in order not to add

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in order not to add" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when explaining a purpose or intention to avoid adding something, typically in a formal or structured context. Example: "She decided to leave early in order not to add to the confusion during the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

And, in order not to add that colour, you get bleached of anything".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

However, due to the continued uncertainty over their validity [e.g. whether they disproportionately derived from tumour cell lines (29)], and in order not to add contamination to protein databases, we do not annotate AS transcripts with retained introns as protein-coding unless there is additional evidence to do so.

Database : the journal of biological databases and curation

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Note that in principle one also has to add a constraint in order not to have a doublon and holon on the same site.

EPJ Quantum Technology

For both of these questions, no visible scale was added in order not to influence their decision.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

"We call for calm and prudent action by China in order not to further escalate the situation," Shikata said, adding that the investigation into the collision was legally, not politically, motivated.

The Guardian

As such, and in order not to lose this privileged status, Google smartly added a new subscription component to YouTube — Music Key.

TechCrunch

Some were doing work in relation to CCGs in their lunch breaks and evening in order not to disrupt the service they provide to their patients, she added.

The Guardian

Organic solvent was added when the biomass reached 0.5 OD, in order not to affect cell growth.

AMB Express

She added that it would have to be time limited, in order not to violate EU treaties.

The Guardian

The F.C.C. ordered Ameritech, which is based in Chicago, not to add new customers or market the new service from Qwest for 90 days.

The New York Times

In table 3 of this paper, the figures in the row "Expected in null condition" should be '23' and not '33' (in order to add up to 69).

BMJ Open

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in order not to add", ensure the subsequent clause clearly states what you are trying to avoid adding. This helps maintain clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "in order not to add" when the item being avoided is unclear or implied. Always specify what you are trying to prevent from being added to ensure clarity for the reader. For example, instead of "He remained silent in order not to add", specify: "He remained silent in order not to add fuel to the fire".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in order not to add" functions as an adverbial phrase of purpose, indicating the reason why an action is taken. It introduces a clause that explains the intention behind preventing something from being included or increased. Ludwig confirms this is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in order not to add" serves as a purpose connector, indicating an intention to prevent something from being included or increased. While grammatically correct, as affirmed by Ludwig, it is relatively rare in usage, primarily appearing in News & Media and Science contexts. Simpler alternatives such as "to avoid adding" or "so as not to add" are often preferred for conciseness. When using the phrase, clarity is key; ensure the subsequent clause explicitly states what you are aiming to avoid adding. While usable in general communication, it carries a more deliberate tone than its alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

so as not to add

Replaces "in order" with "so as", offering a more concise alternative while maintaining the same meaning.

to avoid adding

Uses a simpler structure by directly stating the intention to avoid something.

to prevent adding

A direct and straightforward way of expressing the intention to prevent something from being added.

for fear of adding

Emphasizes the concern or potential negative consequence of adding something.

lest it add

A more formal and somewhat archaic alternative using "lest" to express the purpose of prevention.

with the intent not to add

Explicitly states the intention behind the action, providing a more detailed explanation.

with the aim of not adding

Similar to the previous one, but uses "aim" instead of "intent", changing the nuance slightly.

in an effort not to add

Highlights the effort being made to prevent the addition of something.

in order that it does not add

Changes the structure to a subordinate clause, providing a more detailed explanation of the purpose.

for the purpose of not adding

Emphasizes the specific purpose behind the action, providing a more formal tone.

FAQs

How can I use "in order not to add" in a sentence?

Use "in order not to add" to express the intention of preventing something from being included or increased. For example, "She edited the document carefully in order not to add any errors".

What are some alternatives to "in order not to add"?

You can use alternatives like "to avoid adding", "so as not to add", or "to prevent adding" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "in order to avoid adding" or "in order not to add"?

Both "in order to avoid adding" and "in order not to add" are grammatically correct. "To avoid adding" is often more concise and preferred in modern writing, but "in order not to add" is still acceptable.

What's the difference between "in order not to add" and "so as not to add"?

The difference between "in order not to add" and "so as not to add" is subtle. Both express the same purpose of preventing something. The former is slightly more formal, while the latter can be more conversational.