstone house an "English cottage"—which they didn't want, and she bought them a Buick, which Almanzo drove into a tree.

The New Yorker

Simply not in me".

The New Yorker

The greatness is not in me.

Independent

That's not in me.

The Guardian - Film

It's not in me.

The New York Times - Sports

Me: Well, not in me.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

Journals are not interested in "me too" papers that do not advance the field or discipline.

Environmental Health Perspectives

The asymmetry is not significant in ME, probably due to the limited amount of data.

BMC Genomics

The projects are in the municipalities of Topsham and Whitefield — not in "Pejepscot, Me". and in "North Whitefield, Me".

The New York Times

It just wasn't in me anymore".

The New York Times

Well, it wasn't in me.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not in me" to express a fundamental absence of a trait, feeling, or ability within yourself. It implies that the characteristic is simply not part of your inherent nature or capabilities.

Common error

Avoid using "not in me" for temporary states or easily changeable habits. It suggests a more intrinsic and unchangeable quality. Instead, consider alternatives like "not something I usually do" or "not my current priority" for less permanent situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not in me" functions as a predicate adjective, describing a quality or characteristic that is absent from the subject. It typically follows a linking verb (e.g., is, was) to express this absence, as seen in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "not in me" is a common expression used to convey the absence of a particular trait, ability, or characteristic within oneself. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. It functions as a predicate adjective, typically following a linking verb, and serves to express a personal limitation or lack of inherent quality. While versatile, it's best suited for describing intrinsic qualities rather than temporary states. Common alternatives include phrases like "not part of my nature" or "not within my capabilities". Its neutral register allows for use in various contexts, from news and media to general conversation, solidifying its place as a valuable expression in the English language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not part of my nature

Emphasizes that something is contrary to one's inherent character.

not in my character

Implies that an action or behavior is inconsistent with one's personality.

not within my capabilities

Focuses on a lack of ability or skill to do something.

not something I'm capable of

Highlights a personal limitation in performing a specific action.

beyond my capacity

Indicates that something exceeds one's limits or abilities.

not my forte

Indicates that something is not one's strength or talent.

not something I possess

Highlights the absence of a particular trait or quality.

not my cup of tea

Suggests a dislike or lack of interest in something.

foreign to my being

Expresses that something is alien or unnatural to one's self.

not my thing

An informal way of saying something is not to one's liking or interest.

FAQs

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

You can use "not in me" to express that a particular trait, feeling, or ability is absent from your character. For example, "Betrayal is simply "not in me"."

What are some alternatives to saying "not in me"?

Some alternatives to "not in me" include phrases like "not part of my nature", "not within my capabilities", or "not my forte", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "not in me" or "not within me"?

Both "not in me" and "not within me" are grammatically correct and convey similar meanings. The choice depends on personal preference and the specific nuance you want to express. "Not in me" suggests a more intrinsic absence, while "not within me" might imply a lack of current ability.

What does it mean when someone says "It's just not in me"?

When someone says "It's just not in me", they mean that they fundamentally lack a certain quality, ability, or desire. It's an expression of their inherent nature, indicating something they can't easily change or overcome.