do not argue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "do not argue" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when instructing someone to refrain from engaging in a dispute or disagreement. Example: "In this meeting, I must insist that we focus on solutions and do not argue about past mistakes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They do not argue much.

The New York Times

Most Somalis do not argue with that.

The New York Times

I do not argue that Israel is perfect.

The Washington Post

We certainly do not argue for a less competitive Germany".

The Guardian - Business

Defendants do not argue that CompuServe is anything other than a private actor.

Harvard University

I do not argue for a change in corporate law to make corporations even more intrapreneurial.

Columbia University

We do not argue that precedent must be worshiped and upheld at all costs.

The New York Times

And I do not argue that Big Oil constitutes a monopoly.

The Washington Post

Public health experts do not argue that vaccination is risk free.

The Washington Post

As for the Mets, I do not argue with $91 million in today's baseball market.

The New York Times - Sports

They do not argue that the dolphin population at large is seriously endangered.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing someone, especially in a formal setting, consider using "refrain from arguing" or "avoid arguing" instead of the more direct "do not argue".

Common error

Be careful that "do not argue" is an instruction to avoid conflict, not an indication of agreement. Ensure the context makes this clear.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "do not argue" functions as an imperative, giving a direct command or instruction to refrain from engaging in an argument. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

23%

News & Media

21%

Science

21%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "do not argue" serves as a direct imperative, instructing someone to avoid engaging in a disagreement or conflict. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and widely used, especially in news, wiki and science contexts. While generally neutral in tone, more formal alternatives like "refrain from arguing" might be preferred in certain settings. Remember, the key is to instruct and not to passively agree. Its frequency across varied sources underscores its common application in everyday language and professional environments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

refrain from arguing

Replaces the imperative "do not" with the more formal "refrain from", maintaining the instruction to avoid argument.

avoid arguing

Uses "avoid" as a direct replacement for "do not argue", keeping the meaning of preventing a dispute.

don't dispute

Replaces "argue" with "dispute", focusing on avoiding contention.

don't quarrel

Substitutes "argue" with "quarrel", suggesting the avoidance of a heated disagreement.

hold your peace

An idiomatic alternative meaning to remain silent and not voice disagreement.

keep silent

Focuses on remaining quiet to avoid conflict.

avoid confrontation

Shifts the focus to avoiding direct conflict or opposition.

don't contradict

Emphasizes avoiding direct opposition or disagreement.

let it go

An informal way of suggesting to drop the issue and not argue about it.

agree to disagree

Acknowledges a difference of opinion and suggests ending the discussion to avoid further argument.

FAQs

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

You can use "do not argue" as a direct instruction to avoid conflict, for example: "During the negotiation, please "do not argue" about minor details."

What are some alternatives to "do not argue"?

Some alternatives include "refrain from arguing", "avoid arguing", or "don't dispute", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it ever appropriate to use "do not argue" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "do not argue" is more suitable for informal contexts. In formal writing, consider alternatives like "refrain from arguing" for a more professional tone.

What's the difference between "do not argue" and "do not discuss"?

"Do not argue" implies avoiding conflict or disagreement, while "do not discuss" simply means avoiding a particular topic, regardless of potential disagreement. The first phrase focuses on the manner of interaction, the second on the subject.