do not alter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "do not alter" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to instruct someone not to change or modify something. Example: "Please submit the document as it is; do not alter any of the content."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Do not alter this document".

The New York Times

System configurations: Do not alter various system settings and configurations.

Stanford University

Nonetheless, wealth and success do not alter basic human needs.

The Guardian - Music

The incorporation of different ions do not alter the structural and textural properties of the support.

Catalysis Today

These local translations do not alter the class membership of the instances in the dataset.

Computers & Chemical Engineering

Do not alter the prongs of polarized plugs to make them fit an outlet.

Stanford University

Please do not alter any wiring without assistance from CCRMA staff.

Stanford University

The actual slice is returned - do not alter this unless you know what you are doing.

Stanford University

The basic geometric controller is extended with feedback from state variables which do not alter the nominal disturbance rejection.

Chemical Engineering Science

On the contrary, the barriers with handrails (porous) practically do not alter the flow on the catenaries.

Engineering Structures

Nucleation-enhancing shear conditions, which do not alter the general spherulitic morphology, consist of a short-duration step-shear.

Polymer

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When providing instructions, be specific about what should not be altered to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "Do not alter the document", specify "Do not alter the font size or margins".

Common error

Avoid using the phrase without specifying what should not be altered. Vague instructions can lead to unintended modifications. Instead of just saying "Do not alter", clarify: "Do not alter the file names".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "do not alter" functions primarily as an imperative, used to issue a command or instruction. Ludwig AI examples show it commonly directs users to preserve the original state of documents, systems, or settings. It is a directive phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

28%

Academia

14%

News & Media

14%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "do not alter" serves as a direct and clear instruction to avoid making changes to something. Ludwig AI identifies the phrase as grammatically correct and common, appearing frequently in academic, news, and scientific contexts. The primary purpose of the phrase is to maintain integrity, consistency, or avoid potential errors by preventing unwanted modifications. When using "do not alter", ensure clarity by specifying exactly what should not be changed. Alternatives like "do not modify" or "refrain from modifying" offer similar meanings with varying degrees of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

do not modify

A direct synonym, simply instructing against any changes.

do not edit

Specifically refers to not making changes to written or digital content.

refrain from modifying

This phrase is a more formal way to express not changing something.

leave untouched

This suggests preserving something in its original state without any intervention.

do not revise

Implies not making corrections or improvements.

keep as is

This phrase implies maintaining the current condition or form.

avoid changing

This emphasizes the action of preventing alteration.

do not adjust

Specifically suggests not tweaking or fine-tuning something.

maintain original state

Highlights the importance of preserving the initial condition.

do not touch

A more informal and direct way of saying not to change something.

FAQs

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

You can use "do not alter" to instruct someone to leave something unchanged. For instance, "Please review the document but "do not alter" any of the figures".

What's a more formal alternative to "do not alter"?

A more formal alternative would be "refrain from modifying" or "do not modify". These phrases are suitable for professional or academic contexts.

Is it always clear what "do not alter" refers to?

No, it's important to be specific. Instead of a general ""do not alter"", provide clear instructions like "Do not alter the passwords" to avoid confusion.

What is the difference between "do not alter" and "do not edit"?

"Do not edit" specifically refers to making changes to text or digital content. "Do not alter" is broader and can apply to any kind of modification, not just editing.