do not answer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "do not answer" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when instructing someone not to respond to a question or prompt, often in contexts where a response is unnecessary or unwanted. Example: "For this survey, please do not answer any questions that make you uncomfortable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Gods do not answer letters.

The New Yorker

"I do not answer emails.

The Guardian - Tech

(Whovians, do not answer this question).

The Guardian - TV & Radio

I do not answer the telephone.

The New York Times

People are not home or do not answer their doors.

The Economist

"Do not answer the phone at dinner," she writes.

The New York Times

These considerations do not answer the question before us, however.

The New York Times

Some companies do not answer all of the questions.

The New York Times

These experiments do not answer questions so much as raise more of them, Dr. Firestein notes.

The New York Times - Science

The latest clues do not answer the question of who was behind the attacks.

The New York Times - Tech

"If they do not answer honestly, I will not be satisfied".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "do not answer" to give a direct and clear instruction to avoid responding, whether verbally or in writing. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

While "do not answer" is generally acceptable, consider using more formal alternatives like "refrain from answering" or "decline to respond" in highly professional or academic settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "do not answer" functions as a negative imperative, giving a direct command or instruction to avoid providing a response. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. Examples show it used in contexts ranging from surveys to personal advice.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "do not answer" is a grammatically sound and frequently used negative imperative that instructs someone to avoid responding. According to Ludwig AI, it is correct and usable in written English. It's versatile enough for both formal and informal contexts, though more formal alternatives exist for professional settings. Its frequency is high across news, wiki, and scientific sources. When using this phrase, be clear about what specifically should not be answered, and consider the tone appropriate for the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

do not respond

Directly instructs against any form of response, whether verbal or written.

do not reply

Specifically advises against sending a response back, typically in written communications.

refrain from answering

Emphasizes a deliberate choice to withhold a response; suggests a more formal or polite instruction.

say nothing

A more emphatic command not to speak.

decline to answer

Indicates a formal refusal to provide an answer, often used in legal or official settings.

don't say anything

General instruction not to make any verbal statements.

remain silent

Focuses on maintaining silence, particularly in situations where a verbal answer might be expected.

ignore the question

Instructs to completely disregard the question as if it were not posed.

withhold your answer

Suggests keeping the answer secret or unrevealed, possibly for strategic reasons.

keep mum

An informal way to say to keep quiet or not disclose information.

FAQs

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

You can use "do not answer" to instruct someone not to respond to a question or prompt. For example, "If you are unsure about a question, "do not answer" it."

What's a formal way to say "do not answer"?

In formal situations, you can use phrases like "refrain from answering" or "decline to answer" instead of "do not answer".

Which is correct, "do not answer" or "don't answer"?

Both "do not answer" and "don't answer" are correct, but "do not answer" is slightly more formal. "Don't answer" is a contraction and is more suitable for informal contexts.

What's the difference between "do not answer" and "do not respond"?

"Do not answer" specifically refers to questions, while "do not respond" is broader and can refer to any type of communication, including emails, messages, or even actions.