With animate subjects, won’t implies deliberate, obstinate unwillingness despite requests, as in he won’t apologise, no matter how many times I ask. With inanimate subjects, it personifies a machine’s persistent failure to work, as in the printer won’t connect to the network.
Grammar Rule
With animate subjects, won’t implies volition — deliberate, obstinate unwillingness despite requests. With inanimate subjects, the same form personifies the object’s apparent refusal to work despite repeated attempts. This differs from doesn’t, which states a general or habitual fact without implying resistance.
Won’t for Refusals and Technical Failure: Rules and Examples
| Use | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Won’t (animate subject) | stubborn refusal despite requests | He won’t apologise, no matter how many times I ask. |
| Won’t (inanimate subject) | machine’s persistent failure despite attempts | The printer won’t connect to the network. |
| vs. Doesn’t | neutral, habitual fact, no resistance implied | The shop doesn’t open on Sundays. |
Remember: Use won’t for stubborn refusal or repeated technical failure, not for a neutral, one-off fact.
Practice Test
Instructions
Answer each question in the test below using won’t correctly for refusals and technical failure. You will get a new random set of questions every time you retake the test, plus a downloadable results summary with your name and score at the end.
C1-34 Won't for Refusals and Technical Failure
Click «Start the test» to begin right away — no signup required. You can get a personalized certificate with your name and score at the end, if you want one.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does won’t imply with an animate subject?
Deliberate, obstinate unwillingness, as in he won’t apologise, no matter how many times I ask.
What does won’t imply with an inanimate subject?
A machine’s persistent failure to work, as in the printer won’t connect to the network.
How does won’t differ from doesn’t?
Doesn’t states a neutral, habitual fact without implying resistance, as in the shop doesn’t open on Sundays.
Is won’t appropriate for a neutral, one-off fact?
No, won’t implies resistance or repeated failure, not a simple neutral fact.