not to change

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not to change" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a desire or intention to maintain the current state of something without alteration. Example: "I prefer the original design, not to change it would be best for our project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Not to change networks.

The New York Times - Sports

"We cannot afford not to change.

The Economist

He vowed not to change his mind.

The New York Times

It's not to change anything.

The New York Times

But Henry Ford II decided not to change it.

The New York Times

It's not to change somebody else.

University of California, Berkeley

"Not to change the subject, dear".

The New Yorker

On the surface, the University seems not to change.

Harvard University

"It's not to change governments, but to combat terrorism.

The Guardian

So companies tend not to change prices all that often.

The New Yorker

Asked about Silas's decision not to change, Iverson just shrugged.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not to change", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being preserved or maintained in its current state. This helps avoid ambiguity and ensures the reader understands the intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "not to change" in situations where some level of adaptation or evolution is necessary. Sticking rigidly to the current state might hinder progress or relevance in certain contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not to change" primarily functions as an infinitive phrase, often used to express a decision, intention, or directive to maintain the current state of something. This is supported by examples from Ludwig where the phrase indicates a conscious choice to avoid alteration.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not to change" functions as an infinitive phrase expressing a decision or intention to maintain the status quo. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various contexts, from news and academic writing to more informal settings. When using this phrase, ensure clarity about what is being preserved. While alternatives exist, such as "to remain the same" or "to keep unchanged", "not to change" effectively communicates a conscious choice to avoid alteration.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to not modify

Directly states the intention to refrain from any modifications.

to remain the same

Focuses on maintaining an identical state without any alteration.

to stay as it is

Emphasizes preserving the current condition without modification.

to keep unchanged

Highlights the act of maintaining something in its original form.

to preserve as is

Emphasizes the act of conserving something in its current state.

to avoid alteration

Specifically targets the prevention of any form of modification.

to refrain from changing

Formal way to express abstaining from making changes.

to maintain status quo

Indicates a desire to preserve the existing state of affairs.

to hold constant

Implies maintaining a fixed state without variation.

to leave untouched

Suggests refraining from making any changes to something.

FAQs

How can I use "not to change" in a sentence?

You can use "not to change" to express a decision or desire to maintain something in its current state. For example, "The committee decided "not to change" the existing regulations".

What are some alternatives to saying "not to change"?

Alternatives include phrases like "to remain the same", "to stay as it is", or "to keep unchanged" depending on the context.

Is it always better "not to change" things?

No, there are many situations where change is necessary or beneficial. The phrase "not to change" is best used when maintaining the current state is the most appropriate course of action, but remember to evaluate each situation individually.

What's the difference between "not to change" and "to remain unchanged"?

While both phrases convey a similar meaning, "not to change" expresses an active decision or intention, whereas "to remain unchanged" describes a state of being. Therefore the subtle difference is in emphasizing the agency of who's making that decision of not to change over the state of the object.