Why is “won't” used instead of “doesn't” sometimes?





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I've started noticing people using constructions like "something won't do something" as a present tense instead of "something doesn't do something".



For example, here is a piece from Eminem's song




but he keeps on forgettin'



What he wrote down, the whole crowd goes so loud



He opens his mouth, but the words won't come out




Is it ok to say like this and is there any specific rule that says in which situations one can use won't when they would normally use don't/doesn't?










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  • 14




    Welcome to ELL.SE. Do note that lyricists, like poets are given considerable artistic license; they don't need to follow any rules of grammar or usage. They may choose words to evoke a certain image or atmosphere, or simply because they sound unusual together, or to identify with a particular subculture through their vernacular. If you come across an unusual usage, try to find an example from prose.
    – choster
    Oct 31 at 0:59










  • @choster - agreed. A big part of his word choice will also be poetic/phonetic/etc. Look at the other words, he's building his phrasing with a bunch of "w" / "wo" words. "Don't" would break that pattern.
    – BruceWayne
    Oct 31 at 2:59












  • Does his use of alliteration mean it’s grammatically incorrect? In this case, it seems like the subject is the words. Unlike the question, won’t doesn’t only describe present tense, but present and future. “I won’t go to the store” vs “I don’t go to the store” are both valid and have slightly different meanings. The former describing intent (willfulness) and the later describing a quality or state of action.
    – vol7ron
    Oct 31 at 11:51












  • @BruceWayne ‘a bunch of “w”/“wo” words’ — is this really a significant factor here? Spelling-wise there plenty of w’s, but when spoken/sung, only whole, words, and won’t really begin with w — there’s no more alliteration built up from them than from keeps/crowd/come. I agree with your general point, but I don’t think it’s a major factor here.
    – PLL
    Oct 31 at 16:11








  • 2




    @BruceWayne: Totally agree with you on the vowel repetition — that’s extremely prominently used throughout the song — but that’s irrelevant to the won’t vs don’t choice, since they both fit it (he uses don’t as part of the same sequence a few lines later). What I don’t see is any particularly deliberate repetition of initial w’s, as you seemed to be suggesting in your original comment — it doesn’t seem like more repetition than can arise by chance, and that sort of alliteration isn’t emphasised elsewhere in the song, and is less central than vowel-based rhyme in hip-hop generally.
    – PLL
    Oct 31 at 17:14

















up vote
27
down vote

favorite
2












I've started noticing people using constructions like "something won't do something" as a present tense instead of "something doesn't do something".



For example, here is a piece from Eminem's song




but he keeps on forgettin'



What he wrote down, the whole crowd goes so loud



He opens his mouth, but the words won't come out




Is it ok to say like this and is there any specific rule that says in which situations one can use won't when they would normally use don't/doesn't?










share|improve this question




















  • 14




    Welcome to ELL.SE. Do note that lyricists, like poets are given considerable artistic license; they don't need to follow any rules of grammar or usage. They may choose words to evoke a certain image or atmosphere, or simply because they sound unusual together, or to identify with a particular subculture through their vernacular. If you come across an unusual usage, try to find an example from prose.
    – choster
    Oct 31 at 0:59










  • @choster - agreed. A big part of his word choice will also be poetic/phonetic/etc. Look at the other words, he's building his phrasing with a bunch of "w" / "wo" words. "Don't" would break that pattern.
    – BruceWayne
    Oct 31 at 2:59












  • Does his use of alliteration mean it’s grammatically incorrect? In this case, it seems like the subject is the words. Unlike the question, won’t doesn’t only describe present tense, but present and future. “I won’t go to the store” vs “I don’t go to the store” are both valid and have slightly different meanings. The former describing intent (willfulness) and the later describing a quality or state of action.
    – vol7ron
    Oct 31 at 11:51












  • @BruceWayne ‘a bunch of “w”/“wo” words’ — is this really a significant factor here? Spelling-wise there plenty of w’s, but when spoken/sung, only whole, words, and won’t really begin with w — there’s no more alliteration built up from them than from keeps/crowd/come. I agree with your general point, but I don’t think it’s a major factor here.
    – PLL
    Oct 31 at 16:11








  • 2




    @BruceWayne: Totally agree with you on the vowel repetition — that’s extremely prominently used throughout the song — but that’s irrelevant to the won’t vs don’t choice, since they both fit it (he uses don’t as part of the same sequence a few lines later). What I don’t see is any particularly deliberate repetition of initial w’s, as you seemed to be suggesting in your original comment — it doesn’t seem like more repetition than can arise by chance, and that sort of alliteration isn’t emphasised elsewhere in the song, and is less central than vowel-based rhyme in hip-hop generally.
    – PLL
    Oct 31 at 17:14













up vote
27
down vote

favorite
2









up vote
27
down vote

favorite
2






2





I've started noticing people using constructions like "something won't do something" as a present tense instead of "something doesn't do something".



For example, here is a piece from Eminem's song




but he keeps on forgettin'



What he wrote down, the whole crowd goes so loud



He opens his mouth, but the words won't come out




Is it ok to say like this and is there any specific rule that says in which situations one can use won't when they would normally use don't/doesn't?










share|improve this question















I've started noticing people using constructions like "something won't do something" as a present tense instead of "something doesn't do something".



For example, here is a piece from Eminem's song




but he keeps on forgettin'



What he wrote down, the whole crowd goes so loud



He opens his mouth, but the words won't come out




Is it ok to say like this and is there any specific rule that says in which situations one can use won't when they would normally use don't/doesn't?







tense future-tense






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edited Oct 31 at 18:16









CowperKettle

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asked Oct 30 at 19:25









Валерий Туманов

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  • 14




    Welcome to ELL.SE. Do note that lyricists, like poets are given considerable artistic license; they don't need to follow any rules of grammar or usage. They may choose words to evoke a certain image or atmosphere, or simply because they sound unusual together, or to identify with a particular subculture through their vernacular. If you come across an unusual usage, try to find an example from prose.
    – choster
    Oct 31 at 0:59










  • @choster - agreed. A big part of his word choice will also be poetic/phonetic/etc. Look at the other words, he's building his phrasing with a bunch of "w" / "wo" words. "Don't" would break that pattern.
    – BruceWayne
    Oct 31 at 2:59












  • Does his use of alliteration mean it’s grammatically incorrect? In this case, it seems like the subject is the words. Unlike the question, won’t doesn’t only describe present tense, but present and future. “I won’t go to the store” vs “I don’t go to the store” are both valid and have slightly different meanings. The former describing intent (willfulness) and the later describing a quality or state of action.
    – vol7ron
    Oct 31 at 11:51












  • @BruceWayne ‘a bunch of “w”/“wo” words’ — is this really a significant factor here? Spelling-wise there plenty of w’s, but when spoken/sung, only whole, words, and won’t really begin with w — there’s no more alliteration built up from them than from keeps/crowd/come. I agree with your general point, but I don’t think it’s a major factor here.
    – PLL
    Oct 31 at 16:11








  • 2




    @BruceWayne: Totally agree with you on the vowel repetition — that’s extremely prominently used throughout the song — but that’s irrelevant to the won’t vs don’t choice, since they both fit it (he uses don’t as part of the same sequence a few lines later). What I don’t see is any particularly deliberate repetition of initial w’s, as you seemed to be suggesting in your original comment — it doesn’t seem like more repetition than can arise by chance, and that sort of alliteration isn’t emphasised elsewhere in the song, and is less central than vowel-based rhyme in hip-hop generally.
    – PLL
    Oct 31 at 17:14














  • 14




    Welcome to ELL.SE. Do note that lyricists, like poets are given considerable artistic license; they don't need to follow any rules of grammar or usage. They may choose words to evoke a certain image or atmosphere, or simply because they sound unusual together, or to identify with a particular subculture through their vernacular. If you come across an unusual usage, try to find an example from prose.
    – choster
    Oct 31 at 0:59










  • @choster - agreed. A big part of his word choice will also be poetic/phonetic/etc. Look at the other words, he's building his phrasing with a bunch of "w" / "wo" words. "Don't" would break that pattern.
    – BruceWayne
    Oct 31 at 2:59












  • Does his use of alliteration mean it’s grammatically incorrect? In this case, it seems like the subject is the words. Unlike the question, won’t doesn’t only describe present tense, but present and future. “I won’t go to the store” vs “I don’t go to the store” are both valid and have slightly different meanings. The former describing intent (willfulness) and the later describing a quality or state of action.
    – vol7ron
    Oct 31 at 11:51












