What Does โnot take kindly to sbโ Mean?
The phrase โnot take kindly to sbโ means to dislike or react badly to someoneโs behavior or presence. It shows a negative feeling towards a person.
Introduction
The phrasal verb โnot take kindly to sbโ is often used to express disapproval or irritation towards someone. It is a polite yet firm way to say that you do not like how someone acts or what they have done. Understanding the not take kindly to sb meaning helps learners use this phrase appropriately in different situations, especially when describing feelings of annoyance or dislike. This phrase is common in both spoken and written English, making it useful for everyday conversations and formal contexts.
Quick Info Box
- Phrasal verb: not take kindly to sb (not take kindly to somebody)
- Type: Transitive
- Level: B2
- Short meaning: To dislike or be upset with someone
Structure (Grammar Rules)
The phrase โnot take kindly to sbโ is inseparable. You cannot split the phrasal verb by placing the object in the middle.
Pattern: Subject + do/does/did + not take kindly to + somebody
Example: She does not take kindly to her bossโs criticism.
How to Use not take kindly to sb?
This phrase is used to express dislike or irritation about a personโs actions or presence. It often appears in negative sentences and is followed by the preposition โtoโ plus a person (sb = somebody).
Use it when you want to say politely that someone is not welcome or their behavior is not accepted. It is common in formal or semi-formal situations.
Examples
When I told him the news, he did not take kindly to me. He was clearly upset.
- She does not take kindly to strangers entering her office without permission.
- They did not take kindly to the new rules imposed by management.
- He doesnโt take kindly to criticism, even if itโs constructive.
- The teacher did not take kindly to students arriving late every day.
- My parents do not take kindly to me staying out late on school nights.
Here is not take kindly to sb in a sentence: โJohn did not take kindly to his colleagueโs rude comments.โ
Common Mistakes
People often confuse the object placement or use the phrase with the wrong preposition.
- Incorrect: She does not take me kindly to.
- Correct: She does not take kindly to me.
- Incorrect: They do not take kindly on him.
- Correct: They do not take kindly to him.
Remember, โnot take kindly toโ is always followed by โtoโ + somebody, and the object cannot be placed between โtakeโ and โkindly.โ
Differences / Synonyms
Similar phrases include โdislike,โ โresent,โ and โbe annoyed with.โ However, โnot take kindly to sbโ is more formal and often implies a stronger emotional reaction.
- Dislike: General feeling of not liking someone, less formal.
- Resent: To feel bitterness or anger towards someone.
- Be annoyed with: More casual, less intense than โnot take kindly to.โ
For example, โShe resents her coworkerโs behaviorโ is similar but less polite than โShe does not take kindly to her coworker.โ
Common Collocations
We often use โnot take kindly toโ with words related to people and their actions.
- Criticism: Disliking negative feedback.
- Complaints: Reacting badly to expressions of dissatisfaction.
- Interruption: Not liking when someone disturbs or interrupts.
- Strangers: Feeling uncomfortable or hostile towards unknown people.
- Rules: Disliking new or strict regulations.
Related Phrasal Verbs
Here are related phrasal verbs of not take kindly to sb:
Real-life Dialogue
Imagine two colleagues talking about their manager.
Anna: I heard the boss doesnโt take kindly to people arriving late.
Mark: Yes, heโs very strict about punctuality. You have to be on time every day.
Anna: I guess I should set my alarm earlier then!
Practice
Choose the correct sentence to complete the phrase:
- A) She does not take kindly to her friends.
- B) She does not take kindly her friends to.
- C) She does not take kindly to her friends.
- D) She does not take kindly on her friends.
Answer: C) She does not take kindly to her friends.
FAQ
- Q: Can โnot take kindly to sbโ be used in positive sentences? A: No, it is used to express dislike or negative reactions only.
- Q: Is โnot take kindly to sbโ formal or informal? A: It is more formal and polite than direct expressions of dislike.
- Q: Can I use this phrase with things instead of people? A: Usually, itโs used with people, but sometimes with actions or behaviors.
- Q: What is the opposite of โnot take kindly to sbโ? A: To โtake kindly to sb,โ meaning to like or accept someone.
- Q: Can I separate the phrasal verb? A: No, it is inseparable and must stay together.
