not with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not with" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a lack of association or connection with something or someone. Example: "I prefer to work not with distractions, but with focus and determination."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Not "with" us, perhaps.

The New York Times - Books

"Not with music, not with flowers.

The New Yorker

Not with her".

The New Yorker

"I'm not with them".

The New York Times

Not with basketball reasons.

The New York Times

"Not with the issue.

The New York Times

Not with my father.

The New York Times

Not with anyone.

The New York Times

But not with approval!

The New York Times

But not with him.

The New York Times

Not with you.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not with" to clearly indicate a lack of association, agreement, or inclusion. Ensure the context makes the intended meaning unambiguous.

Common error

Avoid using "not with" when a simpler "without" would suffice. Overusing "not with" can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex or awkward.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not with" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase used to express a lack of association, agreement, or presence. It indicates exclusion or separation from something or someone. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

2%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not with" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to convey a lack of association, disagreement, or absence. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While simpler alternatives like "without" may sometimes be more appropriate, "not with" offers a specific nuance of exclusion or disagreement. It's important to consider the context and intended audience to ensure the clearest and most effective communication. Its frequent use in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Economist underscores its acceptance in standard English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

without

Indicates the absence of something, often simpler and more direct than "not with".

lacking

Emphasizes a deficiency or shortage, implying something is missing.

not including

Clearly states that something is not part of a group or consideration.

excluding

Highlights the act of leaving something or someone out, often in a deliberate manner.

separate from

Emphasizes the distinct nature of something, indicating it is not connected.

apart from

Specifies something is separate or not included, suitable for drawing distinctions.

independent of

Conveys a state of being separate and unaffected by something else.

unaccompanied by

Highlights the absence of an expected or typical companion.

devoid of

Suggests a complete absence, emphasizing that something is entirely missing.

in the absence of

Formally indicates that something is not present or available.

FAQs

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

The phrase "not with" is used to express a lack of association, agreement, or inclusion. For example, "I am "not with" that decision" indicates disagreement or non-participation.

What phrases can I use instead of "not with"?

Alternatives to "not with" include "without", "lacking", "excluding", or "apart from", depending on the specific context.

Is it always appropriate to use "not with", or are there better alternatives?

While "not with" is grammatically correct, simpler alternatives like "without" or "excluding" may be more appropriate for clarity and conciseness in certain contexts.

What's the difference between "not with" and "without"?

"Without" generally indicates the absence of something, while "not with" often implies a lack of association or agreement. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. "I went to the party without my friends" vs "I am not with their plans".