do not serve

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "do not serve" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when giving instructions or warning someone of something. For example, "Do not serve any food that has been left out for more than two hours."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They do not serve you.

The New York Times

Most do not serve children with severe disabilities.

The New York Times - Books

We do not serve rounds of shots or chasers".

The New York Times - Food

"These statements do not serve the citizens of Israel".

The New York Times

Unless otherwise noted, the following restaurants do not serve alcohol.

The New York Times - Travel

Yet articles without bylines do not serve this purpose.

The New York Times

When applied indiscriminately, they do not serve public safety.

The Guardian

The inn and its restaurant do not serve alcohol.

The New York Times - Travel

Typically, they do not serve as reminders of the unpleasant.

The New York Times

(The hotels located on the route of pilgrimage do not serve liquor or nonvegetarian food, however).

The New York Times

So make it "few regular Russian flights that do not serve alcohol".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When giving instructions, be direct and clear: "Do not serve food that has been sitting out for more than two hours."

Common error

While "do not serve" is a clear command, avoid using it excessively in a single piece of writing. Vary your language by using alternatives like "refrain from offering" or "avoid serving" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "do not serve" functions primarily as a negative imperative, giving a direct command or prohibition. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, and examples showcase its use across various contexts, from dietary restrictions to ethical guidelines.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

27%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "do not serve" is a grammatically sound and commonly used negative imperative, as verified by Ludwig AI. It functions to issue direct commands or prohibitions, applicable across a variety of contexts ranging from news and media to scientific and wiki sources. While its register varies, maintaining clarity and avoiding overuse are key. Alternatives like "refrain from serving" or "avoid serving" can provide stylistic variation. Remembering these points will help in employing "do not serve" effectively in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

do not offer

Replaces "serve" with "offer", changing the action while maintaining the prohibition.

avoid serving

Indicates a recommendation to prevent serving, focusing on avoidance.

refrain from serving

Replaces the direct negative imperative with a more formal and polite suggestion.

must not serve

Indicates a strong obligation not to serve, highlighting the necessity of the prohibition.

should not serve

Conveys a recommendation against serving, softening the imperative.

are not allowed to serve

Indicates a prohibition due to a rule or restriction.

is not permitted to serve

Introduces a rule-based tone, indicating that serving is against regulations.

discontinue serving

Suggests stopping serving, often used in a more formal or official context.

cease serving

Implies a command to stop serving immediately.

it is forbidden to serve

Emphasizes a strict prohibition against serving something.

FAQs

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

Use "do not serve" to issue a direct prohibition or instruction. For example, "Do not serve alcohol to anyone under the age of 21". It's a clear way to indicate something should not be offered or provided.

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

You can use alternatives like "refrain from serving", "avoid serving", or "do not offer" depending on the context.

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

"Do not serve" and "don't serve" are both grammatically correct. "Do not serve" is more formal, while "don't serve" is a contraction and more informal. Use "do not serve" in formal writing and "don't serve" in more casual settings.

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

"Do not serve" is a direct command or prohibition. "Should not serve" is a recommendation or advice, suggesting something is not advisable but not strictly forbidden. For example, "Do not serve expired food" is a strict command, whereas "You should not serve excessively spicy food to guests who are not accustomed to it" is a suggestion.