Please don't

USAGE SUMMARY

"Please don't" is correct and usable in written English
You can use it when you are requesting that someone does not do something. For example, "Please don't be late for the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Please don't talk; please don't talk".

The New Yorker

Please don't interrupt".

Independent

Please don't sack me".

The Economist

"Please don't do it.

The New Yorker

Please don't hurt me.

The New Yorker

Please, don't start dancing.

Independent

Please don't leave me.

The New Yorker

Please don't change it.

The New York Times

Please don't misunderstand him.

The New York Times

Please don't kill me".

The New Yorker

Please don't interrupt me.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "Please don't", ensure the context is clear and the request is reasonable. Overusing it can sound nagging or impolite. Pair it with a reason if needed to soften the command.

Common error

Avoid using "Please don't" in highly formal or professional settings where a more sophisticated request would be appropriate. Opt for phrases like "Kindly refrain from" or "I would appreciate it if you did not" in those contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Please don't" primarily functions as an imperative, used to issue a polite request or command. Ludwig provides numerous examples across diverse contexts, confirming its role in directly addressing someone to prevent a specific action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Please don't" is a versatile and widely used imperative phrase for making polite requests or issuing gentle commands. As verified by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and appears frequently in various contexts, especially in News & Media. While generally considered polite, context matters, and it's advisable to choose more formal alternatives, like "Kindly refrain from", in professional settings. Be mindful of potential misunderstandings by softening the request with explanations and reasons, as suggested in the writing guidance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I beg you, don't

Emphasizes the urgency and importance of the request, often used in desperate situations.

Please avoid

A more direct and concise way of requesting someone to keep away from doing something.

Kindly refrain from

Uses a more formal and polite tone to request someone to avoid doing something.

I ask you not to

Introduces a personal plea or request, often used in more serious or emotional contexts.

I'd rather you didn't

Expresses a preference that someone avoids a particular action, softening the directness of a command.

Would you mind not

A polite and indirect way of asking someone to stop doing something.

I'd prefer it if you didn't

Similar to "I'd rather you didn't", but slightly more formal, expressing a preference with a conditional clause.

Do me a favor and don't

Adds a personal touch to the request, implying that compliance would be a personal favor.

It would be better if you didn't

Highlights the benefits of not doing something, suggesting that it is the more advisable option.

Try not to

A gentler way of suggesting that someone avoid doing something, often used when the action is difficult to control.

FAQs

How can I use "Please don't" in a sentence?

"Please don't" is used to politely request someone to avoid a specific action. For example, "Please don't interrupt me while I'm speaking" or "Please don't forget to lock the door".

What are some alternatives to "Please don't"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "Kindly refrain from", "I ask you not to", or "Would you mind not" to express a similar request with varying levels of formality.

When is it appropriate to use "Please don't"?

"Please don't" is appropriate in a wide range of situations, from casual conversations to more formal requests. However, it's best suited for scenarios where a direct but polite request is needed, and it might be too informal for very high-stakes or official communications.

Is "Please don't" considered rude?

No, "Please don't" is generally considered polite because of the inclusion of "Please". However, the tone and context can influence perception. To avoid sounding demanding, soften the request with a reason or explanation.