do not agitate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "do not agitate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to advise someone against causing disturbance or excitement, often in relation to sensitive situations or materials. Example: "Please handle the equipment carefully and do not agitate the contents inside the container."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Players of his calibre do not agitate for a fresh challenge too often, which should either galvanise elite clubs across Europe, both those with established wealth and the batch of nouveaux riches, to enter an auction, or perhaps even motivate United into kick-starting contract negotiations and extend his stay beyond 2015.

The Guardian - Sport

Asian immigrants in general do not agitate; they want to do their jobs well in the confidence that that is what it takes to achieve the American Dream.

Huffington Post

Do not agitate or aggravate a GDW.

WikiHow

If not using a washing machine be sure to mind step 2! Do not agitate raw wool, wool will felt into a lumpy mess.

WikiHow

To avoid a cloudy appearance, do not agitate the bottle before pouring, pour gradually without tilting the bottle much, and do not pour out the very last amount of beer.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

" 'Don't agitate nothing.

The New Yorker

Don't stir anything; don't agitate the tin or try to make it even.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

You laugh at things and laughter is cathartic, so you don't agitate people.

The Guardian

In the rainy season we earn our own money [as farm labourers] so when bills come we don't agitate them".

The Guardian

I obviously can't get specific, but I will say the show is very real in the sense that they don't agitate you or create storylines.

Huffington Post

If you are trying to lose weight, don't agitate over your failure of will on the third day of your program.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When providing instructions for handling delicate materials or sensitive situations, use "do not agitate" to clearly advise against any action that might cause disturbance or excitement.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "do not agitate" can sound overly formal or technical in everyday conversations. Opt for simpler alternatives like "don't worry" or "stay calm" to avoid sounding stiff or unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "do not agitate" functions primarily as an imperative, advising against a specific action that could cause disturbance or excitement. As per Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. The examples show its application in diverse contexts, from handling physical objects to managing emotional states.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

40%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "do not agitate" is a grammatically correct imperative used to advise against causing disturbance or excitement. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is applicable in various contexts, ranging from technical instructions to managing interpersonal interactions. While versatile, its formality makes it more suitable for contexts requiring caution or precision, avoiding casual conversation. Alternatives include "avoid stirring up" or "refrain from provoking", offering similar guidance with subtle differences in emphasis. When using "do not agitate", consider the specific context and desired tone to ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

refrain from stirring up

Emphasizes the act of preventing something from being stirred or provoked.

avoid provoking

Focuses on preventing someone or something from becoming angry or reactive.

do not instigate

Highlights the prevention of initiating conflict or trouble.

keep from upsetting

Stresses maintaining a calm environment by not causing emotional distress.

leave undisturbed

Suggests allowing something to remain in its current state without interference.

do not exacerbate

Focuses on preventing a situation from becoming worse.

avoid irritating

Highlights preventing annoyance or frustration.

refrain from provoking

Similar to avoid provoking but with a more formal tone.

do not aggravate

Focuses on preventing a situation from becoming more serious or troublesome.

keep calm

This alternative has a clear semantic difference, focusing on maintaining a peaceful environment.

FAQs

How can I use "do not agitate" in a sentence?

Use "do not agitate" when you want to advise against causing disturbance or excitement, especially in sensitive situations. For example, "Do not agitate the wound" or "do not agitate the sample".

What's the difference between "do not agitate" and "do not disturb"?

"Do not agitate" implies avoiding actions that cause excitement or disturbance, while "do not disturb" generally means avoiding any interruption. "Do not agitate" is more specific to causing unrest.

What can I say instead of "do not agitate"?

You can use alternatives like "avoid stirring up", "refrain from provoking", or "leave undisturbed" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "do not agitate" in informal settings?

While grammatically correct, "do not agitate" might sound overly formal in casual conversation. Consider using simpler alternatives like "don't worry" or "stay calm" for more natural communication.