they don't always

USAGE SUMMARY

"they don't always" is an acceptable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize that something doesn't happen all the time. For example, "They don't always agree on the same solutions, but they find a way to make it work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They don't always work.

The New Yorker

They don't always succeed.

The New York Times

They don't always agree.

The New York Times

They don't always mix".

The New Yorker

They don't always act together.

The New Yorker

"They don't always run together".

The New York Times

They don't always see that".

The New Yorker

They don't always look perfect.

The Guardian

"But they don't always translate".

The New York Times

They don't always say yes.

The Guardian - Arts

They don't always start from scratch, however.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they don't always" to introduce exceptions to a general statement, adding nuance and accuracy to your writing. For example, "Students are expected to attend all classes, but "they don't always" due to illness or unforeseen circumstances".

Common error

Avoid using "they don't always" when describing situations that are nearly impossible. This phrase indicates something is common but not consistent; for improbable scenarios, use phrases like "they almost never" or "they rarely" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they don't always" functions as a qualifier, modifying a statement to indicate that it is not universally true. This is supported by Ludwig's analysis and the provided examples, showing its use in various contexts to introduce exceptions or limitations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Formal & Business

12%

Science

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they don't always" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to indicate that something is not universally true. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability and demonstrates its usage across diverse contexts, primarily in news and media. When writing, use this phrase to introduce exceptions to general statements. While common, it's crucial to ensure alternatives like "it's not always the case" or "it doesn't always happen" are considered for stylistic variation. Avoid using it in scenarios where something is nearly impossible. Instead, opt for phrases implying rarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's not always the case

This alternative uses an impersonal construction to express that something is not universally true.

that isn't invariably so

Replaces "they" with an impersonal statement and uses "invariably" to emphasize lack of consistency.

it does not happen every time

Breaks down the idea into simpler terms, focusing on the frequency of an event.

it's not a sure thing

Emphasizes the uncertainty or lack of guarantee associated with something.

it isn't necessarily true

Highlights that something might be true in some cases, but not in all.

this is not uniformly the situation

Uses more formal language to convey a lack of consistency across different instances.

it's not something you can always count on

Focuses on the unreliability of something rather than its frequency.

it's not a constant

Highlights the variability of something, indicating it changes or fluctuates.

not in every instance

Uses a shorter, more concise phrasing to express the same idea.

it's not always the rule

Implies that there may be exceptions to a general principle or guideline.

FAQs

How can I use "they don't always" in a sentence?

Use "they don't always" to indicate that something is not consistently true or doesn't happen in every instance. For example, "Even though the instructions are clear, "they don't always" follow them correctly".

What are some alternatives to "they don't always"?

Alternatives include phrases like "it's not always the case", "it doesn't always happen", or "not necessarily", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "they don't always"?

Yes, "they don't always" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written and spoken English to express that something is not a universal occurrence.

What's the difference between "they don't always" and "they never"?

"They don't always" means something is not consistent or universal, whereas "they never" indicates something does not happen at all. For example, "They don't always agree" suggests occasional disagreements, while "they never agree" means they are in constant disagreement.