do not feed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "do not feed" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used as a warning or instruction, often seen in contexts like signs or labels, indicating that something should not be fed, such as animals or machines. Example: "Please observe the signs in the park: Do not feed the wildlife, as it can harm their natural foraging habits."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Please do not feed them".

The New Yorker

Do not feed or tease".

The New Yorker

Do not feed the ponies.

The Guardian - Opinion

Males do not feed on blood.

Encyclopedia Britannica

* Do not feed cats and dogs outside.

The New York Times

The adult moths do not feed.

Britannica

But do not feed me orange vegetables.

The Guardian - Opinion

Do not feed these pop stars.

The New Yorker

* Do not feed wild animals.

Los Angeles Times

Indigenous snails do not feed on bryozoans.

Wikipedia

Tadpole larvae of ascidians swim, but they do not feed.

Genome Biology and Evolution

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "do not feed" on signs, ensure the reason for the prohibition is clear to avoid confusion. For example, specify if it's due to dietary restrictions, safety concerns, or behavioral training.

Common error

Avoid using "do not feed" without specifying what or whom it applies to. For example, instead of just saying "do not feed", specify "do not feed the animals" to avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "do not feed" functions as an imperative, directly instructing or ordering someone to avoid a specific action. Ludwig AI identifies this as a common way to issue a prohibition, as seen in various examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

39%

News & Media

17%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "do not feed" is a universally understood instruction used to prohibit the act of feeding, typically animals, due to potential harm or disruption. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and very common across various contexts, from news and media to wikis. Alternatives such as "refrain from feeding" or "feeding prohibited" offer more formal options. When using the phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what should not be fed and why. The phrase is generally neutral in register and aims to prevent undesirable actions, with practical usage tips emphasizing clear communication and avoiding ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

refrain from feeding

More formal way to say "do not feed".

please do not give food

Emphasizes the action of giving food.

feeding prohibited

A concise, passive construction prohibiting feeding.

do not supply with food

Replaces "feed" with "supply with food", adding emphasis.

avoid feeding

Suggests a precautionary approach to prevent feeding.

do not provide sustenance

More formal and emphasizes providing what is needed to live.

do not nourish

Highlights the act of providing nourishment.

no feeding allowed

Clearly states that feeding is not permitted.

it is forbidden to feed

Emphasizes the prohibition with legal or authoritative weight.

do not give anything to eat

More explicit and detailed instruction against feeding.

FAQs

What does "do not feed" mean?

The phrase "do not feed" is a directive instructing people not to give food to someone or something, often animals. It's commonly used in zoos, parks, and other areas where feeding can be harmful or disruptive.

What are some alternatives to "do not feed"?

You can use alternatives like "refrain from feeding", "feeding prohibited", or "do not give food" depending on the context and level of formality.

Is it ever okay to feed wild animals if signs say "do not feed"?

No, it is generally not okay. Signs that say "do not feed" are there for a reason, usually because feeding disrupts natural behaviors, can harm the animals' health, or creates dependence on humans.

Where might I typically see the phrase "do not feed"?

You'll often see "do not feed" signs in zoos, parks, aquariums, and other places where animals are kept or frequent. It may also appear near machinery or systems where introducing foreign materials (feeding) could cause damage.