not be deceived

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not be deceived" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to caution someone against being misled or tricked in a situation. Example: "When it comes to online offers, you should not be deceived by flashy advertisements that promise unrealistic results."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Women, on the other hand, refer to God as a superior being who must not be deceived and whose teachings must be respected.

BMC International Health and Human Rights

Do not be deceived.

The New Yorker

Do not be deceived, though.

The New York Times

But do not be deceived.

The New York Times

Do not be deceived: she is a street fighter.

The Economist

A woman's crackly voice intoned, "Do not be deceived, Beloved".

The New Yorker

"Do not be deceived by traffickers," it reads.

The New Yorker

Do not be deceived by these new and plastic signs.

The New York Times

We should not be deceived by Conran's image of self-satisfied tycoonery.

The Guardian - Books

Do not be deceived by the light-seeming first course of "bread and butter".

The New Yorker

But if this suggests their relationship had a certain levity, do not be deceived.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To strengthen the impact of "not be deceived", follow it with specific examples or evidence to support the warning, making the caution more persuasive.

Common error

Avoid assuming that everyone understands the specific area in which deception is possible. Clearly define the subject matter to prevent misinterpretations and ensure your warning is effectively targeted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not be deceived" functions primarily as an imperative, urging caution and warning against potential misinterpretations or deliberate misleading. This is validated by Ludwig's indication that the phrase is correct and usable in written English, often serving to caution someone against being tricked.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "not be deceived" is a versatile phrase used to warn against potential manipulation or misjudgment. As Ludwig confirms, it's grammatically sound and sees frequent use across diverse contexts, including news, science, and general discourse. While the phrase carries a neutral register, its impact is enhanced by providing specific examples to support the warning. Remember to clearly define the scope of potential deception to prevent misunderstandings. Alternatives such as "do not be misled" or "don't be fooled" offer similar caution with varying levels of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

do not be misled

Replaces "deceived" with a more straightforward synonym, "misled".

don't be fooled

Uses a more informal and direct term, "fooled", for emphasis.

beware of being tricked

Emphasizes the act of trickery and the need for caution.

do not be taken in

Employs a phrasal verb, "taken in", to convey the idea of being deceived.

avoid being misled

Focuses on the action of avoiding the state of being misled.

do not fall for it

Uses a colloquial expression indicating skepticism and warning.

exercise caution

Suggests a general approach of being careful and wary.

be wary

A succinct way of advising someone to be cautious and alert.

stay alert

Urges vigilance to prevent being deceived.

keep your wits about you

Advises maintaining mental sharpness to avoid deception.

FAQs

How can I use "not be deceived" in a sentence?

You can use "not be deceived" to warn someone about potential misleading information or appearances. For instance, "Do not be deceived by the product's low price; it may be of poor quality".

What are some alternatives to "not be deceived"?

Alternatives include phrases such as "do not be misled", "don't be fooled", or "beware of being tricked", each carrying a slightly different nuance.

Is it better to use "do not be deceived" or "don't be deceived"?

Both "do not be deceived" and "don't be deceived" are correct. The former is more formal, while the latter is more casual and conversational.

What's the difference between "not be deceived" and "not be mistaken"?

"Not be deceived" implies intentional misleading, while "not be mistaken" suggests an unintentional error or misunderstanding. Deception involves intent to mislead, whereas a mistake does not.