  • @BruceWayne ‘a bunch of “w”/“wo” words’ — is this really a significant factor here? Spelling-wise there plenty of w’s, but when spoken/sung, only whole, words, and won’t really begin with w — there’s no more alliteration built up from them than from keeps/crowd/come. I agree with your general point, but I don’t think it’s a major factor here.
    – PLL
    Oct 31 at 16:11








  • 2




    @BruceWayne: Totally agree with you on the vowel repetition — that’s extremely prominently used throughout the song — but that’s irrelevant to the won’t vs don’t choice, since they both fit it (he uses don’t as part of the same sequence a few lines later). What I don’t see is any particularly deliberate repetition of initial w’s, as you seemed to be suggesting in your original comment — it doesn’t seem like more repetition than can arise by chance, and that sort of alliteration isn’t emphasised elsewhere in the song, and is less central than vowel-based rhyme in hip-hop generally.
    – PLL
    Oct 31 at 17:14








14




14




Welcome to ELL.SE. Do note that lyricists, like poets are given considerable artistic license; they don't need to follow any rules of grammar or usage. They may choose words to evoke a certain image or atmosphere, or simply because they sound unusual together, or to identify with a particular subculture through their vernacular. If you come across an unusual usage, try to find an example from prose.
– choster
Oct 31 at 0:59




Welcome to ELL.SE. Do note that lyricists, like poets are given considerable artistic license; they don't need to follow any rules of grammar or usage. They may choose words to evoke a certain image or atmosphere, or simply because they sound unusual together, or to identify with a particular subculture through their vernacular. If you come across an unusual usage, try to find an example from prose.
– choster
Oct 31 at 0:59












@choster - agreed. A big part of his word choice will also be poetic/phonetic/etc. Look at the other words, he's building his phrasing with a bunch of "w" / "wo" words. "Don't" would break that pattern.
– BruceWayne
Oct 31 at 2:59






@choster - agreed. A big part of his word choice will also be poetic/phonetic/etc. Look at the other words, he's building his phrasing with a bunch of "w" / "wo" words. "Don't" would break that pattern.
– BruceWayne
Oct 31 at 2:59














Does his use of alliteration mean it’s grammatically incorrect? In this case, it seems like the subject is the words. Unlike the question, won’t doesn’t only describe present tense, but present and future. “I won’t go to the store” vs “I don’t go to the store” are both valid and have slightly different meanings. The former describing intent (willfulness) and the later describing a quality or state of action.
– vol7ron
Oct 31 at 11:51






Does his use of alliteration mean it’s grammatically incorrect? In this case, it seems like the subject is the words. Unlike the question, won’t doesn’t only describe present tense, but present and future. “I won’t go to the store” vs “I don’t go to the store” are both valid and have slightly different meanings. The former describing intent (willfulness) and the later describing a quality or state of action.
– vol7ron
Oct 31 at 11:51














@BruceWayne ‘a bunch of “w”/“wo” words’ — is this really a significant factor here? Spelling-wise there plenty of w’s, but when spoken/sung, only whole, words, and won’t really begin with w — there’s no more alliteration built up from them than from keeps/crowd/come. I agree with your general point, but I don’t think it’s a major factor here.
– PLL
Oct 31 at 16:11






@BruceWayne ‘a bunch of “w”/“wo” words’ — is this really a significant factor here? Spelling-wise there plenty of w’s, but when spoken/sung, only whole, words, and won’t really begin with w — there’s no more alliteration built up from them than from keeps/crowd/come. I agree with your general point, but I don’t think it’s a major factor here.
– PLL
Oct 31 at 16:11






2




2




@BruceWayne: Totally agree with you on the vowel repetition — that’s extremely prominently used throughout the song — but that’s irrelevant to the won’t vs don’t choice, since they both fit it (he uses don’t as part of the same sequence a few lines later). What I don’t see is any particularly deliberate repetition of initial w’s, as you seemed to be suggesting in your original comment — it doesn’t seem like more repetition than can arise by chance, and that sort of alliteration isn’t emphasised elsewhere in the song, and is less central than vowel-based rhyme in hip-hop generally.
– PLL
Oct 31 at 17:14




@BruceWayne: Totally agree with you on the vowel repetition — that’s extremely prominently used throughout the song — but that’s irrelevant to the won’t vs don’t choice, since they both fit it (he uses don’t as part of the same sequence a few lines later). What I don’t see is any particularly deliberate repetition of initial w’s, as you seemed to be suggesting in your original comment — it doesn’t seem like more repetition than can arise by chance, and that sort of alliteration isn’t emphasised elsewhere in the song, and is less central than vowel-based rhyme in hip-hop generally.
– PLL
Oct 31 at 17:14










9 Answers
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The example is using figurative language to describe the scene. Don't come out would be the normal form to use in that situation if one is simply listing the events, but the song is trying to evoke the sense of a struggle, a fight between the character and the words.



Don't is a more neutral term. It's a simple statement of fact - the words do not come. The line is about the singer's surprise that the words he's expecting don't come.



Won't personifies the words and grants them agency - they refuse to come out, while the character is trying to make them. The line is then about the singer fighting, trying to make the words come out.



Edited for clarity:



Won't does not always imply agency - it can also mean a prediction. To use an example in the comments, saying "The water won't drain" doesn't indicate that the water refuses to drain, it indicates a future tense. The implication of agency is largely contextual in this case, and related to the present tense of the line.






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  • 13




    I don't think won't implies agency of the subject, but rather agency of the actor. won't implies that an agent wills something to be so, but it does not happen. For example, "the water doesn't drain from the sink" merely implies the stated fact. "The water won't draink from the sink", however, implies that an actor wills the water to drain, but is unable to make it do so. This does not imply agency of the sink or water.
    – MooseBoys
    Oct 31 at 7:03






  • 6




    @MooseBoys: It makes no literal sense to blame the water for not draining from the sink (since water is an inanimate object), but that's besides the point. The phrasing of "the water won't drain" implies that the water actively refuses to do so. Regardless of objective correctness, that is what the speaker is alleging.
    – Flater
    Oct 31 at 7:59






  • 7




    @MooseBoys: How about "This frozen bolt is refusing to budge" ? Would you agree that there the bolt is being spoken of as if it is being uncooperative?
    – Tᴚoɯɐuo
    Oct 31 at 10:35






  • 5




    Modulo some of the minor adjustments proposed in comments, this is a very well-written answer. Bravo!
    – Lightness Races in Orbit
    Oct 31 at 10:44






  • 9




    Generally a good answer, but what do you mean by saying that don’t would be “the most grammatical form to use”? The fact that the won’t version involves some subtler figurative connotations doesn’t make it in any way less grammatical.
    – PLL
    Oct 31 at 16:14


















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15
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There, won't means "refuse to". Similar contexts can be found among the results here.






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    up vote
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    "won't" is a short form of "will not", where the verb will is used to express an ability, capability or an expectation:




    Wood will float on water. Rock won't float on water.



    The car will start when you turn the ignition on. I turn the ignition but the car won't start.




    The lyrics you've cited express the the lack of the ability to speak, or an unfulfilled expectation that someone will speak when they open their mouth.






    share|improve this answer




























      up vote
      3
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      Using the future tense "won't" suggests that a rule or pattern of resistance to your intent has been established, so using "won't" is predictive that the trend will last into the future.



      It's hinting at: "Even if I try again in the future, it still won't happen."



      The future is used in the sense that it follows after your intention to make something happen.



      You wouldn't use it if the situation was never to be repeated in the future.






      share|improve this answer





















      • When I call my mechanic telling that "my car won't start", I don't really suggest that my car has an established trend of not starting. It means quite the contrary: I expected it to start and it didn't.
        – Dmitry Grigoryev
        Oct 31 at 10:34






      • 2




        @DmitryGrigoryev If you say it won't start you're implying it still won't start on the next turn of the key. If it was out of petrol and wouldn't start, but then you filled it up, you wouldn't say "it won't start" any more because you know it probably will start.
        – Robert Frost
        Oct 31 at 10:41










      • But even if you knew it would start today, you might describe the problem using the past tense of "will not start" - you'd say "Yesterday it wouldn't start." I don't think there's anything about predictions here because the same usage happens in the past tense. I think what makes me use the word "would not" or "won't" is when I wanted something to happen, usually tried to make it happen, and it didn't happen - despite my wishes. Car won't start, screw won't turn, document won't print, etc.
        – XP84
        Nov 1 at 20:10












      • @XP84 I agree that "won't" refers to it being in the future, relative to the moment of intent, which i put in the answer.
        – Robert Frost
        Nov 1 at 21:04










      • @XP84 wouldn't is the past tense of will not. The question's asking why the song uses the future tense for something in the past, rather than the present or past.
        – Robert Frost
        Nov 4 at 9:11


















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      3
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      He opens his mouth, but the words don't come out




      This leaves it open that even though the words currently aren't coming out, then may in the future or when he tries a different approach.




