don't move

USAGE SUMMARY

"don't move" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used as an imperative (a command) to instruct someone not to move their body or change their position. For example, "Don't move until I say so."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Don't move!

The New York Times

You don't move, don't move!

Independent

Don't Move Gypsy Moth.

Columbia University

But don't move back!

Independent

I don't move.

The New Yorker

"Don't move," I say.

The New York Times

"Don't move it.

The New York Times

But you don't move.

The New Yorker

"Don't move," she said.

The New Yorker

"No, don't move.

The New Yorker

We don't move enough!

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure that the instruction is clear and unambiguous. If necessary, provide additional context or instructions to avoid confusion.

Common error

Overusing "don't move" can make your writing sound repetitive or melodramatic. Vary your language with alternatives like "hold still" or "stay put" to add nuance and avoid unintentionally creating an impression of implied threat where none exists.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "don't move" primarily functions as an imperative, used to give a direct command or instruction. It is commonly employed to immediately halt someone's physical actions. Ludwig AI validates this as a correct and usable instruction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

25%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "don't move" is a common and grammatically correct imperative used to instruct someone to remain still. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. Its primary function is to ensure stillness, and its register is typically neutral to informal. While found frequently in News & Media, it's versatile across various contexts. Alternatives such as "hold still" or "stay put" offer nuanced ways to convey the same instruction.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hold still

This phrase uses different vocabulary to instruct someone to remain stationary.

stay put

This alternative focuses on maintaining the current location without movement.

remain still

This uses a more formal tone to instruct stillness.

freeze

This is a more abrupt and informal command to stop moving immediately.

do not stir

A more literary and emphatic way of saying "don't move."

keep still

Emphasizes maintaining a state of stillness.

stay right there

Indicates remaining in the exact current position.

cease movement

A formal and technical instruction to stop moving.

stop there

An indirect order, where the listener must infer the speaker wants him to stop and remain there.

halt

A single-word command, typically used in formal or urgent situations.

FAQs

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

You can use "don't move" as a direct command, such as "Don't move! I need to take your picture" or "Don't move, there's a spider on your shoulder."

What's a less direct way of saying "don't move"?

Instead of a direct command, you could say ""hold still" for a second" or "can you "stay put" just for a moment?" for a softer approach.

When is it appropriate to use "don't move"?

It's appropriate in situations where you need someone to remain still, either for safety reasons, to capture an image, or for any other circumstance where movement would be problematic.

Are there any alternatives to "don't move" that imply urgency?

Yes, you can use "freeze!" to immediately stop someone's movement, typically in a situation involving danger or authority.