do not attempt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "do not attempt" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used as a warning or instruction to discourage someone from trying to do something that may be dangerous or inappropriate. Example: "For your safety, do not attempt to open the door while the machine is running."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Do not attempt conversation.

The New York Times - Food

Do not attempt to outfox Fox".

The New York Times

Do not attempt to adjust the picture.

The Economist

Do not attempt to return it.

The New Yorker

Do not attempt this at home".

The New York Times - Arts

Do not attempt Paradise Lost!

The Guardian - Books

Do not attempt to skip questions.

The New York Times

"Do not attempt to teach others.

The Guardian

Do not attempt to stuff your pages with keywords.

University of California, Berkeley

Do not attempt to light with match.

TechCrunch

Do not attempt to be perfect.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When providing instructions, follow "do not attempt" with a clear explanation of the potential risks or consequences to ensure understanding and compliance.

Common error

While generally acceptable, excessive use of "do not attempt" in formal writing can sound overly forceful. Consider softening the tone with alternatives like "it is not recommended" or "avoid" where appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "do not attempt" functions as an imperative, directly instructing or warning someone against undertaking a particular action. As noted by Ludwig, it serves as a clear directive to avoid something, usually due to potential risks or negative consequences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

30%

News & Media

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "do not attempt" is a common imperative used to strongly advise against undertaking a specific action. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use across various contexts, including Wiki, News & Media, and Science. While versatile, it's essential to consider the tone and appropriateness in formal settings. For general advice, milder alternatives may be preferable. Related phrases like "do not try" or "refrain from trying" can offer nuanced substitutes, depending on the intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

do not try

A more direct and simple alternative with similar meaning.

refrain from trying

A more formal way to advise against attempting something.

it is not recommended to try

A more objective and professional way of advising against an action.

avoid trying

Suggests steering clear of an action to prevent negative consequences.

it is best not to try

Indicates that avoiding the action is the most prudent course.

it is not advisable to try

A more cautious and less direct way of discouraging an action.

under no circumstances should you try

A formal and emphatic way to prohibit an action.

desist from trying

A formal and somewhat archaic way to say to stop trying.

do not even think about it

Emphasizes a stronger discouragement, often used in informal contexts.

do not dare to try

A stronger and more challenging discouragement.

FAQs

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

You can use "do not attempt" to warn someone against a potentially dangerous or inadvisable action. For example, "Do not attempt to repair the device yourself; seek professional help."

What are some alternatives to "do not attempt"?

Alternatives include "do not try", "refrain from trying", or "avoid trying", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

When is it appropriate to use "do not attempt"?

"Do not attempt" is appropriate when you need to strongly advise against a specific action, often due to safety concerns or potential negative outcomes. It's frequently used in instructional manuals, safety guidelines, and warning labels.

Is "do not attempt" too strong for general advice?

While effective for serious warnings, "do not attempt" can be perceived as overly forceful in less critical situations. Consider using milder alternatives like "it is not recommended" or "it is best not to try" for general advice.