don't be a stranger

USAGE SUMMARY

"Don't be a stranger" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an expression used to express the sentiment that someone should keep in touch with you. For example, you might say, "I'm so glad you stopped by for a visit. Don't be a stranger!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Don't be a stranger".

The New York Times

So I told him, 'Don't be a stranger.' ".

The New York Times

Don't be a stranger, it seems to say.

The New York Times - Arts

"Don't be a stranger," says Allen as he shows me to the door.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The island-flavored "Don't Be a Stranger" used to be called "Do You Get Enough," and while the music is largely the same, the lyrics are far more confident this time around.

The New Yorker

As I noted its insincere signage ("It's just not the same without you", "Don't be a stranger we'd love to see you again soon"), an Intu security guard intervened.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Apart from the sexual connotations, there is an aspirational undercurrent to the lyrics, and like many of their subsequent songs, desire is explicitly linked to ambition–"Free your mind of doubt and danger/Be for real don't be a stranger/We can achieve it/We can achieve it".

Wikipedia

Don't be strangers".

TechCrunch

Don't be surprised if strangers start jingling their keys in your face or old ladies try to lure you into their homes with bits of tuna.

Huffington Post

Don't be so shy because "a stranger is just a friend you haven't met yet".

WikiHow

So if you wind up there one night and happen to get separated from your friends, if you should decide to stay late or leave early and find yourself stranded in the parking lot, don't be surprised if some strangers offer you a ride, and don't be afraid to take them up on it.

The New York Times - Style

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "don't be a stranger" at the end of a conversation or correspondence to warmly encourage the other person to stay in touch. It adds a personal touch and expresses genuine interest in maintaining the relationship.

Common error

While "don't be a stranger" is a friendly expression, avoid using it in every interaction. Overuse can diminish its sincerity. Use other alternatives when appropriate such as "keep in touch" or "stay connected".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "don't be a stranger" functions as an imperative, specifically a polite request or encouragement. It's used to urge someone to maintain contact or visit again. The examples from Ludwig show it's often used at the end of a conversation or message.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Wiki

22%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "don't be a stranger" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to encourage continued contact. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. While versatile, it leans towards informal or neutral registers, as seen in various sources like news articles and blog posts. To avoid overuse, consider alternatives such as "keep in touch" or "stay connected". Remember that this expression is generally well accepted and understood in most English-speaking contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

keep in touch

A common and direct way to ask someone to maintain communication.

stay in contact

Similar to "keep in touch", but emphasizes sustained communication.

drop me a line

An informal way to suggest writing or messaging.

write soon

A direct request for written communication.

visit again

Specifically encourages another visit.

come back soon

Similar to "visit again", indicating a desire for a quick return.

let's meet up again

Suggests a future meeting or gathering.

hope to see you again

Expresses a wish for a future encounter.

we should get together sometime

A casual suggestion for a future meeting, often less committal.

stay connected

Broader term that encompasses various forms of communication, often online.

FAQs

How can I use "don't be a stranger" in a sentence?

You can use "don't be a stranger" at the end of a conversation or message to encourage someone to stay in touch. For example, "It was great seeing you; don't be a stranger!"

What's a more formal alternative to "don't be a stranger"?

In more formal settings, consider using phrases like "I hope we can "stay in contact"" or "I look forward to hearing from you again soon."

What does "don't be a stranger" actually mean?

The phrase "don't be a stranger" is a friendly way of saying that you hope the person you're speaking to will keep in touch and not lose contact with you.

Is it appropriate to say "don't be a stranger" in a professional setting?

It can be appropriate in a professional setting, especially if you have a good rapport with the person. However, consider your audience and the context, and use alternatives like "keep in touch" if you're unsure.