do not move

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "do not move" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to instruct someone to stay in place or refrain from changing their position. Example: "During the emergency drill, the instructor shouted, 'Do not move until you receive further instructions.'"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(They do not move).

The New York Times - Books

Do not move".

The New York Times

The stairs do not move.

The New York Times

I said, 'Do not move.

The New York Times

The fairies do not move daintily.

The New Yorker

Do not move your head.

The New Yorker

New Neighbor: Do not move.

The Washington Post

The side boys do not move.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"Do not move, do not move!" an officer shouts at one point.

The New York Times

"Do not move; do not move," an officer yells at one point.

The New York Times

Do not move, do not go.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When giving instructions during an emergency, use the phrase "do not move" to ensure people remain in a safe location until further guidance is provided.

Common error

Avoid using "do not move" in casual conversation; opt for alternatives like "stay put" or "hold on" to maintain a relaxed tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "do not move" functions primarily as an imperative, directly instructing someone to remain stationary. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a grammatically sound command. The examples show its use in diverse contexts, from serious warnings to casual instructions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Wiki

31%

Academia

16%

Less common in

Science

11%

Formal & Business

9%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "do not move" serves as a direct and versatile imperative, most frequently encountered in news, media and wiki contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and highlights its common use in instructions to remain stationary. While appropriate across a range of situations, from serious warnings to casual directions, it's advisable to use more informal alternatives like "stay put" in relaxed settings. This guide offers a thorough analysis of its usage, related phrases, and practical writing tips to ensure effective and context-appropriate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

freeze

A very direct and immediate command to stop all movement instantly.

stay put

Replaces "do not move" with a more casual and concise instruction to remain in the current location.

stay where you are

Directs someone to remain in their current location, often used for safety or control.

remain still

Emphasizes the absence of movement, suitable for situations where absolute stillness is required.

hold your position

Suggests a strategic or tactical context, implying a deliberate maintenance of a specific location.

don't budge

Similar to "do not move" but implies resistance to being moved or influenced.

keep stationary

More formal and technical, indicating a state of not being in motion.

do not stir

Adds a sense of urgency or potential danger, implying that even slight movements should be avoided.

cease movement

A formal instruction to stop moving.

halt

A command to stop, often used in military or formal contexts.

FAQs

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

You can use "do not move" to give a direct instruction to someone to remain still. For example, "Do not move, I need to take your picture".

What can I say instead of "do not move"?

You can use alternatives like "stay put", "remain still", or "hold your position" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "do not move" or "don't move"?

Both "do not move" and "don't move" are grammatically correct and convey the same meaning. "Do not move" is slightly more formal, while "don't move" is more conversational.

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

"Do not move" is appropriate in situations where it is important to give a clear and direct instruction to someone to stay still, such as during a medical examination, a police intervention, or an emergency situation.