      He opens his mouth, but the words won't come out




      This more strongly suggests that the problem is unfixable. No matter what he tries, the words won't come out. Not now, not in the future.



      Note that this is not a stated fact, but simply a stronger implication compared to using "don't".





      Secondly, keep in mind that this is a song. In lyrics, grammatical correctness can be overridden for lyrical flow. Especially for rap, easy pronunciation is essential to speaking quickly yet being easily understood.






      Is it ok to say like this and is there any specific rule that says in which situations one can use won't when they would normally use don't/doesn't?




      The distinction between "won't" and "don't" is effectively the speaker's opinion (in regards to how permanent this statement is). Logically, there is no rule that can define whether what the speaker believes is actually correct or not.



      However, there is a guideline here. If you're writing a story in which the speaker is convinced the problem is unsolvable, "won't" is a better choice. If the speaker thinks that the problem is only temporary or an easy fix may exist, then "don't" is a better choice.



      But neither options are definitive. It all hinges on how you want to portray the speaker.






      share|improve this answer






























        up vote
        3
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        "Won't" carries an implication that the thing not happening is desirable and plausible.



        My dog doesn't talk. (implausible)



        My dog doesn't bite. (undesirable)



        My dog won't fetch my slippers. (plausible and desirable)



        My dog doesn't fetch my slippers. (plausible and desirable -- doesn't is neutral on those questions)



        EDIT



        Roy makes an excellent point, in that "My dog won't bite" is also perfectly acceptable usage. I guess it's really more that "won't" implies some non-neutral desirability, either positive or negative, where "doesn't" -- well, "doesn't" necessarily do so. :)






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        • 5




          Disagree at least partially - "my dog won't bite" is perfectly acceptable without any implication of desirability.
          – Roy
          Oct 31 at 11:50










        • "But you said your dog doesn't bite!" "That is not my dog"
          – geneSummons
          Oct 31 at 18:15






        • 1




          I believe "My dog won't bite" is a true neutral future tense statement (a prediction) just like if you said "I will go to the store tomorrow" vs "I won't go to the store tomorrow." - so the plausible/desirable in this answer doesn't need to apply there. The "My dog won't fetch," by contrast, is using "will not" in the sense of the dog is not willing to fetch not just forming future tense of the verb as in "tomorrow i will do something"
          – XP84
          Nov 1 at 20:15










        • XP84- but in any given situation, a dog biting is either desired or undesired. I can't imagine a situation in which I'm ambivalent about my dog biting. But the more I reflect on this, the more I think that the literal meaning - "will not" - should be understood when refering to anything with agency. "My dog won't poop in tall grass" may be a neutral, but it expresses a choice being made by the dog, while "my car won't start" or "the pipe won't leak" are not neutral, but do not express choices, but (as you suggest) either present or predicted future state, typically desired or not.
          – Joe Baker
          2 days ago


















        up vote
        2
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        Won't is used here instead of don't, to express the inability of the words to come out. It is not used in this case to express the future tense. I do not believe this use is ungrammatical.



        Won't is of course a contraction of will not, and will has quite a lot of different uses in addition to its use to express the future tense



        The Oxford English Dictionary gives 6 different uses of will as a modal verb: one of these matches the usage found here quite well:




        Expressing facts about ability or capacity.




        • ‘a rock so light that it will float on water’


        • ‘your tank will hold about 26 gallons’








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          up vote
          0
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          I would say that won't is generally used when you are expecting someone or something to do a certain action but it isn't doing it. But, doesn't is just stating a fact that someone or something isn't doing a certain action.






          share|improve this answer




























            up vote
            -1
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            Won’t means it can, but it ‘currently’ will not.



            Doesn’t means it does not.






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            • I think the second half of that doesn't hold up. For example, "I don't attend city council meetings," "This sandwich doesn't come with mayonnaise." Those situations could easily change if I took an interest in an issue before the council or if I asked them to add mayo.
              – XP84
              Nov 1 at 20:16












            • Doesn’t is short for does not. I am 100% certain of this. If you took an interest in an issue before attending the council meeting then you are changing a variable, which in this case you would change your statement also. Such as “I haven’t attended city council meetings”. And the sign clearly says “This sandwich doesn’t come with mayonnaise”. If you later add mayo to the sandwich the statement still applies. As the sandwich does not come with mayo. You added this later and separately.
              – user106186
              Nov 2 at 15:00










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            9 Answers
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            9 Answers
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            up vote
            68
            down vote













            The example is using figurative language to describe the scene. Don't come out would be the normal form to use in that situation if one is simply listing the events, but the song is trying to evoke the sense of a struggle, a fight between the character and the words.



            Don't is a more neutral term. It's a simple statement of fact - the words do not come. The line is about the singer's surprise that the words he's expecting don't come.



            Won't personifies the words and grants them agency - they refuse to come out, while the character is trying to make them. The line is then about the singer fighting, trying to make the words come out.



            Edited for clarity:



            Won't does not always imply agency - it can also mean a prediction. To use an example in the comments, saying "The water won't drain" doesn't indicate that the water refuses to drain, it indicates a future tense. The implication of agency is largely contextual in this case, and related to the present tense of the line.






            share|improve this answer



















            • 13




              I don't think won't implies agency of the subject, but rather agency of the actor. won't implies that an agent wills something to be so, but it does not happen. For example, "the water doesn't drain from the sink" merely implies the stated fact. "The water won't draink from the sink", however, implies that an actor wills the water to drain, but is unable to make it do so. This does not imply agency of the sink or water.
              – MooseBoys
              Oct 31 at 7:03






            • 6




              @MooseBoys: It makes no literal sense to blame the water for not draining from the sink (since water is an inanimate object), but that's besides the point. The phrasing of "the water won't drain" implies that the water actively refuses to do so. Regardless of objective correctness, that is what the speaker is alleging.
              – Flater
              Oct 31 at 7:59






            • 7




              @MooseBoys: How about "This frozen bolt is refusing to budge" ? Would you agree that there the bolt is being spoken of as if it is being uncooperative?
              – Tᴚoɯɐuo
              Oct 31 at 10:35






            • 5




              Modulo some of the minor adjustments proposed in comments, this is a very well-written answer. Bravo!
              – Lightness Races in Orbit
              Oct 31 at 10:44






            • 9




              Generally a good answer, but what do you mean by saying that don’t would be “the most grammatical form to use”? The fact that the won’t version involves some subtler figurative connotations doesn’t make it in any way less grammatical.
              – PLL
              Oct 31 at 16:14















            up vote
            68
            down vote













            The example is using figurative language to describe the scene. Don't come out would be the normal form to use in that situation if one is simply listing the events, but the song is trying to evoke the sense of a struggle, a fight between the character and the words.



            Don't is a more neutral term. It's a simple statement of fact - the words do not come. The line is about the singer's surprise that the words he's expecting don't come.



            Won't personifies the words and grants them agency - they refuse to come out, while the character is trying to make them. The line is then about the singer fighting, trying to make the words come out.



            Edited for clarity:



            Won't does not always imply agency - it can also mean a prediction. To use an example in the comments, saying "The water won't drain" doesn't indicate that the water refuses to drain, it indicates a future tense. The implication of agency is largely contextual in this case, and related to the present tense of the line.






            share|improve this answer



















            • 13




              I don't think won't implies agency of the subject, but rather agency of the actor. won't implies that an agent wills something to be so, but it does not happen. For example, "the water doesn't drain from the sink" merely implies the stated fact. "The water won't draink from the sink", however, implies that an actor wills the water to drain, but is unable to make it do so. This does not imply agency of the sink or water.
              – MooseBoys
              Oct 31 at 7:03






            • 6




              @MooseBoys: It makes no literal sense to blame the water for not draining from the sink (since water is an inanimate object), but that's besides the point. The phrasing of "the water won't drain" implies that the water actively refuses to do so. Regardless of objective correctness, that is what the speaker is alleging.
              – Flater
              Oct 31 at 7:59






            • 7




              @MooseBoys: How about "This frozen bolt is refusing to budge" ? Would you agree that there the bolt is being spoken of as if it is being uncooperative?
              – Tᴚoɯɐuo
              Oct 31 at 10:35






            • 5




              Modulo some of the minor adjustments proposed in comments, this is a very well-written answer. Bravo!
              – Lightness Races in Orbit
              Oct 31 at 10:44






            • 9




              Generally a good answer, but what do you mean by saying that don’t would be “the most grammatical form to use”? The fact that the won’t version involves some subtler figurative connotations doesn’t make it in any way less grammatical.
              – PLL
              Oct 31 at 16:14













            up vote
            68
            down vote










            up vote
            68
            down vote









            The example is using figurative language to describe the scene. Don't come out would be the normal form to use in that situation if one is simply listing the events, but the song is trying to evoke the sense of a struggle, a fight between the character and the words.



