do not give

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "do not give" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when instructing someone not to provide or offer something. Example: "Please do not give any personal information to strangers online."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We do not give up.

The New York Times

Do not give exclusive interviews.

The New York Times

I do not give them a pass".

The New York Times

Do not give it to your children".

The New York Times

Whatever happens, do not give up.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Please do not give up hope.

Independent

But we usually do not give alternatives.

The New York Times

"I do not give a damn.

BBC

Do not give them an easy ride.

BBC

DO NOT give in.

Huffington Post

Do not give it oxygen.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing someone, be direct and specific about what they "do not give", to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

While "do not give" is acceptable, consider using more formal alternatives like "refrain from providing" or "withhold" in professional or academic writing to maintain a polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "do not give" functions primarily as a negative imperative, used to issue commands or instructions. As evidenced by Ludwig, it directly prohibits an action. For example, "Do not give children too many colorants."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

38%

News & Media

27%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "do not give" serves as a straightforward, negative imperative, instructing against providing something. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically sound and highly prevalent in diverse contexts, though particularly common in WikiHow and News & Media sources. While versatile, remember to use more formal alternatives such as "refrain from giving" in professional settings to ensure a polished tone. When instructing, be clear about what should "not give" to avoid misunderstandings. Ludwig's examples showcase its wide-ranging applicability, from health advice to online safety, solidifying its status as a frequently used phrase in English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

do not offer

Focuses on not extending something as a suggestion or proposal.

refrain from giving

Emphasizes conscious self-restraint in providing something.

avoid giving

Suggests preventing the act of giving, often to avoid a negative outcome.

withhold from providing

Highlights the act of holding back something that might otherwise be given.

decline to provide

Formally refuses to make something available.

do not grant

Emphasizes not bestowing or conferring something, often a privilege or right.

keep from supplying

Focuses on retaining control over something that could be supplied.

do not extend

Suggests limiting the reach or provision of something.

do not furnish

Implies not equipping or providing what is needed.

abstain from providing

Highlights a voluntary decision not to supply something.

FAQs

What is the best way to use "do not give" in a sentence?

Use "do not give" followed by the object you are instructing someone to withhold, and provide a clear reason if necessary. For example, "Do not give the driver incorrect funds" or "Do not give your cat human medicine".

Are there alternatives to using the phrase "do not give"?

Yes, depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "refrain from giving", "avoid giving", or "withhold from providing".

When should I use "do not give" versus "do not provide"?

"Do not give" is generally more informal and direct, suitable for everyday instructions. "Do not provide" is slightly more formal and often used in professional or technical contexts.

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

Yes, "do not give" is grammatically correct. It is the imperative form of the verb "give" used in a negative context to instruct someone not to perform an action.