do not disturb

USAGE SUMMARY

"Do not disturb" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase when you wish to indicate that someone should not be disturbed in any way. For example, if you are staying in a hotel and you wish to not be disturbed, you can hang a "Do not disturb" sign on the door knob.

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Besides, a "Do Not Disturb" sign can be very effective.

WikiHow

Please Do Not Disturb".

The New Yorker

Do not disturb the site".

The Guardian - Arts

Do not disturb calm waters.

The New York Times - Arts

"No 'Do Not Disturb' signs".

The New York Times

There's a switch called "Do Not Disturb".

The New York Times

Tomorrow at 11 a.m., "Do Not Disturb!

The New York Times - Arts

So, various potential interfering substances do not disturb the assay.

Biosensors and Bioelectronics

The light microsensors do not disturb the animal behavior.

Biosensors and Bioelectronics

"We do not disturb that general rule," Justice Ginsburg wrote.

The New York Times

Keep the "Do Not Disturb" sign on the door.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "do not disturb" in a professional setting, ensure it's accompanied by a clear indication of when you'll be available again to manage expectations.

Common error

Avoid using "do not disturb" without explaining why you need uninterrupted time; otherwise, it can be perceived as dismissive or impolite. Provide context and an estimated time for when you will be available to avoid misunderstandings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "do not disturb" functions primarily as an imperative, issuing a direct command or request. As shown by Ludwig, it is often used in signs or settings where privacy is needed. The Ludwig AI indicates that it's a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

34%

News & Media

30%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "do not disturb" is a grammatically correct and widely used imperative, predominantly found in Wiki and News & Media contexts. As stated by Ludwig AI, it serves as a direct request for privacy or non-interference. While generally neutral to informal, its effectiveness lies in clear communication of the need for uninterrupted time, supported by a vast amount of examples in Ludwig. For professional scenarios, consider providing context to avoid perceptions of rudeness. Related phrases like ""please leave me alone"" or ""avoid interruption"" offer nuanced alternatives for different situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

privacy requested

A simple, direct request for privacy, often used in written form.

do not interrupt

Specifically requests no breaks in an ongoing activity or task.

please leave me alone

More direct and personal, implying a desire for solitude.

please do not bother

Politely asks someone not to cause inconvenience or annoyance.

avoid interruption

Focuses on preventing any disruption or interference during an activity.

refrain from disturbing

Formal and polite, suitable for professional or academic settings.

give me some space

Informal and implies a need for physical or emotional distance.

under no circumstances should you interfere

Emphasizes the importance of non-interference.

in seclusion

Highlights the state of being private and away from others.

quiet please

Focuses on maintaining a silent environment.

FAQs

How do I politely ask someone "do not disturb" me?

You can politely ask someone to "do not disturb" you by saying, "I need to concentrate for a bit, could you "please leave me alone" for an hour?" or "I'm trying to finish this report, "avoid interruption" unless it's urgent."

What's the difference between "do not disturb" and "do not interrupt"?

"Do not disturb" is a general request for privacy and non-interference, while "do not interrupt" specifically asks that an ongoing activity or task not be broken or paused. The former is broader in scope.

In what situations is it appropriate to use a "do not disturb" sign?

It's appropriate to use a "do not disturb" sign in situations where you need uninterrupted time, such as when you are sleeping in a hotel, working on a project, or attending an important meeting. It signals that you require "privacy requested" and should not be bothered.

Are there alternatives to saying "do not disturb" that are less direct?

Yes, instead of directly saying "do not disturb", you could use phrases like "refrain from disturbing", "give me some space", or "I'm in seclusion"/s/in+seclusion to convey a similar meaning in a more subtle way.