not to deceive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not to deceive" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing the intention or purpose of avoiding deception in a statement or action. Example: "I want to clarify my intentions, not to deceive anyone with my words."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

... We ought not to deceive ourselves.

Princeton University

But the basic trick is not to deceive people.

University of California, Berkeley

Both good medical practice and good ethics urge you not to deceive your son.

The New York Times - Magazine

In the end, we believe him because we trust him; we trust him not to deceive us.

The Economist

She said that she understood that his goal was not to deceive her but to avoid trouble at their wedding.

The New Yorker

Vince Leskosky, Cleveland Wear your shirt with pride; your intent is not to deceive waitresses but to laud the F.D.N.Y.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

Silver says the main reason to break trades into different accounts wasn't to deceive, as the SEC alleges, but merely to avoid being "disruptive" to fund managers.

Forbes

"By God I swear that the army, since 25 January 2011, did not kill and did not order to kill, did not deceive and did not order to deceive".

The Guardian

Other forms of intended deception that are not lies do not attempt to deceive "by way of a trust invoked through an open sincerity" (Simpson 1992, 626).

SEP

Hillandale has a good business base, but it will all be gone if I don't move quickly and I will not try to deceive the public".

The New York Times

A control group did not receive a token and therefore did not have to deceive the investigators.

Applied Ergonomics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "not to deceive", ensure the context clearly indicates the intention to avoid dishonesty, whether directed at others or oneself.

Common error

Avoid using "not to deceive" as a mere disclaimer without demonstrating genuine transparency in your actions or words. The phrase requires a clear commitment to honesty, not just a superficial statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not to deceive" functions as an infinitive of purpose, indicating the intention behind an action or statement. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English, often expressing a commitment to honesty and transparency.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Academia

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "not to deceive" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase indicating an intention to avoid dishonesty. As Ludwig AI confirms, it serves to express sincerity and build trust, typically found in neutral to formal contexts like news, academia, and business. While not extremely common, it plays a vital role in clear communication by emphasizing transparency. Related phrases include "not to mislead" and "to act with integrity", offering alternative ways to convey a commitment to honesty. When using "not to deceive", ensure the context reflects a genuine intention to avoid dishonesty for optimal effectiveness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not to mislead

Focuses on preventing someone from forming a wrong impression, broader than outright deception.

not to misinform

Emphasizes avoiding the spread of inaccurate information, either intentionally or unintentionally.

to be honest

Highlights the intent to convey truthfulness and avoid any form of dishonesty.

to be truthful

Directly asserts the intention to speak or act with honesty and integrity.

not to distort the truth

Specifically aims to avoid twisting or misrepresenting factual information.

to act with integrity

Shifts the focus to the overall ethical conduct, encompassing honesty and moral principles.

to be forthright

Stresses being direct and open in communication, leaving no room for ambiguity or hidden agendas.

to be upfront

Highlights the desire to be honest and transparent from the beginning.

to keep it real

More informal, implying a commitment to authenticity and avoiding pretense.

not to pull the wool over someone's eyes

An idiomatic expression meaning not to trick or deceive someone.

FAQs

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

You can use "not to deceive" to express your intention to be honest and avoid misleading someone, for example: "My goal is to inform you accurately, "not to deceive" you."

What is a more formal alternative to "not to deceive"?

A more formal alternative would be "to act with integrity" or "to avoid misrepresentation". For example, "We pledge to conduct our business "to act with integrity" and "to avoid misrepresentation"."

Is it better to say "not to deceive" or "not to mislead"?

The choice between "not to deceive" and "not to mislead" depends on the context. "Not to deceive" implies a stronger intent to avoid dishonesty, while "not to mislead" focuses on preventing someone from forming a wrong impression, even unintentionally. They are similar and can be interchangeable in several contexts.

What does it mean when someone says their intention is "not to deceive"?

When someone says their intention is "not to deceive", they are asserting their commitment to honesty and transparency. It suggests they aim to provide accurate information and avoid any actions or words that could mislead or trick others.