do not touch

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "do not touch" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used as a warning or instruction to indicate that something should not be physically handled or interacted with. Example: "Please place this sign in front of the exhibit: Do not touch."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Do not touch anything.

Independent

"Do not touch Putin".

The New York Times

Do not touch.

The New Yorker

Do not touch disc surface.

Columbia University

It reads: "Do not touch".

The Guardian - Opinion

Please, do not touch kids.

The Guardian

"Do not touch the animals"!

The Guardian

You do not touch her.

The Guardian

"Do not touch our civilians," he said.

The New York Times

"Do not touch me!" she shouted.

The New York Times

Ensure address characters do not touch or overlap.

Princeton University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "do not touch" when giving a clear, direct instruction to avoid physical contact with something, especially when there is a risk of damage, contamination, or danger.

Common error

Avoid using "do not touch" metaphorically when a more nuanced expression is appropriate. For example, instead of saying "do not touch that subject" in a conversation, consider "avoid that topic" or "let's not discuss that".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "do not touch" functions primarily as an imperative, issuing a direct command or instruction. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. This is evident in examples where it serves as a warning against physical contact with objects or people, as seen in examples like "Do not touch anything" or "Do not touch the animals".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Wiki

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "do not touch" is a grammatically sound and frequently used imperative phrase that serves as a direct instruction to avoid physical contact. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and versatile, appearing across diverse contexts from news articles and academic papers to informal guides. Its primary purpose is to prevent physical interaction to protect either the object, the person, or both. While its register is generally neutral, its application is widespread. Whether you're warning someone about a dangerous object or protecting an exhibit, "do not touch" provides a clear and concise directive.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hands off

A more concise and informal way of saying "do not touch".

no touching

A straightforward and direct prohibition of physical contact.

refrain from touching

A more formal and polite way to request someone not to touch something.

do not handle

Similar to "do not touch", but specifically implies not to manipulate or use.

do not manipulate

Specifies not to change or alter something by touching it.

leave untouched

Indicates that something should remain in its current state, without being touched.

avoid contact

Emphasizes the prevention of physical contact in general.

keep away from

Broader than "do not touch", suggesting maintaining a distance.

look but don't touch

An idiomatic expression emphasizing visual observation without physical interaction.

do not disturb

Implies not interfering with something, which includes touching.

FAQs

How to use "do not touch" in a sentence?

You can use "do not touch" as a direct instruction, such as "Do not touch the exhibit" or "Do not touch the wires!".

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

You can use alternatives like "hands off", "refrain from touching", or "leave untouched" depending on the context.

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

It is appropriate to use "do not touch" when you need to give a clear and direct instruction to avoid physical contact, especially when there's a risk of damage, contamination, or danger. For example, "Do not touch the wet paint".

What's the difference between "do not touch" and "do not handle"?

"Do not touch" generally means to avoid any physical contact. "Do not handle" implies avoiding manipulation or use, suggesting a more specific action than just touching.