we did not work

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we did not work" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a group of people did not engage in work during a specific time period or event. Example: "During the holiday season, we did not work, allowing everyone to spend time with their families."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

In a statement, Greenberg said, "While I am disappointed we did not work through our differences, I remain wholeheartedly committed to doing what's right for the franchise".

The New York Times - Sports

"We did not work in vain these past three years," Dmitri Velikasov, a senior investigator, told the Federal Press news agency.

The New York Times

I did not know Krauthammer personally; though we wrote for the same newspaper, we did not work from the same newsroom.

The Washington Post

"My friends and I tried to tell ourselves we did not work for one side or the other, but for the people".

The New York Times - Magazine

It's frustrating; we had a lot of pressure and possession but we did not work their keeper enough, and that's the difference".

The Guardian - Sport

"We would be failing on our duty if we did not work with our allies to deal with the problem where it starts," he said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

"We didn't work that relationship better".

The New Yorker

We didn't work well together".

The New York Times

We didn't work on the outcome of the war".

The New York Times

We didn't work with long media lists.

Harvard Business Review

Patrick: We didn't work directly at all.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we did not work", ensure clarity about the time frame or project you're referencing. Providing context enhances understanding.

Common error

Ensure that the "we" is clearly defined for your audience. If it's unclear who "we" refers to, the statement loses its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we did not work" functions as a declarative statement expressing the absence of work performed by a group. This is evident in Ludwig's examples, where it's used to convey situations ranging from failing to achieve goals to intentionally avoiding labor.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

24%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we did not work" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to indicate the absence of work by a group. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness. Its usage spans across various contexts, including news, science, and business, with a generally neutral tone. To ensure clarity, it's essential to provide context regarding the timeframe and reasons for not working. While versatile, consider more formal alternatives like "we were not employed" for professional settings. Pay attention to pronoun clarity to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we weren't employed

Focuses specifically on the absence of a formal employment relationship.

we were off-duty

Specifically indicates being relieved from scheduled work hours.

we weren't laboring

Emphasizes the lack of physical or strenuous activity.

we were not on the job

Similar to off-duty, specifying absence from a designated workplace.

we abstained from working

A more formal way of saying that labor was deliberately avoided.

we took time off

Suggests a planned absence from work, implying a break or vacation.

we desisted from working

Similar to abstained, but can imply a more permanent cessation.

we weren't toiling

Highlights the absence of arduous or difficult work.

we were inactive

Implies a general state of not being engaged in any activity, not necessarily just work.

we paused operations

Focuses on the cessation of business or production activities.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "we did not work" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases such as "we were not employed" or "we abstained from working", depending on the context.

What's the difference between "we did not work" and "we didn't work"?

"We did not work" is the full, unabbreviated form, while "we didn't work" is a contraction. Both are grammatically correct, but the contracted form is generally more informal. The choice depends on the desired level of formality in your writing.

When should I use "we were not working" instead of "we did not work"?

"We were not working" implies a continuous state of not being engaged in work over a period of time, while "we did not work" suggests a specific instance or event when work was not performed. For example, "We were not working during the holiday break" versus "we did not work on that particular project".

Are there any situations where "we did not work" might be considered incorrect?

While grammatically correct, "we did not work" could be misleading if it lacks context. Ensure that the reader understands the timeframe, reason, and implications of not working. Otherwise, it may need further clarification to avoid confusion.