do not operate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "do not operate" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used as a warning or instruction indicating that a machine or device should not be used or activated. Example: "Warning: Do not operate the machinery while maintenance is being performed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

But military interrogators do not operate in a vacuum.

The New York Times

Banks do not operate in a social or political vacuum.

The Economist

However we do not operate from a deficit model.

The Guardian

Most education-technology startups do not operate any schools.

The New Yorker

And, of course, health services do not operate in isolation.

The Guardian - Opinion

Politicians do not "operate a hierarchy of need".

The Guardian - Opinion

Remember, teachers do not operate in a market place.

The Guardian

But the Giants do not operate like that.

The New York Times

Countrywide and most rivals largely do not operate that way.

The New York Times

These people do not operate in a historical vacuum.

The New York Times

Second, even taken collectively, private universities do not operate on the same scale.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "do not operate" for machinery or equipment to clearly convey that use is prohibited.

Common error

Avoid using "do not operate" without specifying the equipment. Always provide clear context to prevent confusion or accidents.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "do not operate" functions as an imperative, issuing a direct command or prohibition. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature in written English. It's frequently used to prevent the use of machinery or equipment in unsafe conditions, as demonstrated by the numerous examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Wiki

16%

Science

35%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "do not operate" is a direct command, most commonly used to prohibit the use of machinery or equipment. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely used in written English, predominantly in news, scientific, and wiki contexts. Its primary function is to warn against unsafe usage, with alternatives like "do not use" or "refrain from operating" offering similar prohibitions. When employing this phrase, clarity is key; always specify the equipment to avoid ambiguity and ensure safety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

do not use

Broader term; applies to more than just machinery.

do not activate

Specifically related to powering on or starting a device.

refrain from operating

More formal way of saying "do not operate".

cease operation

Formal instruction to stop using something.

disable function

Specifically refers to deactivating a particular function.

keep out of service

Implies temporary removal from use, often for maintenance.

switch off

Similar to "power off", but often used for simpler devices.

power off

Instructs to turn off a device.

leave unused

Suggests that something should not be put into service.

do not handle

Refers to not physically touching or manipulating an object.

FAQs

What does "do not operate" mean?

The phrase "do not operate" is a command instructing someone not to use or activate a piece of machinery, equipment, or a device. It's often used as a safety warning.

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

It's appropriate to use "do not operate" when you need to clearly and directly prohibit the use of a machine or device, especially when safety is a concern. For example, "Do not operate the machinery while maintenance is being performed."

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

You can use alternatives like "do not use", "refrain from operating", or "do not activate" depending on the context.

Is "do not operate" grammatically correct?

Yes, "do not operate" is grammatically correct. It's a standard imperative construction used to give a direct command or instruction.