            Don't is a more neutral term. It's a simple statement of fact - the words do not come. The line is about the singer's surprise that the words he's expecting don't come.



            Won't personifies the words and grants them agency - they refuse to come out, while the character is trying to make them. The line is then about the singer fighting, trying to make the words come out.



            Edited for clarity:



            Won't does not always imply agency - it can also mean a prediction. To use an example in the comments, saying "The water won't drain" doesn't indicate that the water refuses to drain, it indicates a future tense. The implication of agency is largely contextual in this case, and related to the present tense of the line.






            share|improve this answer














            The example is using figurative language to describe the scene. Don't come out would be the normal form to use in that situation if one is simply listing the events, but the song is trying to evoke the sense of a struggle, a fight between the character and the words.



            Don't is a more neutral term. It's a simple statement of fact - the words do not come. The line is about the singer's surprise that the words he's expecting don't come.



            Won't personifies the words and grants them agency - they refuse to come out, while the character is trying to make them. The line is then about the singer fighting, trying to make the words come out.



            Edited for clarity:



            Won't does not always imply agency - it can also mean a prediction. To use an example in the comments, saying "The water won't drain" doesn't indicate that the water refuses to drain, it indicates a future tense. The implication of agency is largely contextual in this case, and related to the present tense of the line.







            share|improve this answer














            share|improve this answer



            share|improve this answer








            edited Nov 1 at 20:41

























            answered Oct 30 at 19:32









            Werrf

            3,190713




            3,190713








            • 13




              I don't think won't implies agency of the subject, but rather agency of the actor. won't implies that an agent wills something to be so, but it does not happen. For example, "the water doesn't drain from the sink" merely implies the stated fact. "The water won't draink from the sink", however, implies that an actor wills the water to drain, but is unable to make it do so. This does not imply agency of the sink or water.
              – MooseBoys
              Oct 31 at 7:03






            • 6




              @MooseBoys: It makes no literal sense to blame the water for not draining from the sink (since water is an inanimate object), but that's besides the point. The phrasing of "the water won't drain" implies that the water actively refuses to do so. Regardless of objective correctness, that is what the speaker is alleging.
              – Flater
              Oct 31 at 7:59






            • 7




              @MooseBoys: How about "This frozen bolt is refusing to budge" ? Would you agree that there the bolt is being spoken of as if it is being uncooperative?
              – Tᴚoɯɐuo
              Oct 31 at 10:35






            • 5




              Modulo some of the minor adjustments proposed in comments, this is a very well-written answer. Bravo!
              – Lightness Races in Orbit
              Oct 31 at 10:44






            • 9




              Generally a good answer, but what do you mean by saying that don’t would be “the most grammatical form to use”? The fact that the won’t version involves some subtler figurative connotations doesn’t make it in any way less grammatical.
              – PLL
              Oct 31 at 16:14














            • 13




              I don't think won't implies agency of the subject, but rather agency of the actor. won't implies that an agent wills something to be so, but it does not happen. For example, "the water doesn't drain from the sink" merely implies the stated fact. "The water won't draink from the sink", however, implies that an actor wills the water to drain, but is unable to make it do so. This does not imply agency of the sink or water.
              – MooseBoys
              Oct 31 at 7:03






            • 6




              @MooseBoys: It makes no literal sense to blame the water for not draining from the sink (since water is an inanimate object), but that's besides the point. The phrasing of "the water won't drain" implies that the water actively refuses to do so. Regardless of objective correctness, that is what the speaker is alleging.
              – Flater
              Oct 31 at 7:59






            • 7




              @MooseBoys: How about "This frozen bolt is refusing to budge" ? Would you agree that there the bolt is being spoken of as if it is being uncooperative?
              – Tᴚoɯɐuo
              Oct 31 at 10:35






            • 5




              Modulo some of the minor adjustments proposed in comments, this is a very well-written answer. Bravo!
              – Lightness Races in Orbit
              Oct 31 at 10:44






            • 9




              Generally a good answer, but what do you mean by saying that don’t would be “the most grammatical form to use”? The fact that the won’t version involves some subtler figurative connotations doesn’t make it in any way less grammatical.
              – PLL
              Oct 31 at 16:14








            13




            13




            I don't think won't implies agency of the subject, but rather agency of the actor. won't implies that an agent wills something to be so, but it does not happen. For example, "the water doesn't drain from the sink" merely implies the stated fact. "The water won't draink from the sink", however, implies that an actor wills the water to drain, but is unable to make it do so. This does not imply agency of the sink or water.
            – MooseBoys
            Oct 31 at 7:03




            I don't think won't implies agency of the subject, but rather agency of the actor. won't implies that an agent wills something to be so, but it does not happen. For example, "the water doesn't drain from the sink" merely implies the stated fact. "The water won't draink from the sink", however, implies that an actor wills the water to drain, but is unable to make it do so. This does not imply agency of the sink or water.
            – MooseBoys
            Oct 31 at 7:03




            6




            6




            @MooseBoys: It makes no literal sense to blame the water for not draining from the sink (since water is an inanimate object), but that's besides the point. The phrasing of "the water won't drain" implies that the water actively refuses to do so. Regardless of objective correctness, that is what the speaker is alleging.
            – Flater
            Oct 31 at 7:59




            @MooseBoys: It makes no literal sense to blame the water for not draining from the sink (since water is an inanimate object), but that's besides the point. The phrasing of "the water won't drain" implies that the water actively refuses to do so. Regardless of objective correctness, that is what the speaker is alleging.
            – Flater
            Oct 31 at 7:59




            7




            7




            @MooseBoys: How about "This frozen bolt is refusing to budge" ? Would you agree that there the bolt is being spoken of as if it is being uncooperative?
            – Tᴚoɯɐuo
            Oct 31 at 10:35




            @MooseBoys: How about "This frozen bolt is refusing to budge" ? Would you agree that there the bolt is being spoken of as if it is being uncooperative?
            – Tᴚoɯɐuo
            Oct 31 at 10:35




            5




            5




            Modulo some of the minor adjustments proposed in comments, this is a very well-written answer. Bravo!
            – Lightness Races in Orbit
            Oct 31 at 10:44




            Modulo some of the minor adjustments proposed in comments, this is a very well-written answer. Bravo!
            – Lightness Races in Orbit
            Oct 31 at 10:44




            9




            9




            Generally a good answer, but what do you mean by saying that don’t would be “the most grammatical form to use”? The fact that the won’t version involves some subtler figurative connotations doesn’t make it in any way less grammatical.
            – PLL
            Oct 31 at 16:14




            Generally a good answer, but what do you mean by saying that don’t would be “the most grammatical form to use”? The fact that the won’t version involves some subtler figurative connotations doesn’t make it in any way less grammatical.
            – PLL
            Oct 31 at 16:14












            up vote
            15
            down vote













            There, won't means "refuse to". Similar contexts can be found among the results here.






            share|improve this answer

























              up vote
              15
              down vote













              There, won't means "refuse to". Similar contexts can be found among the results here.






              share|improve this answer























                up vote
                15
                down vote










                up vote
                15
                down vote









                There, won't means "refuse to". Similar contexts can be found among the results here.






                share|improve this answer












                There, won't means "refuse to". Similar contexts can be found among the results here.







                share|improve this answer












                share|improve this answer



                share|improve this answer










                answered Oct 30 at 19:31









                Tᴚoɯɐuo

                101k674167




                101k674167






















                    up vote
                    15
                    down vote













                    "won't" is a short form of "will not", where the verb will is used to express an ability, capability or an expectation:




                    Wood will float on water. Rock won't float on water.



                    The car will start when you turn the ignition on. I turn the ignition but the car won't start.




                    The lyrics you've cited express the the lack of the ability to speak, or an unfulfilled expectation that someone will speak when they open their mouth.






                    share|improve this answer

























                      up vote
                      15
                      down vote













                      "won't" is a short form of "will not", where the verb will is used to express an ability, capability or an expectation:




                      Wood will float on water. Rock won't float on water.



                      The car will start when you turn the ignition on. I turn the ignition but the car won't start.




                      The lyrics you've cited express the the lack of the ability to speak, or an unfulfilled expectation that someone will speak when they open their mouth.






                      share|improve this answer























                        up vote
                        15
                        down vote










                        up vote
                        15
                        down vote









                        "won't" is a short form of "will not", where the verb will is used to express an ability, capability or an expectation:




                        Wood will float on water. Rock won't float on water.



                        The car will start when you turn the ignition on. I turn the ignition but the car won't start.




