not be disturbed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not be disturbed" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It is often used to indicate that a person or thing should not be bothered or interrupted. Here is an example sentence: "Please do not disturb the sleeping baby, she needs her rest."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"The test could not be disturbed.

The New York Times - Magazine

"He thought: They see me as a father who must not be disturbed.

The New York Times - Books

"They send scouts out, and find a place where they will not be disturbed.

The New York Times

Some restaurants have banned cell phone use, so other diners will not be disturbed.

The New York Times

Cassini's orbit around Saturn will not be disturbed by the plume penetration, scientists asserted.

The Guardian

"David likes to live in a hole and not be disturbed," his brother, Dan Kirk, said.

The New York Times - Style

This afternoon, his coach said Olisadebe was sleeping and could not be disturbed.

The New York Times - Sports

A secretary informed her that the gentleman was in conference & could not be disturbed.

The New Yorker

Dr. Moravec said he would not be disturbed even if intelligent robots eventually displaced humanity.

The New York Times - Science

Some items, for example, were preserved behind glass and could not be disturbed without damaging them.

The New York Times

"But it's somewhere I can lose myself and not be disturbed".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing others to allow you uninterrupted time, use "not be disturbed" with a clear explanation of the time frame and the reason for the request. For example, "Please do "not be disturbed" between 2 PM and 4 PM as I need to focus on this critical report."

Common error

While "not be disturbed" describes a desired state, avoid phrasing direct commands awkwardly. Instead of "You will "not be disturbed"!" use "Ensure I am not disturbed" or "Please do not disturb me."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not be disturbed" functions as a passive construction, typically used to express a desire or instruction that someone or something should avoid interruption or interference. It is commonly used to indicate a need for privacy or concentration, as supported by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Wiki

24%

Science

22%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "not be disturbed" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase for indicating a desire to avoid interruptions. According to Ludwig AI, this passive construction typically serves to protect a state, activity, or individual from interference. The phrase finds application across various contexts from news and media to scientific writing, and even informal settings, though it maintains a neutral to somewhat formal tone. To effectively use "not be disturbed", provide context on the desired time frame and reason. Remember, while the phrase indicates a desired state, it may need to be rephrased for direct commands. By understanding the nuances, you can confidently communicate your need for uninterrupted focus.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remain undisturbed

Focuses on the state of being, emphasizing continuity of the undisturbed condition.

be left alone

Emphasizes the desire for solitude and lack of interruption.

not be interrupted

Highlights the action of interrupting and the desire to avoid it.

be allowed privacy

Focuses on the provision of privacy and the avoidance of intrusion.

be kept inviolate

Implies a higher degree of protection and sanctity from disturbance, more formal.

be kept safe from interruption

Explicitly states the protection from interruption.

be let to one's own devices

Suggests allowing someone to proceed without interference or supervision.

be given space

Emphasizes the need for physical or emotional distance.

have peace and quiet

Focuses on the calmness and absence of disturbance.

not be bothered

A more informal alternative, indicating a desire to avoid annoyance or inconvenience.

FAQs

How can I politely ask someone "not be disturbed"?

You could say, "Could you please ensure I "remain undisturbed" for the next hour?" or "I would appreciate it if I could "be left alone" to concentrate."

Is there a more formal way to say "not be disturbed"?

Yes, you could use phrases like "be kept inviolate" or "ensure there "not be interrupted"" in more formal contexts.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "not be disturbed"?

It's appropriate when you need to indicate that something or someone should be left alone and uninterrupted, whether it's a sleeping baby, a delicate experiment, or someone requiring focus.

What is the difference between "not be disturbed" and "not be bothered"?

"Not be disturbed" implies a need for uninterrupted peace or focus, whereas "not be bothered" suggests avoiding annoyance or inconvenience. The first is broader.