do not distribute

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "do not distribute" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that a document or information should not be shared or circulated to others. Example: "This report is confidential, so please do not distribute it to anyone outside the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

Although food availability and temperature are identical over the whole hypolimnion, Daphnia do not distribute homogeneously, but the distribution is skewed towards the upper edge.

BMC Biology

The normalized Ct values do not distribute significantly different from the normal distribution (as tested by the D'Agostino-Pearson omnibus normality test, P = 0.4946, n = 73) and we could therefore use the t-test, with Welch's correction for unequal variances, for significance testing.

EMBO Reports

The collected and normalized quantified values do not distribute significantly different from the normal distribution (as tested by the D'Agostino-Pearson omnibus normality test, P = 0.1359, n = 175) and we could therefore use the t-test, with Welch's correction for unequal variances, for significance testing.

EMBO Reports

"Do not distribute milk to the laandyas.

The New York Times

We do not distribute textbooks or computers based on a needs test.

The New York Times

Please do not distribute this (forthcoming) paper without L-A's permission.

Princeton University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

"I don't distribute for resale".

The New York Times

We just don't distribute it anything like equitably.

Cornell University

People don't distribute packs in order to restore nuance.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I don't distribute publicly and don't steal from people's archives," he said.

The New York Times

We build many of our taggers with the owlqn optimizer, but we don't distribute that.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing someone not to share information, be explicit about the consequences of non-compliance to reinforce the importance of your directive.

Common error

While "do not distribute" is widely understood, consider using more informal alternatives like "don't share" in casual communications to maintain a conversational tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "do not distribute" functions as an imperative, directly instructing the recipient to refrain from sharing or disseminating something. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

28%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Academia

14%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "do not distribute" is a common and grammatically sound directive used to prevent the sharing or dissemination of information or materials. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is typically used in formal or neutral contexts, such as news articles, scientific papers, and legal documents. Its primary function is to maintain confidentiality, control access, or prevent unauthorized use. While effective, it's crucial to tailor your language to your audience; in more informal settings, consider using alternatives like "do not share". Proper use of this phrase ensures clarity and reinforces the importance of adhering to restrictions on distribution.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

do not disseminate

Emphasizes the act of spreading information widely.

keep confidential

Focuses on maintaining the secrecy of the information.

do not share

A more general term for not giving something to others.

withhold from circulation

Highlights the act of preventing something from being circulated.

do not disclose

Stresses the act of not revealing something.

restrict access

Focuses on limiting who can access the information.

do not release

Implies preventing something from being officially made available.

do not leak

Focuses on preventing unauthorized disclosure.

keep private

Emphasizes maintaining the privacy of the information.

do not propagate

Focuses on preventing the spread or reproduction of information.

FAQs

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

You can use alternatives like "do not disseminate", "keep confidential", or "do not share" depending on the context.

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

You can use "do not distribute" to instruct someone not to share a document or information. For example: "This document is confidential; do not distribute it to unauthorized personnel."

What is the difference between "do not distribute" and "do not share"?

"Do not distribute" is a more formal way of saying "do not share". While both convey the same basic meaning, "do not distribute" is often used in professional or official contexts.

Is it okay to use "do not distribute" in informal communication?

While grammatically correct, "do not distribute" may sound overly formal in casual conversations. Consider using "do not share" or other similar alternatives for a more relaxed tone.