                        The lyrics you've cited express the the lack of the ability to speak, or an unfulfilled expectation that someone will speak when they open their mouth.






                        share|improve this answer












                        "won't" is a short form of "will not", where the verb will is used to express an ability, capability or an expectation:




                        Wood will float on water. Rock won't float on water.



                        The car will start when you turn the ignition on. I turn the ignition but the car won't start.




                        The lyrics you've cited express the the lack of the ability to speak, or an unfulfilled expectation that someone will speak when they open their mouth.







                        share|improve this answer












                        share|improve this answer



                        share|improve this answer










                        answered Oct 31 at 10:20









                        Dmitry Grigoryev

                        42729




                        42729






















                            up vote
                            3
                            down vote













                            Using the future tense "won't" suggests that a rule or pattern of resistance to your intent has been established, so using "won't" is predictive that the trend will last into the future.



                            It's hinting at: "Even if I try again in the future, it still won't happen."



                            The future is used in the sense that it follows after your intention to make something happen.



                            You wouldn't use it if the situation was never to be repeated in the future.






                            share|improve this answer





















                            • When I call my mechanic telling that "my car won't start", I don't really suggest that my car has an established trend of not starting. It means quite the contrary: I expected it to start and it didn't.
                              – Dmitry Grigoryev
                              Oct 31 at 10:34






                            • 2




                              @DmitryGrigoryev If you say it won't start you're implying it still won't start on the next turn of the key. If it was out of petrol and wouldn't start, but then you filled it up, you wouldn't say "it won't start" any more because you know it probably will start.
                              – Robert Frost
                              Oct 31 at 10:41










                            • But even if you knew it would start today, you might describe the problem using the past tense of "will not start" - you'd say "Yesterday it wouldn't start." I don't think there's anything about predictions here because the same usage happens in the past tense. I think what makes me use the word "would not" or "won't" is when I wanted something to happen, usually tried to make it happen, and it didn't happen - despite my wishes. Car won't start, screw won't turn, document won't print, etc.
                              – XP84
                              Nov 1 at 20:10












                            • @XP84 I agree that "won't" refers to it being in the future, relative to the moment of intent, which i put in the answer.
                              – Robert Frost
                              Nov 1 at 21:04










                            • @XP84 wouldn't is the past tense of will not. The question's asking why the song uses the future tense for something in the past, rather than the present or past.
                              – Robert Frost
                              Nov 4 at 9:11















                            up vote
                            3
                            down vote













                            Using the future tense "won't" suggests that a rule or pattern of resistance to your intent has been established, so using "won't" is predictive that the trend will last into the future.



                            It's hinting at: "Even if I try again in the future, it still won't happen."



                            The future is used in the sense that it follows after your intention to make something happen.



                            You wouldn't use it if the situation was never to be repeated in the future.






                            share|improve this answer





















                            • When I call my mechanic telling that "my car won't start", I don't really suggest that my car has an established trend of not starting. It means quite the contrary: I expected it to start and it didn't.
                              – Dmitry Grigoryev
                              Oct 31 at 10:34






                            • 2




                              @DmitryGrigoryev If you say it won't start you're implying it still won't start on the next turn of the key. If it was out of petrol and wouldn't start, but then you filled it up, you wouldn't say "it won't start" any more because you know it probably will start.
                              – Robert Frost
                              Oct 31 at 10:41










                            • But even if you knew it would start today, you might describe the problem using the past tense of "will not start" - you'd say "Yesterday it wouldn't start." I don't think there's anything about predictions here because the same usage happens in the past tense. I think what makes me use the word "would not" or "won't" is when I wanted something to happen, usually tried to make it happen, and it didn't happen - despite my wishes. Car won't start, screw won't turn, document won't print, etc.
                              – XP84
                              Nov 1 at 20:10












                            • @XP84 I agree that "won't" refers to it being in the future, relative to the moment of intent, which i put in the answer.
                              – Robert Frost
                              Nov 1 at 21:04










                            • @XP84 wouldn't is the past tense of will not. The question's asking why the song uses the future tense for something in the past, rather than the present or past.
                              – Robert Frost
                              Nov 4 at 9:11













                            up vote
                            3
                            down vote










                            up vote
                            3
                            down vote









                            Using the future tense "won't" suggests that a rule or pattern of resistance to your intent has been established, so using "won't" is predictive that the trend will last into the future.



                            It's hinting at: "Even if I try again in the future, it still won't happen."



                            The future is used in the sense that it follows after your intention to make something happen.



                            You wouldn't use it if the situation was never to be repeated in the future.






                            share|improve this answer












                            Using the future tense "won't" suggests that a rule or pattern of resistance to your intent has been established, so using "won't" is predictive that the trend will last into the future.



                            It's hinting at: "Even if I try again in the future, it still won't happen."



                            The future is used in the sense that it follows after your intention to make something happen.



                            You wouldn't use it if the situation was never to be repeated in the future.







                            share|improve this answer












                            share|improve this answer



                            share|improve this answer










                            answered Oct 31 at 4:17









                            Robert Frost

                            1312




                            1312












                            • When I call my mechanic telling that "my car won't start", I don't really suggest that my car has an established trend of not starting. It means quite the contrary: I expected it to start and it didn't.
                              – Dmitry Grigoryev
                              Oct 31 at 10:34






                            • 2




                              @DmitryGrigoryev If you say it won't start you're implying it still won't start on the next turn of the key. If it was out of petrol and wouldn't start, but then you filled it up, you wouldn't say "it won't start" any more because you know it probably will start.
                              – Robert Frost
                              Oct 31 at 10:41










                            • But even if you knew it would start today, you might describe the problem using the past tense of "will not start" - you'd say "Yesterday it wouldn't start." I don't think there's anything about predictions here because the same usage happens in the past tense. I think what makes me use the word "would not" or "won't" is when I wanted something to happen, usually tried to make it happen, and it didn't happen - despite my wishes. Car won't start, screw won't turn, document won't print, etc.
                              – XP84
                              Nov 1 at 20:10












                            • @XP84 I agree that "won't" refers to it being in the future, relative to the moment of intent, which i put in the answer.
                              – Robert Frost
                              Nov 1 at 21:04










                            • @XP84 wouldn't is the past tense of will not. The question's asking why the song uses the future tense for something in the past, rather than the present or past.
                              – Robert Frost
                              Nov 4 at 9:11


















                            • When I call my mechanic telling that "my car won't start", I don't really suggest that my car has an established trend of not starting. It means quite the contrary: I expected it to start and it didn't.
                              – Dmitry Grigoryev
                              Oct 31 at 10:34






                            • 2




                              @DmitryGrigoryev If you say it won't start you're implying it still won't start on the next turn of the key. If it was out of petrol and wouldn't start, but then you filled it up, you wouldn't say "it won't start" any more because you know it probably will start.
                              – Robert Frost
                              Oct 31 at 10:41










                            • But even if you knew it would start today, you might describe the problem using the past tense of "will not start" - you'd say "Yesterday it wouldn't start." I don't think there's anything about predictions here because the same usage happens in the past tense. I think what makes me use the word "would not" or "won't" is when I wanted something to happen, usually tried to make it happen, and it didn't happen - despite my wishes. Car won't start, screw won't turn, document won't print, etc.
                              – XP84
                              Nov 1 at 20:10












                            • @XP84 I agree that "won't" refers to it being in the future, relative to the moment of intent, which i put in the answer.
                              – Robert Frost
                              Nov 1 at 21:04










                            • @XP84 wouldn't is the past tense of will not. The question's asking why the song uses the future tense for something in the past, rather than the present or past.
                              – Robert Frost
                              Nov 4 at 9:11
















                            When I call my mechanic telling that "my car won't start", I don't really suggest that my car has an established trend of not starting. It means quite the contrary: I expected it to start and it didn't.
                            – Dmitry Grigoryev
                            Oct 31 at 10:34




                            When I call my mechanic telling that "my car won't start", I don't really suggest that my car has an established trend of not starting. It means quite the contrary: I expected it to start and it didn't.
                            – Dmitry Grigoryev
                            Oct 31 at 10:34




                            2




                            2




                            @DmitryGrigoryev If you say it won't start you're implying it still won't start on the next turn of the key. If it was out of petrol and wouldn't start, but then you filled it up, you wouldn't say "it won't start" any more because you know it probably will start.
                            – Robert Frost
                            Oct 31 at 10:41




                            @DmitryGrigoryev If you say it won't start you're implying it still won't start on the next turn of the key. If it was out of petrol and wouldn't start, but then you filled it up, you wouldn't say "it won't start" any more because you know it probably will start.
                            – Robert Frost
                            Oct 31 at 10:41












