do not consume

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "do not consume" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts such as warnings, instructions, or guidelines regarding the use of products or substances. Example: "Warning: This product is not safe for human consumption. Please do not consume."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Do not consume alcohol.

The Guardian - Opinion

That means they do not consume much power.

The Economist

But one simple reason is overlooked:  the rich do not consume the stuff the poor need.

The Economist

All cetaceans are carnivores and do not consume plants or algae as food.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"Right now they are living in rural areas where they do not consume".

The New York Times

Limit the intake of empty digital calories, and do not consume too much over all.

The New York Times - Tech

Children generally do not consume adequate amounts of fruits and vegetables (F/V).

Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

Despite many health benefits, children do not consume enough fruits and vegetables (F/V).

Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

The majority of children in the U.S. do not consume enough fruits and vegetables (FV).

Food Quality and Preference

Most residents in New York City (NYC) do not consume sufficient fruits and vegetables every day.

Preventive Medicine

When prices are high, some users do not consume the products although they know them.

Complex Adaptive Systems Modeling

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When giving instructions or warnings, be specific about what the user should "do not consume", to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "do not consume", say "do not consume raw cookie dough".

Common error

Avoid using "do not consume" when a simpler phrasing like "do not eat" or "do not drink" is more appropriate and clear for your target audience. Overly formal language can sometimes be less effective, especially in informal contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "do not consume" functions primarily as an imperative, giving a direct command or instruction. It is used to prohibit the act of consuming something, whether it's food, drink, or another substance. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent use in warnings and guidelines.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

30%

News & Media

26%

Science

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "do not consume" is a common and grammatically sound imperative used to prohibit the ingestion of a substance. Ludwig AI highlights its frequent use across various contexts, including news, science, and general knowledge. While "do not eat" and "do not drink" are more specific, "do not consume" is a broader and more formal warning suitable for product labels and official guidelines. For clarity, specify the substance that should not be consumed. Although versatile, avoid overusing the phrase in informal contexts, opting for simpler alternatives. Remember: specificity enhances communication and prevents misunderstandings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

avoid ingesting

Focuses specifically on avoiding the act of taking something into the body.

do not ingest

A more formal way of saying "do not eat" or "do not swallow".

not for consumption

Indicates that something is not intended to be eaten or used.

refrain from eating

Specifically related to food, emphasizing the conscious decision to abstain.

must not be eaten

Passive voice, indicating a rule or requirement against eating something.

not to be taken internally

A more formal warning against internal use, often found on product labels.

do not drink

Specifically warns against drinking something.

do not take

A more general prohibition, applicable to various contexts beyond eating or drinking.

keep away from

Emphasizes the need to maintain distance to prevent accidental ingestion.

do not use

Broader than just eating or drinking, covering general usage.

FAQs

How to use "do not consume" in a sentence?

You can use "do not consume" in instructions or warnings, such as "Do not consume if the seal is broken" or "Do not consume alcohol while taking this medication".

What's the difference between "do not consume" and "do not eat"?

"Do not eat" is more specific to food, while "do not consume" is broader and can refer to any substance, including liquids or non-food items. "Do not consume" is also generally more formal.

What can I say instead of "do not consume"?

Alternatives include "do not eat", "do not drink", "do not ingest", "avoid ingesting", or "not for consumption", depending on the context.

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

Use "do not consume" when you want to provide a formal or general warning against ingesting something, especially if it's not necessarily food or drink. It is often found on product labels or in official guidelines.