What Does โnot take kindly to sthโ Mean?
The phrase โnot take kindly to sthโ means to dislike or react badly to something. It shows a negative response or feeling toward an action or situation.
Introduction
The expression โnot take kindly to sthโ is often used in English to describe when someone does not like or accept something. Understanding the not take kindly to sth meaning helps learners recognize when someone is unhappy or offended by an event, comment, or behavior. This phrase is useful in both formal and informal conversations. It often implies a polite but clear disapproval. Knowing how to use โnot take kindly to sthโ correctly will improve your communication skills and help you express negative feelings in a subtle way.
Quick Info Box
- Phrasal verb: not take kindly to sth (not take kindly to something)
- Type: Transitive
- Level: B2
- Short meaning: To dislike or react negatively to something
Structure (Grammar Rules)
โNot take kindly to sthโ is an inseparable phrasal verb. The object (something) always follows the phrase, and you cannot separate the words.
Patterns:
- Subject + do/does/did + not take kindly to + noun/pronoun
- Subject + not take kindly to + noun/pronoun
Example: She does not take kindly to criticism.
How to Use not take kindly to sth?
Use this phrase when you want to say someone dislikes something or reacts negatively to it. It often refers to feelings about behavior, rules, or comments. It is polite and indirect, making it suitable for sensitive situations.
It is usually used in the present or past tense. The phrase often appears in formal speech or writing but can be used in everyday conversations as well.
Examples
Imagine your boss does not like when employees arrive late. You could say:
- Our manager does not take kindly to lateness.
- He did not take kindly to the rude comments during the meeting.
- She does not take kindly to being ignored.
- They did not take kindly to the idea of changing the schedule.
- John does not take kindly to criticism, so be careful with your words.
These examples show โnot take kindly to sth in a sentenceโ used to express dislike or displeasure.
Common Mistakes
Sometimes learners confuse this phrase with similar expressions or use it incorrectly. Here are some examples:
- Incorrect: She not takes kindly to noise.
Correct: She does not take kindly to noise. - Incorrect: They take kindly not to bad behavior.
Correct: They do not take kindly to bad behavior. - Incorrect: I do not take kindly the rude tone.
Correct: I do not take kindly to the rude tone.
Remember to use the auxiliary verb โdo/does/didโ in negative sentences and always follow the phrase with โtoโ plus the object.
Differences / Synonyms
Similar phrases include โdislike,โ โresent,โ and โbe offended by.โ However, โnot take kindly to sthโ is more polite and indirect than saying โdislikeโ or โhate.โ
- Dislike: Direct and stronger than โnot take kindly to.โ
- Resent: Implies a deeper, often longer-lasting negative feeling.
- Be offended by: Focuses more on feeling insulted or hurt.
Use โnot take kindly to sthโ when you want to express displeasure politely or indirectly.
Common Collocations
People often use โnot take kindly toโ with words related to behavior, comments, or changes. Here are common collocations:
- Lateness โ disliking being late or others arriving late
- Criticism โ reacting badly to negative feedback
- Rudeness โ not accepting impolite behavior
- Change โ opposing changes or new rules
- Disrespect โ not accepting disrespectful actions
Related Phrasal Verbs
Here are related phrasal verbs of not take kindly to sth:
Real-life Dialogue
Here is a short conversation between two friends:
Anna: Did you hear about the new office rules?
Ben: Yes, I did. Our boss does not take kindly to people leaving early.
Anna: I know! I think we should be careful not to upset him.
Practice
Try to complete the sentences with the correct form of the phrase:
- She _______ (not take kindly to) loud noises while working.
- They _______ (not take kindly to) the new policy last week.
- I think he _______ (not take kindly to) being ignored.
Answers:
- does not take kindly to
- did not take kindly to
- does not take kindly to
FAQ
- Q: Is โnot take kindly to sthโ formal or informal?
A: It is polite and can be used in both formal and informal situations. - Q: Can I use โnot take kindly toโ with people?
A: Usually, it is used with actions or things, not people. - Q: What is the opposite of โnot take kindly to sthโ?
A: To โtake kindly to sth,โ meaning to like or accept something. - Q: Can I separate the phrase?
A: No, โnot take kindly to sthโ is inseparable. - Q: Is it correct to say โnot take kindly on sthโ?
A: No, the correct preposition is โto.โ
