do not embarrass

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "do not embarrass" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when advising someone to avoid causing embarrassment to themselves or others in a particular situation. Example: "Please do not embarrass yourself by speaking out of turn during the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Bodily functions do not embarrass her, either.

The New Yorker

"Do not embarrass me with the president!" he allegedly told the mayors.

The New York Times

In other words, go ahead and make movies, but do not embarrass us and do not get paid.

The New York Times

Yet history suggests that politicians do not embarrass easily: Italy, a founding EU member, is ranked 45th in Transparency International's corruption index.

The Economist

The incident violated the No. 1 rule that Gibbs gave his players at the beginning of the season: Do not embarrass the Redskins.

The New York Times - Sports

Without excessively idealising the Germans or unreasonably demonising the British, it does seem worth asking why politicians in this country are so exceptionally cautious about embracing the arts in ways that do not embarrass other Europeans.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Don't embarrass the shirt".

The New Yorker

"People don't embarrass themselves.

The New York Times - Health

3) Don't embarrass us.

The Guardian - Opinion

Her sketches don't embarrass.

The Guardian - Arts

Let's don't embarrass anyone.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "do not embarrass" when directly instructing someone to avoid actions that could lead to feelings of shame or awkwardness, either for themselves or for others. Consider the audience and context to ensure the phrase is appropriate and clear.

Common error

While grammatically sound, "do not embarrass" can sound too direct in formal or professional settings. Opt for more polite alternatives like "please be discreet" or "exercise caution" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "do not embarrass" functions as an imperative, giving a direct command or instruction. Ludwig confirms this by presenting examples where the phrase is used to urge someone to avoid causing embarrassment. It sets a clear expectation for behavior.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Wiki

35%

News & Media

35%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "do not embarrass" serves as a direct imperative, instructing someone to avoid causing embarrassment. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and grammatical correctness. While the phrase is generally acceptable, it may be too direct for certain formal situations, where alternatives like "please be discreet" are more appropriate. It appears most commonly in "Wiki" and "News & Media" contexts. By understanding its function, purpose, and register, you can use "do not embarrass" effectively in a variety of situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

avoid causing embarrassment

Focuses on preventing the act of embarrassing, slightly more formal.

don't humiliate

Implies a stronger degree of embarrassment, suggesting public shame.

refrain from shaming

Similar to 'don't humiliate', emphasizing the avoidance of causing shame.

be discreet

Suggests acting in a way that doesn't draw negative attention or cause embarrassment.

maintain decorum

Emphasizes adhering to proper behavior to prevent embarrassment.

don't make a scene

Focuses on avoiding public disturbances that could lead to embarrassment.

don't cause awkwardness

Addresses avoiding situations that are uncomfortable or embarrassing.

keep it classy

Informal way to suggest maintaining a level of sophistication to avoid embarrassment.

act appropriately

Broadly suggests behaving in a manner that avoids any potential embarrassment.

exercise restraint

Implies controlling one's actions to avoid causing embarrassment.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "do not embarrass" to sound more formal?

In formal settings, consider using phrases like "please be discreet", "exercise caution", or "refrain from any action that could cause embarrassment" to maintain a professional tone.

What's a more casual way to say "do not embarrass"?

For more casual situations, you can say "don't make a scene", "keep it classy", or simply "don't be awkward".

Is it correct to say "do not be embarrassed" instead of "do not embarrass"?

"Do not be embarrassed" refers to how someone should feel, whereas "do not embarrass" is a directive to avoid causing embarrassment to someone else. They have different subjects and meanings.

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

You can use "do not embarrass" as a direct instruction. For example, "before you meet my family, please remember to do not embarrass me", or "the coach warned the team do not embarrass themselves with poor sportsmanship".