we don't

USAGE SUMMARY

'we don't' is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It can be used as a contraction of the phrase "we do not" and is most often used as a response to a statement or to emphasize that something is not the case. For example: Q: Do you want to go to the store? A: No, we don't.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We don't spend what we don't have.

The New York Times

"We don't know what we don't know".

The New York Times

We don't over here".

Independent

We don't offer solutions.

The New Yorker

Likewise, we don't know.

The New Yorker

"We don't target mosques.

The New York Times - Magazine

We don't accept this.

The Economist

Because we don't care?

Independent

"We don't have desks.

The New York Times

We don't want labeling.

The New York Times

We don't yet know.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To emphasize a point, follow "we don't" with a strong verb or descriptive adjective. For instance, "We don't give up" conveys determination effectively.

Common error

A common mistake is using "we doesn't" instead of "we don't". Remember that "doesn't" is only for singular subjects (he, she, it), while "don't" is used for plural subjects (we, you, they) and the singular "I".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we don't" functions as a negating auxiliary followed by a verb. According to Ludwig AI, it's a common construction used to express denial, refusal, or absence of something. Examples from Ludwig showcase its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

28%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we don't" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to express negation, denial, or lack of something. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use in both spoken and written English. While it's suitable for most situations, "we do not" is a more formal alternative. It is frequently found in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts. Remember to avoid the incorrect form "we doesn't". By understanding its function and appropriate usage, you can effectively incorporate "we don't" into your vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we do not

Formal alternative using the full "do not" instead of the contraction.

we are not

Expresses a negation of a state or characteristic.

we have not

Indicates the absence of possession or completion of an action.

we can't

Indicates inability or lack of permission.

we will not

Formal declaration of unwillingness or refusal.

it is not our intention to

More formal way to express lack of intent.

we lack

Emphasizes a deficiency or absence of something.

we fail to

Highlights a failure to perform a specific action.

that is not our way

Expresses a difference in approach or values.

we abstain from

Indicates a deliberate choice to refrain from something.

FAQs

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

"We don't" is used to negate an action or state related to a group. For example, "we don't agree" or "we don't have time".

What is a more formal alternative to "we don't"?

A more formal alternative is "we do not". For example, instead of saying "we don't accept this", you could say "we do not accept this".

Is it ever appropriate to use "we doesn't"?

No, "we doesn't" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form for the plural "we" is always "we don't". "Doesn't" is reserved for singular subjects like he, she, or it.

What's the difference between "we don't" and "we can't"?

"We don't" negates an action or state, while "we can't" indicates an inability to perform an action. For example, "we don't like it" expresses dislike, whereas "we can't do it" expresses an inability to do something.