                            But even if you knew it would start today, you might describe the problem using the past tense of "will not start" - you'd say "Yesterday it wouldn't start." I don't think there's anything about predictions here because the same usage happens in the past tense. I think what makes me use the word "would not" or "won't" is when I wanted something to happen, usually tried to make it happen, and it didn't happen - despite my wishes. Car won't start, screw won't turn, document won't print, etc.
                            – XP84
                            Nov 1 at 20:10






                            But even if you knew it would start today, you might describe the problem using the past tense of "will not start" - you'd say "Yesterday it wouldn't start." I don't think there's anything about predictions here because the same usage happens in the past tense. I think what makes me use the word "would not" or "won't" is when I wanted something to happen, usually tried to make it happen, and it didn't happen - despite my wishes. Car won't start, screw won't turn, document won't print, etc.
                            – XP84
                            Nov 1 at 20:10














                            @XP84 I agree that "won't" refers to it being in the future, relative to the moment of intent, which i put in the answer.
                            – Robert Frost
                            Nov 1 at 21:04




                            @XP84 I agree that "won't" refers to it being in the future, relative to the moment of intent, which i put in the answer.
                            – Robert Frost
                            Nov 1 at 21:04












                            @XP84 wouldn't is the past tense of will not. The question's asking why the song uses the future tense for something in the past, rather than the present or past.
                            – Robert Frost
                            Nov 4 at 9:11




                            @XP84 wouldn't is the past tense of will not. The question's asking why the song uses the future tense for something in the past, rather than the present or past.
                            – Robert Frost
                            Nov 4 at 9:11










                            up vote
                            3
                            down vote














                            He opens his mouth, but the words don't come out




                            This leaves it open that even though the words currently aren't coming out, then may in the future or when he tries a different approach.




                            He opens his mouth, but the words won't come out




                            This more strongly suggests that the problem is unfixable. No matter what he tries, the words won't come out. Not now, not in the future.



                            Note that this is not a stated fact, but simply a stronger implication compared to using "don't".





                            Secondly, keep in mind that this is a song. In lyrics, grammatical correctness can be overridden for lyrical flow. Especially for rap, easy pronunciation is essential to speaking quickly yet being easily understood.






                            Is it ok to say like this and is there any specific rule that says in which situations one can use won't when they would normally use don't/doesn't?




                            The distinction between "won't" and "don't" is effectively the speaker's opinion (in regards to how permanent this statement is). Logically, there is no rule that can define whether what the speaker believes is actually correct or not.



                            However, there is a guideline here. If you're writing a story in which the speaker is convinced the problem is unsolvable, "won't" is a better choice. If the speaker thinks that the problem is only temporary or an easy fix may exist, then "don't" is a better choice.



                            But neither options are definitive. It all hinges on how you want to portray the speaker.






                            share|improve this answer



























                              up vote
                              3
                              down vote














                              He opens his mouth, but the words don't come out




                              This leaves it open that even though the words currently aren't coming out, then may in the future or when he tries a different approach.




                              He opens his mouth, but the words won't come out




                              This more strongly suggests that the problem is unfixable. No matter what he tries, the words won't come out. Not now, not in the future.



                              Note that this is not a stated fact, but simply a stronger implication compared to using "don't".





                              Secondly, keep in mind that this is a song. In lyrics, grammatical correctness can be overridden for lyrical flow. Especially for rap, easy pronunciation is essential to speaking quickly yet being easily understood.






                              Is it ok to say like this and is there any specific rule that says in which situations one can use won't when they would normally use don't/doesn't?




                              The distinction between "won't" and "don't" is effectively the speaker's opinion (in regards to how permanent this statement is). Logically, there is no rule that can define whether what the speaker believes is actually correct or not.



                              However, there is a guideline here. If you're writing a story in which the speaker is convinced the problem is unsolvable, "won't" is a better choice. If the speaker thinks that the problem is only temporary or an easy fix may exist, then "don't" is a better choice.



                              But neither options are definitive. It all hinges on how you want to portray the speaker.






                              share|improve this answer

























                                up vote
                                3
                                down vote










                                up vote
                                3
                                down vote










                                He opens his mouth, but the words don't come out




                                This leaves it open that even though the words currently aren't coming out, then may in the future or when he tries a different approach.




                                He opens his mouth, but the words won't come out




                                This more strongly suggests that the problem is unfixable. No matter what he tries, the words won't come out. Not now, not in the future.



                                Note that this is not a stated fact, but simply a stronger implication compared to using "don't".





                                Secondly, keep in mind that this is a song. In lyrics, grammatical correctness can be overridden for lyrical flow. Especially for rap, easy pronunciation is essential to speaking quickly yet being easily understood.






                                Is it ok to say like this and is there any specific rule that says in which situations one can use won't when they would normally use don't/doesn't?




                                The distinction between "won't" and "don't" is effectively the speaker's opinion (in regards to how permanent this statement is). Logically, there is no rule that can define whether what the speaker believes is actually correct or not.



                                However, there is a guideline here. If you're writing a story in which the speaker is convinced the problem is unsolvable, "won't" is a better choice. If the speaker thinks that the problem is only temporary or an easy fix may exist, then "don't" is a better choice.



                                But neither options are definitive. It all hinges on how you want to portray the speaker.






                                share|improve this answer















                                He opens his mouth, but the words don't come out




                                This leaves it open that even though the words currently aren't coming out, then may in the future or when he tries a different approach.




                                He opens his mouth, but the words won't come out




                                This more strongly suggests that the problem is unfixable. No matter what he tries, the words won't come out. Not now, not in the future.



                                Note that this is not a stated fact, but simply a stronger implication compared to using "don't".





                                Secondly, keep in mind that this is a song. In lyrics, grammatical correctness can be overridden for lyrical flow. Especially for rap, easy pronunciation is essential to speaking quickly yet being easily understood.






                                Is it ok to say like this and is there any specific rule that says in which situations one can use won't when they would normally use don't/doesn't?




                                The distinction between "won't" and "don't" is effectively the speaker's opinion (in regards to how permanent this statement is). Logically, there is no rule that can define whether what the speaker believes is actually correct or not.



                                However, there is a guideline here. If you're writing a story in which the speaker is convinced the problem is unsolvable, "won't" is a better choice. If the speaker thinks that the problem is only temporary or an easy fix may exist, then "don't" is a better choice.



                                But neither options are definitive. It all hinges on how you want to portray the speaker.







                                share|improve this answer














                                share|improve this answer



                                share|improve this answer








                                edited Oct 31 at 12:21

























                                answered Oct 31 at 7:54









                                Flater

                                76938




                                76938






















                                    up vote
                                    3
                                    down vote













                                    "Won't" carries an implication that the thing not happening is desirable and plausible.



                                    My dog doesn't talk. (implausible)



                                    My dog doesn't bite. (undesirable)



                                    My dog won't fetch my slippers. (plausible and desirable)



                                    My dog doesn't fetch my slippers. (plausible and desirable -- doesn't is neutral on those questions)



                                    EDIT



                                    Roy makes an excellent point, in that "My dog won't bite" is also perfectly acceptable usage. I guess it's really more that "won't" implies some non-neutral desirability, either positive or negative, where "doesn't" -- well, "doesn't" necessarily do so. :)






                                    share|improve this answer



















                                    • 5




                                      Disagree at least partially - "my dog won't bite" is perfectly acceptable without any implication of desirability.
                                      – Roy
                                      Oct 31 at 11:50










                                    • "But you said your dog doesn't bite!" "That is not my dog"
                                      – geneSummons
                                      Oct 31 at 18:15






                                    • 1




                                      I believe "My dog won't bite" is a true neutral future tense statement (a prediction) just like if you said "I will go to the store tomorrow" vs "I won't go to the store tomorrow." - so the plausible/desirable in this answer doesn't need to apply there. The "My dog won't fetch," by contrast, is using "will not" in the sense of the dog is not willing to fetch not just forming future tense of the verb as in "tomorrow i will do something"
                                      – XP84
                                      Nov 1 at 20:15










                                    • XP84- but in any given situation, a dog biting is either desired or undesired. I can't imagine a situation in which I'm ambivalent about my dog biting. But the more I reflect on this, the more I think that the literal meaning - "will not" - should be understood when refering to anything with agency. "My dog won't poop in tall grass" may be a neutral, but it expresses a choice being made by the dog, while "my car won't start" or "the pipe won't leak" are not neutral, but do not express choices, but (as you suggest) either present or predicted future state, typically desired or not.
                                      – Joe Baker
                                      2 days ago















                                    up vote
                                    3
                                    down vote













                                    "Won't" carries an implication that the thing not happening is desirable and plausible.



