do not do this

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "do not do this" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to give a clear directive or warning against a specific action. Example: "Please read the instructions carefully and remember, do not do this if you are not qualified."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"DO NOT DO THIS," Patricia cautioned me.

The Guardian - Books

Do not do this in a vacuum.

The Economist

Most chief executives do not do this.

The Economist

But people do not do this.

The New York Times - Sports

We do not do this lightly.

The Guardian

(Michael McIntyre: do not do this).

The Guardian - Opinion

And the Americans do not do this.

The New York Times

"I do not do this for the money," he said.

The New York Times

Please do not do this.

Duke University

I do not do this with malicious intent.

Asia-Pacific Science Education

Many do not do this.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

For a more formal tone, consider using alternatives like "refrain from doing this" or "it is not advisable to do this".

Common error

Avoid using "do not do this" repeatedly in formal documents; diversify your language with synonyms to maintain a professional tone. For example, use phrases like "it is not recommended", "avoid this action", or "refrain from doing so" to provide variation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "do not do this" functions as an imperative, directly instructing or commanding someone to avoid a specific action. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability. Examples show it used in various contexts, from cautionary advice to firm prohibitions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

41%

News & Media

24%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Science

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "do not do this" is a grammatically sound and widely used imperative that serves to discourage or prohibit an action. Ludwig AI confirms its general correctness. While versatile, its directness makes it more suitable for informal or neutral contexts. For formal settings, consider alternatives like "refrain from doing this". Usage patterns show its prevalence in Wiki and News & Media sources. Understanding these nuances ensures effective and appropriate communication. Remember to always specify the action being discouraged to prevent any ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

You should not do this

Gives a direct, yet slightly softer, prohibition.

Avoid doing this

Suggests steering clear of the action to prevent negative consequences.

This is not recommended

Provides a straightforward caution against performing the action.

Refrain from doing this

Emphasizes a more formal and polite way to discourage the action.

Do not attempt this

Warns against trying the action, implying it may be difficult or dangerous.

It is not advisable to do this

Presents a recommendation against the action, based on potential risks or drawbacks.

Under no circumstances should you do this

Emphasizes that the action should never be taken, regardless of the situation.

Don't even think about it

Expresses a strong disapproval of even considering the action.

Cease this action immediately

Commands an immediate stop to the action, conveying urgency.

Desist from this activity

Formally requests to stop the current undertaking.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "do not do this" for a more formal tone?

In formal settings, you can replace "do not do this" with phrases like "refrain from doing this", "it is not advisable to do this", or "avoid doing this".

Is it grammatically correct to say "do not do this"?

Yes, "do not do this" is grammatically correct. It is an imperative phrase used to give a direct command or instruction.

When is it appropriate to use "do not do this" in writing?

"Do not do this" is appropriate when you want to directly advise or warn someone against a specific action. It's versatile but consider the tone; it is less formal than alternatives.

What's a more emphatic way to say "do not do this"?

To emphasize the prohibition, you could say "under no circumstances should you do this" or "don't even think about it", depending on the context and desired level of forcefulness.