don't play

USAGE SUMMARY

"don't play" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used in imperative sentences to give a command or instruction to someone not to engage in a certain action. For example: - "Don't play with matches, they are dangerous." - "Don't play in the street, it's not safe." - "Don't play with your food, eat it instead."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I don't play basketball.

The New Yorker

They don't play.

The New Yorker

I don't play.

Independent

I don't play golf.

The New York Times

They don't play games".

The New York Times

"We don't play referee.

The New York Times

Don't play with matches.

The New York Times

I don't play tennis.

The New Yorker

"I don't play slow".

The New York Times - Sports

Don't play yourself.

The Guardian - Music

"We don't play together.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "don't play" in imperative sentences, ensure the context is clear. Be specific about what action should be avoided, especially when addressing sensitive topics.

Common error

Avoid using "don't play" without specifying the activity. For instance, saying only "don't play" can be confusing. Instead, clarify with something like "don't play with fire" or "don't play games with me" for better understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "don't play" primarily functions as an imperative, used to issue a command or prohibition. It directly instructs someone to avoid engaging in a specific activity or behavior. This usage aligns with the examples provided by Ludwig, where the phrase is used to discourage certain actions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Wiki

33%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "don't play" is a grammatically sound and frequently used imperative for discouraging specific actions. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in diverse contexts, spanning from News & Media to informal conversations. While its tone is generally informal to neutral, it's crucial to specify the activity being discouraged for clarity. When seeking alternatives, consider options like "refrain from playing" or "avoid playing" to suit different levels of formality. Ensure you provide clear instruction regarding what action should be avoided to prevent misunderstandings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

avoid playing

Suggests staying away from an activity to prevent negative consequences.

refrain from playing

A more formal way of saying "don't play".

do not engage in

A more general and formal way to express abstention from an activity.

abstain from

A formal and emphatic way to indicate not participating in something.

keep away from

Emphasizes physical or metaphorical distance from an activity.

stay out of

Suggests avoiding involvement in a situation or activity.

leave it alone

An informal way to tell someone not to interfere or touch something.

hands off

A very direct and informal command not to touch or interfere.

don't meddle with

Suggests not interfering in something that is not your business.

don't trifle with

Suggests not treating something lightly or disrespectfully.

FAQs

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

Use "don't play" to give a command or instruction to someone not to engage in a certain action. For example, "Don't play with sharp objects" or "Don't play around when you should be working."

What can I say instead of "don't play"?

You can use alternatives like "refrain from playing", "avoid playing", or "do not engage in" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "do not play" instead of "don't play"?

Yes, "do not play" and "don't play" are both grammatically correct. "Don't play" is a contraction of "do not play" and is generally more common in informal contexts. "Do not play" is slightly more formal and emphatic.

What does it mean when someone says "Don't play with me"?

When someone says "Don't play with me", they are warning you not to deceive or manipulate them. It is a way of setting a boundary and demanding respectful treatment.