                                    My dog doesn't talk. (implausible)



                                    My dog doesn't bite. (undesirable)



                                    My dog won't fetch my slippers. (plausible and desirable)



                                    My dog doesn't fetch my slippers. (plausible and desirable -- doesn't is neutral on those questions)



                                    EDIT



                                    Roy makes an excellent point, in that "My dog won't bite" is also perfectly acceptable usage. I guess it's really more that "won't" implies some non-neutral desirability, either positive or negative, where "doesn't" -- well, "doesn't" necessarily do so. :)






                                    share|improve this answer



















                                    • 5




                                      Disagree at least partially - "my dog won't bite" is perfectly acceptable without any implication of desirability.
                                      – Roy
                                      Oct 31 at 11:50










                                    • "But you said your dog doesn't bite!" "That is not my dog"
                                      – geneSummons
                                      Oct 31 at 18:15






                                    • 1




                                      I believe "My dog won't bite" is a true neutral future tense statement (a prediction) just like if you said "I will go to the store tomorrow" vs "I won't go to the store tomorrow." - so the plausible/desirable in this answer doesn't need to apply there. The "My dog won't fetch," by contrast, is using "will not" in the sense of the dog is not willing to fetch not just forming future tense of the verb as in "tomorrow i will do something"
                                      – XP84
                                      Nov 1 at 20:15










                                    • XP84- but in any given situation, a dog biting is either desired or undesired. I can't imagine a situation in which I'm ambivalent about my dog biting. But the more I reflect on this, the more I think that the literal meaning - "will not" - should be understood when refering to anything with agency. "My dog won't poop in tall grass" may be a neutral, but it expresses a choice being made by the dog, while "my car won't start" or "the pipe won't leak" are not neutral, but do not express choices, but (as you suggest) either present or predicted future state, typically desired or not.
                                      – Joe Baker
                                      2 days ago













                                    up vote
                                    3
                                    down vote










                                    up vote
                                    3
                                    down vote









                                    "Won't" carries an implication that the thing not happening is desirable and plausible.



                                    My dog doesn't talk. (implausible)



                                    My dog doesn't bite. (undesirable)



                                    My dog won't fetch my slippers. (plausible and desirable)



                                    My dog doesn't fetch my slippers. (plausible and desirable -- doesn't is neutral on those questions)



                                    EDIT



                                    Roy makes an excellent point, in that "My dog won't bite" is also perfectly acceptable usage. I guess it's really more that "won't" implies some non-neutral desirability, either positive or negative, where "doesn't" -- well, "doesn't" necessarily do so. :)






                                    share|improve this answer














                                    "Won't" carries an implication that the thing not happening is desirable and plausible.



                                    My dog doesn't talk. (implausible)



                                    My dog doesn't bite. (undesirable)



                                    My dog won't fetch my slippers. (plausible and desirable)



                                    My dog doesn't fetch my slippers. (plausible and desirable -- doesn't is neutral on those questions)



                                    EDIT



                                    Roy makes an excellent point, in that "My dog won't bite" is also perfectly acceptable usage. I guess it's really more that "won't" implies some non-neutral desirability, either positive or negative, where "doesn't" -- well, "doesn't" necessarily do so. :)







                                    share|improve this answer














                                    share|improve this answer



                                    share|improve this answer








                                    edited Nov 1 at 13:51

























                                    answered Oct 30 at 22:11









                                    Joe Baker

                                    732




                                    732








                                    • 5




                                      Disagree at least partially - "my dog won't bite" is perfectly acceptable without any implication of desirability.
                                      – Roy
                                      Oct 31 at 11:50










                                    • "But you said your dog doesn't bite!" "That is not my dog"
                                      – geneSummons
                                      Oct 31 at 18:15






                                    • 1




                                      I believe "My dog won't bite" is a true neutral future tense statement (a prediction) just like if you said "I will go to the store tomorrow" vs "I won't go to the store tomorrow." - so the plausible/desirable in this answer doesn't need to apply there. The "My dog won't fetch," by contrast, is using "will not" in the sense of the dog is not willing to fetch not just forming future tense of the verb as in "tomorrow i will do something"
                                      – XP84
                                      Nov 1 at 20:15










                                    • XP84- but in any given situation, a dog biting is either desired or undesired. I can't imagine a situation in which I'm ambivalent about my dog biting. But the more I reflect on this, the more I think that the literal meaning - "will not" - should be understood when refering to anything with agency. "My dog won't poop in tall grass" may be a neutral, but it expresses a choice being made by the dog, while "my car won't start" or "the pipe won't leak" are not neutral, but do not express choices, but (as you suggest) either present or predicted future state, typically desired or not.
                                      – Joe Baker
                                      2 days ago














                                    • 5




                                      Disagree at least partially - "my dog won't bite" is perfectly acceptable without any implication of desirability.
                                      – Roy
                                      Oct 31 at 11:50










                                    • "But you said your dog doesn't bite!" "That is not my dog"
                                      – geneSummons
                                      Oct 31 at 18:15






                                    • 1




                                      I believe "My dog won't bite" is a true neutral future tense statement (a prediction) just like if you said "I will go to the store tomorrow" vs "I won't go to the store tomorrow." - so the plausible/desirable in this answer doesn't need to apply there. The "My dog won't fetch," by contrast, is using "will not" in the sense of the dog is not willing to fetch not just forming future tense of the verb as in "tomorrow i will do something"
                                      – XP84
                                      Nov 1 at 20:15










                                    • XP84- but in any given situation, a dog biting is either desired or undesired. I can't imagine a situation in which I'm ambivalent about my dog biting. But the more I reflect on this, the more I think that the literal meaning - "will not" - should be understood when refering to anything with agency. "My dog won't poop in tall grass" may be a neutral, but it expresses a choice being made by the dog, while "my car won't start" or "the pipe won't leak" are not neutral, but do not express choices, but (as you suggest) either present or predicted future state, typically desired or not.
                                      – Joe Baker
                                      2 days ago








                                    5




                                    5




                                    Disagree at least partially - "my dog won't bite" is perfectly acceptable without any implication of desirability.
                                    – Roy
                                    Oct 31 at 11:50




                                    Disagree at least partially - "my dog won't bite" is perfectly acceptable without any implication of desirability.
                                    – Roy
                                    Oct 31 at 11:50












                                    "But you said your dog doesn't bite!" "That is not my dog"
                                    – geneSummons
                                    Oct 31 at 18:15




                                    "But you said your dog doesn't bite!" "That is not my dog"
                                    – geneSummons
                                    Oct 31 at 18:15




                                    1




                                    1




                                    I believe "My dog won't bite" is a true neutral future tense statement (a prediction) just like if you said "I will go to the store tomorrow" vs "I won't go to the store tomorrow." - so the plausible/desirable in this answer doesn't need to apply there. The "My dog won't fetch," by contrast, is using "will not" in the sense of the dog is not willing to fetch not just forming future tense of the verb as in "tomorrow i will do something"
                                    – XP84
                                    Nov 1 at 20:15




                                    I believe "My dog won't bite" is a true neutral future tense statement (a prediction) just like if you said "I will go to the store tomorrow" vs "I won't go to the store tomorrow." - so the plausible/desirable in this answer doesn't need to apply there. The "My dog won't fetch," by contrast, is using "will not" in the sense of the dog is not willing to fetch not just forming future tense of the verb as in "tomorrow i will do something"
                                    – XP84
                                    Nov 1 at 20:15












                                    XP84- but in any given situation, a dog biting is either desired or undesired. I can't imagine a situation in which I'm ambivalent about my dog biting. But the more I reflect on this, the more I think that the literal meaning - "will not" - should be understood when refering to anything with agency. "My dog won't poop in tall grass" may be a neutral, but it expresses a choice being made by the dog, while "my car won't start" or "the pipe won't leak" are not neutral, but do not express choices, but (as you suggest) either present or predicted future state, typically desired or not.
                                    – Joe Baker
                                    2 days ago




                                    XP84- but in any given situation, a dog biting is either desired or undesired. I can't imagine a situation in which I'm ambivalent about my dog biting. But the more I reflect on this, the more I think that the literal meaning - "will not" - should be understood when refering to anything with agency. "My dog won't poop in tall grass" may be a neutral, but it expresses a choice being made by the dog, while "my car won't start" or "the pipe won't leak" are not neutral, but do not express choices, but (as you suggest) either present or predicted future state, typically desired or not.
                                    – Joe Baker
                                    2 days ago










                                    up vote
                                    2
                                    down vote













                                    Won't is used here instead of don't, to express the inability of the words to come out. It is not used in this case to express the future tense. I do not believe this use is ungrammatical.



