do not associate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "do not associate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to instruct someone not to connect or link with a particular person, group, or idea. Example: "Please do not associate with individuals who engage in unethical practices."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Do not associate".

The New York Times

"We do not associate Bach's music with colors.

The New York Times - Arts

We do not associate with political parties, and they are extremists.

The New York Times

Males and females do not associate in families but in separate hierarchies.

The New York Times - Science

In contrast, LEF-4 and LEF-8 did not coimmunoprecipitate but coimmunoprecipitated in the presence of P47, suggesting that they do not associate directly.

Virology

First, from a linguistic standpoint, we normally do not associate responsibility with luck.

Columbia University

"His anarchic impulsiveness represents a side of the Chinese character that most Westerners do not associate with Asian behavior".

The New York Times

"While it has offered some online initiatives, viewers do not associate BBC3 strongly with digital innovation," the trust concluded.

The Guardian

Perhaps reporters and editors in western Europe and the US do not associate places like Ponary with the Holocaust.

The Guardian - Opinion

Do not associate the UK with a man who chokes women around the world as part of his pickup game.

The Guardian

People usually do not associate the word "green" with diesel trucks, but big diesels are getting cleaner.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing someone to avoid association, clearly specify the person, group, or idea to avoid to ensure clarity and prevent misunderstandings.

Common error

Avoid vague instructions; instead of saying "Do not associate", specify with whom or what one should not associate. For instance, say "Do not associate with individuals who engage in unethical practices" rather than leaving the association undefined.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "do not associate" primarily functions as an imperative, instructing someone to avoid making connections or forming relationships with a specified entity. Ludwig AI indicates its correctness and usability in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

54%

Academia

2%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "do not associate" is a grammatically sound and widely used imperative that instructs against forming connections or relationships. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, it's applicable across a spectrum of contexts, from formal scientific research to everyday news reporting. To ensure clarity, specify the target of the non-association. While generally neutral, the tone can shift based on the context. Alternatives such as "do not connect" or "refrain from relating" can be considered based on the specific nuances you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

do not connect

Directly indicates a lack of connection or relationship.

have nothing to do with

States a complete lack of involvement or association.

avoid linking

Focuses on preventing a connection, particularly in a digital context.

disavow any connection

Strongly denies any existing or potential link.

refrain from relating

Emphasizes a conscious decision to not establish a connection.

detach from

Indicates a removal or separation from something previously connected.

do not identify with

Highlights a lack of alignment or shared characteristics.

keep separate

Highlights maintaining a distinction or division.

remain uninvolved

Focuses on staying out of a situation or relationship.

disregard

This suggests a complete lack of consideration or attention, rather than just not connecting.

FAQs

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

You can use "do not associate" to instruct someone to avoid connecting or linking with a particular entity. For example, "Do not associate the company with that scandal".

What is a formal alternative to "do not associate"?

A more formal alternative could be "disavow any connection" or "refrain from relating", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "do not associate with" or "do not associate to"?

"Do not associate with" is the correct and more common usage. "Do not associate to" is grammatically incorrect in this context.

What's the difference between "do not associate" and "do not connect"?

While similar, "do not associate" implies a broader relationship, whereas "do not connect" suggests a more direct link or communication. The choice depends on the specific context of the intended avoidance.