not on board

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not on board" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone is not in agreement or not participating in a particular plan or idea. Example: "When it comes to the new policy changes, I have to say that I am not on board with the proposed adjustments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But at least one regulator is not on board.

The New York Times

However, one crucial group was not on board with this compromise.

Forbes

But fellow Republicans were not on board.

The New York Times

Mr. Morales was not on board.

The New York Times

But the cellphone carriers are not on board.

The New York Times

Anyone not on board, they figure, is against them.

The Washington Post

But he was not on board the plane.

The New York Times

However, diaries, as we now know, were not on board".

The New Yorker

"I'm not on board because the bows of the ship are coming up.

The New York Times

He was aboard an observation plane behind the Enola Gay, not on board the Enola Gay.

The New Yorker

"If it's not on board, you don't have to maintain it".Sound advice.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not on board" to express disagreement, ensure the context clearly indicates what you're not agreeing with. For instance, instead of saying "I'm not on board", specify "I'm not on board with the proposed changes to the budget".

Common error

Avoid using "not on board" when simply referring to physical absence if the context implies agreement or support. For example, saying "He was not on board with the project" suggests disagreement, whereas "He was "not present" at the meeting" only indicates his physical absence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not on board" functions primarily as an adjectival phrase, modifying a subject to indicate their lack of agreement or participation in a plan or idea. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not on board" is a versatile expression used to indicate disagreement, lack of support, or physical absence. As Ludwig AI verifies, it's grammatically sound and commonly used, especially in news and media. While the phrase is widely accepted, it's crucial to ensure that the context clearly indicates the subject of disagreement or absence to avoid ambiguity. For more formal settings, alternatives like "in disagreement" or "opposed to" might be more appropriate. While frequently found in the news, it's best to consider context to avoid misinterpretations. Knowing that it is a very common pattern, you should ensure to follow writing best practices to get the most out of its expressiveness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not in favor of

Indicates a lack of preference or approval, a milder form of disagreement compared to outright opposition.

against the idea

Specifically targets disagreement with an idea, excluding other potential contexts like physical presence.

in disagreement

Focuses on the state of disagreeing with a proposal or idea, lacking the specific nuance of 'being part' of something.

opposed to

Directly states opposition, making it a stronger expression of disagreement compared to simply not being involved.

rejecting the proposal

Specifically refers to turning down a suggestion. More direct and action-oriented than the original phrase.

unsupportive of

Highlights the lack of support for a particular cause or initiative, emphasizing the active opposition rather than mere absence.

dissenting from

Indicates formal disagreement, often used in official or group settings. It carries a more formal tone.

not a participant

Emphasizes the lack of involvement or participation in an activity or plan.

not involved

Broader than "not on board", simply stating a lack of involvement without specifying agreement or physical presence.

not present

Focuses solely on the absence of someone from a physical location, lacking the connotation of agreement or support.

FAQs

What does it mean to be "not on board" with something?

Being "not on board" means that you do not agree with a plan, idea, or proposal, or that you are not participating in it. It implies a lack of support or acceptance.

What can I say instead of "not on board"?

You can use alternatives such as "in disagreement", "unsupportive of", or "opposed to" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "not on board" in a formal setting?

While "not on board" is widely understood, it is generally more suitable for informal or neutral contexts. In formal settings, consider using more formal alternatives like "dissenting from" or "not in agreement with".

How does "not on board" differ from simply being "unaware"?

"Not on board" implies a conscious decision to disagree or not participate, whereas being "unaware" simply means lacking knowledge or information about something. One expresses opposition, the other expresses ignorance.