not making

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not making" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in various contexts to indicate the absence of an action or result, often in relation to a decision or outcome. Example: "I am not making any promises about the project's completion date."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Not making loans.

The New York Times

He's not making fun.

Independent

"I'm not making excuses.

The New York Times - Sports

He's not making a joke.

The New York Times - Magazine

"You're not making me sad".

The New York Times - Arts

I'm not making any money.

The New York Times - Sports

I'm not making this up.

The New York Times

"We're not making more money".

The New York Times

"I'm not making any excuses.

The New York Times

I'm not making that up.

The New Yorker

"They're not making a statement.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not making", ensure that the sentence structure clearly indicates what is not being made. Ambiguity can arise if the object of the action is unclear.

Common error

Avoid stringing together multiple clauses with "not making", as this can lead to convoluted and hard-to-follow sentences. Break down complex ideas into simpler sentences for better clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not making" functions as a negative participle phrase. It typically modifies a verb, indicating the absence of an action or result. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not making" is a grammatically sound and very common expression used to negate an action, creation, or statement. As Ludwig AI indicates, its flexibility makes it suitable for diverse scenarios, particularly within News & Media. To use it effectively, focus on ensuring clarity in sentence structure and avoiding overuse in complex sentences. By understanding the nuances of "not making" and its alternatives, writers can enhance the precision and impact of their communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not producing

A straightforward alternative focusing on the absence of creation or output.

failing to make

Emphasizes the unsuccessful attempt or inability to create or achieve something.

refraining from making

Highlights a conscious decision to avoid creating or doing something.

choosing not to make

Stresses the element of choice in not creating or doing something.

unable to produce

Focuses on the lack of capacity or resources to create or deliver something.

deciding against creating

Highlights a specific decision to not bring something into existence.

abstaining from creating

Indicates a deliberate act of withholding creation, often for ethical or strategic reasons.

avoiding the creation of

Implies an active effort to prevent something from being made or brought about.

opting out of making

Suggests a choice to withdraw from the process of creation or production.

skipping the creation of

Indicates the omission of a specific creation task or step.

FAQs

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

You can use "not making" to negate an action or state a lack of creation. For example, "I am "not making" any promises" or "They are "not making" progress".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "not making"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "failing to make", "refraining from making", or "not producing".

Is it better to say "not making progress" or "failing to progress"?

Both phrases are acceptable, but "not making progress" is generally more common and less harsh. "Failing to progress" can imply a more significant lack of success, while "not making progress" simply states a lack of advancement.

When should I use "not making" instead of "isn't making"?

"Not making" is typically used in more formal contexts or when the subject is a plural noun. "Isn't making" is a contraction of "is not making" and is more suitable for informal conversation or writing. For example, "We are "not making" any changes" versus "He isn't making any changes".