but do not feed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but do not feed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are instructing someone not to provide food to someone or something, often seen in signs or warnings. Example: "Please enjoy the animals from a distance, but do not feed them as it can disrupt their natural behavior."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

But do not feed me orange vegetables.

The Guardian - Opinion

Schedule an anti-hate demonstration for a subsequent week, but do not feed the beast.

The New York Times

Hamsters also like plain Cheerios, but do not feed your hamster Honey Nut Cheerios.

WikiHow

You must feed them every day, but do not feed too much based on their weight.

WikiHow

There are many types of greens that you can feed your rabbit, but do not feed it lettuce.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

— Without Work in the West Village "I feel like this person is taking jobs that pay the rent but don't feed their soul," Vardalos said.

The New Yorker

See and feel the negative working in you, but don't feed those bears- they'll just come back for more.

Huffington Post

Seed can make a good treat, but don't feed it in excess as it's too fatty.

WikiHow

Millet sprigs or "sprays" are a favorite treat, but don't feed too much of it (about 1/2" per day), as it is fattening like junk food.

WikiHow

Turtles eat almost all fruits and will most likely have a favorite but don't feed the same thing to your turtle twice in a row.

WikiHow

Fears prevent you from doing the things you know you're capable of, from not venturing forth into the unknown; accept that you have such fears but don't feed them.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "but do not feed" in instructional content, be specific about the reasons for withholding food to ensure clarity and prevent unintended consequences.

Common error

Avoid using "but do not feed" without specifying what should not be fed or why. Ambiguity can lead to misinterpretation and ineffective communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but do not feed" functions as a conjunctive phrase introducing a negative imperative. It follows a contrasting statement or condition, advising against the action of feeding. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Wiki

60%

News & Media

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "but do not feed" is a grammatically sound conjunctive phrase used to issue a negative imperative, typically as a restriction following a statement or allowance. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While relatively rare, the phrase appears mostly in Wiki, News & Media and Science. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the target of the restriction. Consider rephrasing for a more formal tone, using alternatives such as "however, refrain from feeding". Despite its straightforward nature, it's crucial to provide context to avoid ambiguity and ensure proper understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

however, do not nourish

Replaces "feed" with "nourish", implying a more comprehensive form of sustenance.

yet, refrain from feeding

Uses "refrain" to suggest a more controlled withholding of food.

still, don't give food to

Replaces "feed" with "give food to", making the instruction more explicit.

nonetheless, avoid feeding

Employs "avoid" to indicate preventing the act of feeding.

but, withhold sustenance from

Uses "withhold sustenance" to emphasize the act of denying nourishment.

though, do not supply food

Replaces "feed" with "supply food", clarifying the act of providing sustenance.

instead, leave unfed

Shifts the focus to the state of being unfed rather than the act of feeding.

alternatively, keep from eating

Focuses on preventing the act of eating, rather than the act of providing food.

conversely, starve

Uses "starve" to imply a more severe and prolonged deprivation of food.

yet, keep hunger

Simplifies the concept to maintaining a state of hunger.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "but do not feed" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using "however, refrain from feeding" or "nonetheless, avoid providing sustenance". These alternatives offer a more sophisticated way to convey the same instruction.

What is the difference between "but do not feed" and "do not feed"?

"Do not feed" is a direct command, while "but do not feed" implies a contrast or exception to a previous statement. For example, "You can observe the animals, but do not feed them" suggests an allowance for observation with a specific restriction.

In what situations is it appropriate to use "but do not feed"?

This phrase is appropriate when giving instructions that include a restriction, such as in animal care guidelines, where you might say "Provide water, but do not feed them processed foods" or in dealing with online trolls, where you might say "Read their comments, but "don't feed the troll"".

Are there any synonyms for "feed" that I can use in place of "but do not feed"?

Yes, you can use synonyms such as "nourish", "supply", or "provide sustenance". For example, instead of saying "but do not feed", you could say "but do not nourish" or "but do not supply food" depending on the context.