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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
don't proceed
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "don't proceed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to instruct someone not to continue with a particular action or task. Example: "If you encounter any errors during the installation, please don't proceed until you have resolved the issue."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Wiki
Science
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
34 human-written examples
"I don't proceed in a very organized way.
News & Media
Because, if we don't proceed from love, then... what?
News & Media
"If they don't fit, we don't proceed, no matter how exciting the technology is".
News & Media
A. One of the things we've learned about hiring is that if we have any doubts, we don't proceed.
News & Media
Haidt doesn't take such philosophers seriously, I suspect, because they don't proceed like empirical scientists, testing their ideas through experiments.
News & Media
Mr. Redenbaugh, speaking over the phone, called the report "blatantly political; the findings and recommendations don't proceed from the facts".
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
26 human-written examples
People do not "proceed"; they walk.
News & Media
Do not proceed to style this up with a denim boyfriend (that's you, JT).
News & Media
Therefore we do not proceed further with this idea.11.
Please do not proceed if that scares you.
News & Media
This is because transactions in different threads do not proceed with the same speed.
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "don't proceed" in instructions, be specific about the conditions under which the action should be halted. This provides clarity and prevents potential misunderstandings.
Common error
While "don't proceed" is generally acceptable, avoid using it excessively in highly formal or professional writing. Opt for alternatives like "do not continue" or "discontinue" for a more polished tone.
Source & Trust
81%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "don't proceed" functions as an imperative, primarily used to advise against or prohibit the continuation of an action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid and usable instruction, as shown in the examples across various domains.
Frequent in
News & Media
64%
Wiki
24%
Science
12%
Less common in
Formal & Business
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "don't proceed" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that serves as an imperative caution. As Ludwig AI explains, it's widely applicable across various contexts, including news, wikis, and science, with a generally neutral to informal register. When using the phrase, remember to provide specific conditions for halting the action to ensure clarity. While acceptable, avoid overuse in highly formal writing, opting for alternatives like "do not continue" for a more polished tone. By understanding its function, purpose, and appropriate contexts, you can effectively incorporate "don't proceed" into your writing.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
do not continue
A more formal and direct way of telling someone to stop an action.
hold back
Suggests restraint and not moving forward.
refrain from acting
Emphasizes deliberate avoidance of a specific action.
cease and desist
A legal term implying an immediate stop to an activity.
discontinue
Implies stopping something that was already in progress.
pause
Suggests a temporary stop, rather than a complete halt.
wait
A simple instruction to delay action.
stop what you're doing
A more emphatic way to halt an action immediately.
abort the mission
Figurative expression; stop an operation because it cannot be done successfully.
abandon the attempt
Conveys a sense of giving up on something.
FAQs
How can I use "don't proceed" in a sentence?
You can use "don't proceed" to advise someone to stop an action if certain conditions are not met. For example, "If you are unsure about the next step, "don't proceed" until you've consulted the manual."
What are some alternatives to "don't proceed"?
Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "do not continue", "hold back", or "refrain from acting".
Is it better to say "don't proceed" or "do not proceed"?
Both phrases are grammatically correct. "Do not proceed" is more formal, while "don't proceed" is more conversational. The best choice depends on the context and desired tone.
What's the difference between "don't proceed" and "stop"?
"Stop" is a more general command to cease an action. "Don't proceed" implies a conditional halt, suggesting that the action should not be continued under specific circumstances. Therefore, "don't proceed" is more precise.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
81%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested