never do that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "never do that" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to express strong disapproval or to advise against a specific action. Example: "If you want to succeed, you should never do that." Alternative expressions include "don't ever do that" and "avoid doing that."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

They never do that.

The New York Times

Supermodels never do that.

Independent

"He'd never do that.

The New Yorker

You never do that.

The New Yorker

"I'd never do that.

Independent

She would never do that.

The New York Times

No. We'll never do that.

The New York Times

I, however, never do that.

The New York Times

"I would never do that.

The New York Times - Sports

You should never do that.

The New York Times

"Except you never do that.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When giving advice or instructions, use "never do that" to clearly communicate actions to be avoided to prevent negative outcomes or errors.

Common error

While acceptable in most situations, avoid using "never do that" in highly formal writing. Opt for alternatives like "it is not advisable to do that" or "refrain from doing so" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "never do that" functions primarily as an imperative, expressing a strong prohibition or warning. It directly advises or commands someone to avoid a specific action. Ludwig examples confirm this usage in diverse contexts, indicating its broad applicability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

12%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "never do that" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that conveys a strong prohibition or warning. As confirmed by Ludwig, its directness makes it suitable for informal to neutral contexts, while more formal settings may require alternatives like "refrain from doing so". The phrase functions primarily as an imperative, aiming to deter or prevent a specific action. While widely accepted, avoiding its overuse in highly formal writing is advisable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

don't ever do that

Adds emphasis to the prohibition, highlighting its importance.

do not do that

A more formal and direct way to express the prohibition.

absolutely not do that

Conveys a firm and unequivocal refusal or prohibition.

refrain from doing that

Emphasizes a conscious effort to avoid the action.

avoid doing that

Suggests taking measures to prevent the action from occurring.

under no circumstances do that

Highlights that there are no conditions under which the action should be taken.

that's out of the question

Indicates that the action is not a possibility and will not be considered.

that's unacceptable

Focuses on the idea that the action is not permissible or tolerable.

it's forbidden to do that

Highlights a rule or law prohibiting the action.

that is not an option

States that the action cannot be considered as a viable course of action.

FAQs

How can I use "never do that" in a sentence?

You can use "never do that" to strongly advise against a particular action. For instance, "If you want to maintain your reputation, "don't ever do that" again."

What is a more formal way to say "never do that"?

In formal settings, you can replace "never do that" with phrases like "refrain from doing that", "avoid doing that", or "it is not advisable to do that" to maintain a professional tone.

Is "never do that" grammatically correct?

Yes, "never do that" is grammatically correct and widely used in spoken and written English. Ludwig AI confirms its validity through numerous examples from reputable sources.

What's the difference between "never do that" and "don't do that"?

"Never do that" implies a stronger, more emphatic prohibition than "don't do that". While both advise against an action, "never do that" suggests that the action should be avoided under all circumstances.