Used and loved by millions

Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

Don't be unkind
Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

Table of contents

Usage summary

Human-verified examples

Expert writing tips

Linguistic context

Ludwig's wrap-up

Alternative expressions

FAQs

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Don't be unkind.

Wiki

WikiHow

Don't be unkind to others.

Wiki

WikiHow

Don't be unkind to yourself - reward yourself for your strength and courage instead.

Wiki

WikiHow

I encourage you to write freely and powerfully, but don't be unkind, condescending or impolite.

News & Media

Forbes

Be nice to your siblings and family, don't be unkind to your sister if she comes in your room without asking.

Wiki

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Do not be unkind to your potential crush when he or she is around you.

Wiki

WikiHow

Don't be mean, or unkind to the pookies, or their mumu, dada will report you.

Wiki

WikiHow

Don't be mean, selfish and unkind.

Wiki

WikiHow

Don't be cruel or make unkind remarks to the flirtatious person, as this will embitter them and make you appear rude.

Wiki

WikiHow

Don't be a flirt just to get what you want that's very unkind behavior.

Wiki

WikiHow

Do not be rude or unkind around your potential crush if he or she has a crush on you.

Wiki

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In instructional writing, such as guides or advice columns, use this phrase to set a moral baseline for interactions without sounding overly clinical.

Common error

Writers sometimes use "Don't be unkind" when they actually mean "Don't be unfriendly". Unkindness implies a level of active harm or malice, whereas being unfriendly might simply mean being reserved. Use the phrase only when there is a risk of hurtful behavior.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

83%

Authority and reliability

4.8/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Don't be unkind" serves as a negative imperative used to regulate social behavior. Grammatically, it consists of the auxiliary verb "do" with the negative particle "not", followed by the copular verb "be" and the adjective "unkind". In the Ludwig database, it frequently functions as a transition or a qualifier in complex sentences, often followed by a "but" clause that introduces a criticism.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

Social Media

Science

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "Don't be unkind" is a versatile and essential tool in the English language for promoting empathy and civil discourse. According to Ludwig data, it is most frequently employed in journalistic and advice-based writing to moderate the tone of critiques or to provide moral guidance. Whether used as a direct command or as a self-correcting preface to a difficult statement, it remains a hallmark of respectful communication. While simple in structure, its high frequency in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its importance as a staple of contemporary ethical and social vocabulary.

More alternative expressions(10)

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Don't be mean

Uses more colloquial language commonly found in casual or interpersonal dialogue

Be kind

Shifts from a negative prohibition to a positive behavioral instruction

Do not be cruel

Increases the intensity and formality of the prohibition

Avoid being harsh

Focuses specifically on the tone or delivery of a message rather than general character

Be considerate

Emphasizes the need to think about others' feelings rather than just avoiding bad behavior

Show some compassion

Suggests an active display of warmth rather than the mere absence of unkindness

Stay respectful

Focuses on social boundaries and professional decorum

Refrain from being rude

Targets specific social etiquette and manners

Practice empathy

Uses a more clinical or psychological term for understanding others

Keep it civil

Often used in debates or public forums to maintain a basic level of politeness

FAQs

How to use "Don't be unkind" in a sentence?

You can use it as a standalone command or part of a compound sentence, such as: "I encourage you to write powerfully, but "don't be unkind" or condescending."

What is the difference between "Don't be unkind" and "Don't be mean"?

While similar, "don't be mean" is often perceived as more informal or childish, whereas "Don't be unkind" carries a more mature, ethical weight suitable for professional or serious contexts.

Can I say "Don't be unkind to yourself"?

Yes, this is a very common usage in self-help and psychological contexts. It serves as an encouragement to "be gentle with yourself" rather than overly critical.

Is "Don't be unkind" formal enough for business?

Yes, it is often used in business environments to maintain a positive culture. A more formal alternative might be "maintain professional courtesy", but "Don't be unkind" is perfectly acceptable in most professional editorial content.

Editing plus AI, all in one place.

Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.

Continue with Googlefor free

Continue with emailfor free

Table of contents

Usage summary

Human-verified examples

Expert writing tips

Linguistic context

Ludwig's wrap-up

Alternative expressions

FAQs

Source & Trust

83%

Authority and reliability

4.8/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences:

1-200 1k 2k 3k 4k 5k 7k 10k 20k 40k 100k 200k 500k 0m-3 0m-4 1m-1 1m-2 1m-3 1m-4

Don't be unkindGrammar usage guide and real-world examples

Don't be unkind
Grammar usage guide and real-world examples