do not contradict

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "do not contradict" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to tell someone not to disagree with you. For example: "I'm sure the answer is 42; do not contradict me."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Apparently, these findings do not contradict the experimental data.

Advances in Space Research

He is wrong, but I do not contradict him.

The New Yorker

The passages released on Wednesday do not contradict his testimony.

The New York Times

In fact, the two arguments do not contradict each other.

The Economist

The results of calculations do not contradict the experimental facts known for this system.

Electrochimica Acta

This approach guarantees that the manufacturing system closed loop behaviors do not contradict the considered specifications and are non-blocking.

Control Engineering Practice

The results do not contradict the hypotheses associating low and oscillating wall shear stress with the development of atherosclerosis.

European Journal of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery

Over all, the documents do not contradict official accounts of the war.

The New York Times

The gross features of economic history do not contradict either hypothesis.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The department has refused, saying the ads do not contradict dietary guidelines.

The New York Times - Food

The broadcasts instruct citizens that personal and institutional power do not contradict each other.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "do not contradict", ensure that the context clearly establishes what should not be contradicted. Providing specific details or references can improve clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "do not contradict" without specifying what is not to be contradicted. For example, instead of saying "Do not contradict!", provide context: "Do not contradict the established findings."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "do not contradict" functions primarily as an imperative, used to issue a direct command or instruction. It tells someone to avoid stating something that opposes or disagrees with a given fact, statement, or idea. As Ludwig indicates, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

53%

News & Media

32%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "do not contradict" is a correct and frequently used imperative that instructs someone to avoid disagreeing or opposing a statement. As Ludwig highlights, this phrase appears most commonly in scientific and news-related contexts, reflecting its use in maintaining accuracy and authority. While grammatically sound, the phrase's direct nature makes it more appropriate for formal or professional settings. Alternatives such as "don't disagree" may be preferable in less formal situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

don't disagree

This alternative is less forceful and more general, simply suggesting avoidance of disagreement.

don't challenge

This alternative suggests avoiding questioning or disputing something.

don't oppose

This alternative indicates avoiding direct opposition or resistance.

don't rebut

This alternative suggests avoiding formally refuting or disproving something.

don't gainsay

This alternative, while less common, conveys a sense of not denying or disputing.

don't counter

This alternative focuses on avoiding presenting an opposing argument or point of view.

don't invalidate

This alternative means avoiding making something untrue, unproven or logically unsound.

don't confute

This alternative is a less common, more formal term for disproving an argument.

don't controvert

This alternative, another less common option, emphasizes avoiding arguing against something.

don't deny

This is a more straightforward way of saying not to negate or contradict something.

FAQs

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

You can use "do not contradict" to instruct someone not to disagree with or oppose a statement or idea. For example, "The evidence is clear; do not contradict it."

What is a less forceful way to say "do not contradict"?

Alternatives like "don't disagree" or "don't challenge" can be used for a milder instruction.

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

This phrase is suitable when you want to firmly discourage disagreement, particularly when you believe the information is well-supported or authoritative. It works especially in professional or academic settings where precision is valued.

What's the difference between "do not contradict" and "don't oppose"?

"Do not contradict" focuses on avoiding statements that are logically inconsistent with established facts. "Don't oppose" is broader, encompassing any form of resistance or objection, not just factual disagreement.