                                    Won't is of course a contraction of will not, and will has quite a lot of different uses in addition to its use to express the future tense



                                    The Oxford English Dictionary gives 6 different uses of will as a modal verb: one of these matches the usage found here quite well:




                                    Expressing facts about ability or capacity.




                                    • ‘a rock so light that it will float on water’


                                    • ‘your tank will hold about 26 gallons’








                                    share|improve this answer

























                                      up vote
                                      2
                                      down vote













                                      Won't is used here instead of don't, to express the inability of the words to come out. It is not used in this case to express the future tense. I do not believe this use is ungrammatical.



                                      Won't is of course a contraction of will not, and will has quite a lot of different uses in addition to its use to express the future tense



                                      The Oxford English Dictionary gives 6 different uses of will as a modal verb: one of these matches the usage found here quite well:




                                      Expressing facts about ability or capacity.




                                      • ‘a rock so light that it will float on water’


                                      • ‘your tank will hold about 26 gallons’








                                      share|improve this answer























                                        up vote
                                        2
                                        down vote










                                        up vote
                                        2
                                        down vote









                                        Won't is used here instead of don't, to express the inability of the words to come out. It is not used in this case to express the future tense. I do not believe this use is ungrammatical.



                                        Won't is of course a contraction of will not, and will has quite a lot of different uses in addition to its use to express the future tense



                                        The Oxford English Dictionary gives 6 different uses of will as a modal verb: one of these matches the usage found here quite well:




                                        Expressing facts about ability or capacity.




                                        • ‘a rock so light that it will float on water’


                                        • ‘your tank will hold about 26 gallons’








                                        share|improve this answer












                                        Won't is used here instead of don't, to express the inability of the words to come out. It is not used in this case to express the future tense. I do not believe this use is ungrammatical.



                                        Won't is of course a contraction of will not, and will has quite a lot of different uses in addition to its use to express the future tense



                                        The Oxford English Dictionary gives 6 different uses of will as a modal verb: one of these matches the usage found here quite well:




                                        Expressing facts about ability or capacity.




                                        • ‘a rock so light that it will float on water’


                                        • ‘your tank will hold about 26 gallons’









                                        share|improve this answer












                                        share|improve this answer



                                        share|improve this answer










                                        answered Nov 1 at 9:52









                                        Ben

                                        1695




                                        1695






















                                            up vote
                                            0
                                            down vote













                                            I would say that won't is generally used when you are expecting someone or something to do a certain action but it isn't doing it. But, doesn't is just stating a fact that someone or something isn't doing a certain action.






                                            share|improve this answer

























                                              up vote
                                              0
                                              down vote













                                              I would say that won't is generally used when you are expecting someone or something to do a certain action but it isn't doing it. But, doesn't is just stating a fact that someone or something isn't doing a certain action.






                                              share|improve this answer























                                                up vote
                                                0
                                                down vote










                                                up vote
                                                0
                                                down vote









                                                I would say that won't is generally used when you are expecting someone or something to do a certain action but it isn't doing it. But, doesn't is just stating a fact that someone or something isn't doing a certain action.






                                                share|improve this answer












                                                I would say that won't is generally used when you are expecting someone or something to do a certain action but it isn't doing it. But, doesn't is just stating a fact that someone or something isn't doing a certain action.







                                                share|improve this answer












                                                share|improve this answer



                                                share|improve this answer










                                                answered Oct 31 at 13:57









                                                isaace

                                                1011




                                                1011






















                                                    up vote
                                                    -1
                                                    down vote













                                                    Won’t means it can, but it ‘currently’ will not.



                                                    Doesn’t means it does not.






                                                    share|improve this answer























                                                    • I think the second half of that doesn't hold up. For example, "I don't attend city council meetings," "This sandwich doesn't come with mayonnaise." Those situations could easily change if I took an interest in an issue before the council or if I asked them to add mayo.
                                                      – XP84
                                                      Nov 1 at 20:16












                                                    • Doesn’t is short for does not. I am 100% certain of this. If you took an interest in an issue before attending the council meeting then you are changing a variable, which in this case you would change your statement also. Such as “I haven’t attended city council meetings”. And the sign clearly says “This sandwich doesn’t come with mayonnaise”. If you later add mayo to the sandwich the statement still applies. As the sandwich does not come with mayo. You added this later and separately.
                                                      – user106186
                                                      Nov 2 at 15:00















                                                    up vote
                                                    -1
                                                    down vote













                                                    Won’t means it can, but it ‘currently’ will not.



                                                    Doesn’t means it does not.






                                                    share|improve this answer























                                                    • I think the second half of that doesn't hold up. For example, "I don't attend city council meetings," "This sandwich doesn't come with mayonnaise." Those situations could easily change if I took an interest in an issue before the council or if I asked them to add mayo.
                                                      – XP84
                                                      Nov 1 at 20:16












                                                    • Doesn’t is short for does not. I am 100% certain of this. If you took an interest in an issue before attending the council meeting then you are changing a variable, which in this case you would change your statement also. Such as “I haven’t attended city council meetings”. And the sign clearly says “This sandwich doesn’t come with mayonnaise”. If you later add mayo to the sandwich the statement still applies. As the sandwich does not come with mayo. You added this later and separately.
                                                      – user106186
                                                      Nov 2 at 15:00













                                                    up vote
                                                    -1
                                                    down vote










                                                    up vote
                                                    -1
                                                    down vote









                                                    Won’t means it can, but it ‘currently’ will not.



                                                    Doesn’t means it does not.






                                                    share|improve this answer














                                                    Won’t means it can, but it ‘currently’ will not.



                                                    Doesn’t means it does not.







                                                    share|improve this answer














                                                    share|improve this answer



                                                    share|improve this answer








                                                    edited Nov 2 at 15:01

























                                                    answered Oct 31 at 13:41









                                                    user106186

                                                    12




                                                    12












                                                    • I think the second half of that doesn't hold up. For example, "I don't attend city council meetings," "This sandwich doesn't come with mayonnaise." Those situations could easily change if I took an interest in an issue before the council or if I asked them to add mayo.
                                                      – XP84
                                                      Nov 1 at 20:16












                                                    • Doesn’t is short for does not. I am 100% certain of this. If you took an interest in an issue before attending the council meeting then you are changing a variable, which in this case you would change your statement also. Such as “I haven’t attended city council meetings”. And the sign clearly says “This sandwich doesn’t come with mayonnaise”. If you later add mayo to the sandwich the statement still applies. As the sandwich does not come with mayo. You added this later and separately.
                                                      – user106186
                                                      Nov 2 at 15:00


















                                                    • I think the second half of that doesn't hold up. For example, "I don't attend city council meetings," "This sandwich doesn't come with mayonnaise." Those situations could easily change if I took an interest in an issue before the council or if I asked them to add mayo.
                                                      – XP84
                                                      Nov 1 at 20:16












                                                    • Doesn’t is short for does not. I am 100% certain of this. If you took an interest in an issue before attending the council meeting then you are changing a variable, which in this case you would change your statement also. Such as “I haven’t attended city council meetings”. And the sign clearly says “This sandwich doesn’t come with mayonnaise”. If you later add mayo to the sandwich the statement still applies. As the sandwich does not come with mayo. You added this later and separately.
                                                      – user106186
                                                      Nov 2 at 15:00
















                                                    I think the second half of that doesn't hold up. For example, "I don't attend city council meetings," "This sandwich doesn't come with mayonnaise." Those situations could easily change if I took an interest in an issue before the council or if I asked them to add mayo.
                                                    – XP84
                                                    Nov 1 at 20:16






                                                    I think the second half of that doesn't hold up. For example, "I don't attend city council meetings," "This sandwich doesn't come with mayonnaise." Those situations could easily change if I took an interest in an issue before the council or if I asked them to add mayo.
                                                    – XP84
                                                    Nov 1 at 20:16














                                                    Doesn’t is short for does not. I am 100% certain of this. If you took an interest in an issue before attending the council meeting then you are changing a variable, which in this case you would change your statement also. Such as “I haven’t attended city council meetings”. And the sign clearly says “This sandwich doesn’t come with mayonnaise”. If you later add mayo to the sandwich the statement still applies. As the sandwich does not come with mayo. You added this later and separately.
                                                    – user106186
                                                    Nov 2 at 15:00




                                                    Doesn’t is short for does not. I am 100% certain of this. If you took an interest in an issue before attending the council meeting then you are changing a variable, which in this case you would change your statement also. Such as “I haven’t attended city council meetings”. And the sign clearly says “This sandwich doesn’t come with mayonnaise”. If you later add mayo to the sandwich the statement still applies. As the sandwich does not come with mayo. You added this later and separately.
                                                    – user106186
                                                    Nov 2 at 15:00





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