do not say

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "do not say" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to instruct someone not to express a particular statement or sentiment. Example: "In this discussion, please do not say anything that could be considered offensive or disrespectful."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They do not say no.

The Economist

The documents do not say.

The New Yorker

Do not say "neato".

The New York Times - Travel

If so, they do not say why.

The Economist

Notice I do not say the Israeli".

The New York Times

"I do not say forget the past.

The New York Times

So you do not say that, ever".

The New York Times

"No, do not say that," Snowe responded.

The New Yorker

They do not say so in public.

The Economist

They do not say how.

The New York Times

Sprint's advertisements do not say.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing someone, be direct and clear about what you want them to avoid saying. For example: "In this meeting, "do not say" anything about the ongoing negotiations."

Common error

Instead of focusing on what not to say, try rephrasing the instruction positively. For example, instead of saying "do not say 'I don't know'," encourage them to say "'I'll find out'."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "do not say" functions as an imperative, directing the listener or reader to avoid uttering specific words or phrases. Ludwig AI's examples demonstrate its use in various contexts, from casual conversation to formal instructions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

37%

News & Media

36%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "do not say" is a common and grammatically correct imperative used to instruct someone to avoid uttering specific words or phrases. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it appears frequently across various contexts, including news media, wiki articles, and scientific publications. While its register is generally neutral, the level of formality can shift depending on the context. For alternative phrasing, consider options like "refrain from saying" or "avoid saying". When using "do not say", clarity is key to ensure the instruction is well understood.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

refrain from saying

Emphasizes a deliberate holding back from speaking.

avoid saying

Suggests steering clear of making a particular statement.

don't mention

Directly prohibits bringing up a specific topic.

omit to say

Focuses on the act of leaving something unsaid.

keep silent about

Highlights maintaining silence on a subject.

decline to comment

Indicates a formal refusal to provide information.

do not utter

Emphasizes not speaking at all.

do not express

Prohibits conveying a thought or feeling.

do not voice

Specifically restricts verbalizing something.

hold your tongue

An idiomatic way of telling someone to be quiet.

FAQs

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

You can use "do not say" to give a direct instruction to someone, for example: "When you meet the client, "do not say" anything about our financial troubles."

What is a more formal alternative to "do not say"?

Formal alternatives include "refrain from saying" or "avoid saying". These options are more suitable for professional settings.

Is it ever okay to use double negatives with "do not say"?

While grammatically possible, using double negatives like "do not not say" can be confusing. It's best to rephrase the sentence for clarity. For example, instead of "do not not say anything", say "be sure to say something".

What's the difference between "do not say" and "should not say"?

"Do not say" is a direct command, while "should not say" is a recommendation or suggestion. "Do not say that!" implies a strict prohibition, whereas "You "should not say" that" suggests it's better to avoid it but isn't a strict order.