do not show

USAGE SUMMARY

"do not show" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it as a command to tell someone not to reveal or display something. Example: Please do not show this document to anyone outside of our business.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Do not show fear.

The New York Times

Its apps do not show ads.

The New York Times - Tech

Others simply do not show up.

The New York Times

Most do not show up.

The New York Times

Also, anions do not show any effect.

Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology A: Chemistry

However, those studies do not show causality.

Stanford University

These numbers do not show Republican strength.

The Guardian - Opinion

They do not show PWV, though.

The Guardian - Tech

The records do not show that.

The New York Times - Sports

Polymers with low molecular weights do not show this behaviour.

Polymer

Polymer complexes do not show a standard glass transition temperature.

Polymer

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing someone not to display something, use "do not show" for clarity and directness. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

While "do not show" is active and direct, avoid replacing it with a passive construction (e.g., "should not be shown") unless necessary. Active voice is generally clearer and more concise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "do not show" functions primarily as an imperative, instructing someone to avoid displaying or revealing something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable phrase. The examples on Ludwig demonstrate its use in various contexts, from personal advice to technical instructions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

29%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Academia

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "do not show" is a versatile and frequently used imperative phrase that instructs someone to avoid displaying or revealing something. As Ludwig AI states, it is grammatically correct. Predominantly found in science, news, and wiki contexts, its register is generally neutral, though adaptable based on the situation. For related phrases, consider options like "refrain from showing" or "avoid showing" for similar meanings. When using this phrase, ensure directness and clarity, while being mindful of the potential for overuse of passive constructions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

refrain from showing

Suggests a deliberate act of holding back from displaying something.

avoid showing

Implies taking action to prevent something from being seen.

do not reveal

Focuses on keeping something secret or hidden.

do not display

Emphasizes not putting something on view.

keep hidden

Highlights the act of maintaining secrecy.

conceal

Implies actively covering up something to prevent it from being seen.

do not expose

Focuses on preventing something from being vulnerable or revealed.

hold back from showing

Emphasizes the act of withholding something from view.

do not present

Suggests not offering something for consideration or viewing.

do not unveil

Implies not revealing something that was previously covered or hidden.

FAQs

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

You can use "do not show" as an imperative phrase to instruct someone to conceal or not display something. For instance, "Do not show this report to unauthorized personnel".

What are some alternatives to "do not show"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "refrain from showing", "avoid showing", or "do not reveal".

Is it correct to say "does not show" instead of "do not show"?

"Does not show" is used for third-person singular subjects (e.g., "The data does not show a correlation"), while "do not show" is used for imperative statements or with other subjects (e.g., "I do not show my emotions", "Do not show weakness").

What is the difference between "do not show" and "do not display"?

While similar, "do not show" is a more general instruction not to reveal something. "Do not display" is more specifically about not putting something on view, especially in a public or formal setting.