do not do that

USAGE SUMMARY

'do not do that' is correct and usable in written English.
It is a phrase used to convey negative instruction or advise. For example, you might say, "Do not do that, it's dangerous."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We do not do that.

The New Yorker

No, seriously, do not do that.

The Washington Post

Forms must be imprinted with an address, and post offices do not do that.

The New York Times

CLINTON: I can assure you that I do not do that.

The Washington Post

My strong advice is do not do that.

Forbes

Sharing passwords between sites and services is the worst and do not do that.

TechCrunch

They may say, "I need two data scientists". Do not do that.

Forbes

A real definition is somehow supposed to reveal the essential metaphysical structure of what it defines; nominal definitions do not do that.

SEP

Derivatives do not do that.

Huffington Post

"Please do not do that.

Huffington Post

Credit default swaps do not do that.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "do not do that" to give a direct, but not necessarily harsh, warning or instruction. It's suitable for various contexts, from casual conversations to more formal warnings.

Common error

While versatile, avoid using "do not do that" excessively in highly formal writing. Opt for more sophisticated phrasing like "refrain from such actions" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "do not do that" functions as a directive, specifically a negative imperative. It directly instructs someone to avoid a particular action. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase effectively conveys negative instructions or advice.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Wiki

20%

Science

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

12%

Encyclopedias

6%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "do not do that" is a versatile and grammatically sound negative imperative used to directly instruct someone to avoid a specific action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively conveys negative advice or instructions. While its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, more formal situations might benefit from nuanced alternatives. The phrase is very common across News & Media, Wiki, and Science, indicating its broad applicability. Remember to consider the context and desired level of formality when using this phrase to ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

you shouldn't do that

Offers a suggestion or recommendation against doing something, implying potential negative outcomes.

avoid doing that

Focuses on preventing something from happening, highlighting potential negative consequences.

it's best not to do that

Recommends against doing something, focusing on the superior outcome of choosing an alternative action.

refrain from doing that

Uses a more formal and polite tone, suggesting a conscious decision to avoid something.

that's a bad idea

Expresses disapproval by stating that an action is ill-advised or likely to result in negative consequences.

that's not allowed

States a rule or restriction, indicating that something is officially prohibited.

I advise against that

Presents a recommendation to not do something, emphasizing the speaker's professional or knowledgeable perspective.

I wouldn't do that if I were you

Offers advice based on the speaker's hypothetical perspective, implying potential risks or negative consequences.

don't even think about it

Expresses strong disapproval or warning, often used informally and emphatically.

steer clear of that

Suggests avoiding something to evade a potential problem or negative experience.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "do not do that" to sound more polite?

You can use phrases like "please don't do that", "I would appreciate it if you didn't do that", or "would you mind not doing that" to convey the same message with more politeness.

What are some formal alternatives to "do not do that"?

Formal alternatives include "refrain from doing that", "desist from that action", or "it is advised against doing that". These options are suitable for professional or academic writing.

Is "do not do that" grammatically correct?

Yes, "do not do that" is grammatically correct. It is a standard imperative sentence used to prohibit or discourage an action.

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

"Do not do that" is appropriate in a wide range of contexts, from casual conversations to more serious warnings. However, consider using more formal alternatives in professional or academic settings to maintain a polished tone.