do not deceive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "do not deceive" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are advising or instructing someone to be honest or truthful, often in a moral or ethical discussion. Example: "In our dealings, it is essential that we do not deceive one another to maintain trust and integrity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

Do not deceive yourself.

The New York Times - Books

Do not deceive me".

The New York Times

Appearances, in this case, do not deceive.

The New York Times

His woodsman's skills do not deceive him.

The Economist

Your eyes do not deceive you.

Princeton University

If you hear a rumble of apocalypse in that description, your ears do not deceive you.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

Don't deceive yourself.

The Guardian - Sport

You don't lie and you don't deceive.

Columbia University

They don't deceive you with thrills and trick endings".

The Guardian - Books

We don't deceive ourselves only about distances; we deceive ourselves about locations too.

Independent

I rub my eyes to make sure they don't deceive me.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "be honest" or "tell the truth" for a less formal tone.

Common error

Avoid using "do not deceive" in passive constructions where the actor is unclear. Instead, ensure the subject of the sentence is clearly instructed to avoid deception. Example: Instead of "Deception should not be done", say "Do not deceive anyone".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "do not deceive" functions as an imperative, directly instructing or advising someone to avoid dishonesty. Ludwig AI confirms its proper use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "do not deceive" is a grammatically sound and commonly used imperative, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It serves to directly instruct or advise against dishonesty. While synonyms like "be honest" or "tell the truth" exist for less formal contexts, "do not deceive" remains appropriate for ethical, moral, or formal situations. It’s important to use the phrase actively, ensuring the subject is clearly instructed to avoid deception.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be honest

Focuses on the general principle of honesty.

tell the truth

Directly emphasizes truth-telling.

avoid dishonesty

Highlights the act of avoiding deceptive behavior.

do not lie

Directly prohibits lying.

act with integrity

Emphasizes ethical behavior and moral uprightness.

refrain from misleading

Focuses on not leading someone to a wrong conclusion.

be truthful

Emphasizes the quality of being true.

do not mislead

Highlights the act of misdirecting or deceiving.

practice honesty

Stresses the active implementation of honesty.

eschew deceit

Formally avoids deceitful actions.

FAQs

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

You can use "do not deceive" to directly instruct someone to be honest, such as in the sentence, "In business negotiations, it's crucial that you do not deceive your partners."

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

You can use alternatives like "be honest", "tell the truth", or "avoid dishonesty depending on the context.

Which is correct, "do not deceive" or "don't deceive"?

Both "do not deceive" and "don't deceive" are correct. "Do not deceive" is more formal, while "don't deceive" is more conversational.

Is "do not deceive" the same as "do not mislead"?

While related, "do not deceive" typically implies intentional dishonesty, whereas "do not mislead" can refer to unintentionally causing someone to have a wrong idea or impression.