not to do

USAGE SUMMARY

"not to do" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express something that should not happen or be done. For example, "I urge you not to do anything hasty."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Not to do good.

Independent

Not to do it again.

The New York Times - Magazine

Or not to do.

The New York Times - Sports

He taught me not to do that.

The New York Times

We decided not to do that".

The New York Times

Or more accurately, what not to do.

The New York Times

We've chosen not to do that.

The New York Times

I just decided not to do it".

The New York Times - Sports

I already know not to do that.

Independent

But he chose not to do so.

Independent

It taught him what not to do.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing someone on what "not to do", be specific and provide clear reasons to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "Not to do that", say "Avoid using abrasive cleaners on the surface to prevent scratches."

Common error

Ensure that when using "not to do", the context clearly indicates what action is being avoided. Avoid using it in isolation without a clear reference, as this can lead to confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not to do" primarily functions as a negative infinitive, indicating the avoidance or negation of an action. According to Ludwig, this construction is grammatically sound and commonly found in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

15%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not to do" is a grammatically correct and frequently used negative infinitive, serving to advise against or prohibit certain actions. Ludwig AI validates its usability across diverse sources, particularly in news and media. When using this phrase, clarity is key to prevent ambiguity. For more formal contexts, alternatives such as "to refrain from doing" may be more appropriate. Remember to be specific when instructing what "not to do", providing clear reasons to avoid any confusion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to avoid doing

This alternative focuses on steering clear of an action, often to prevent negative consequences.

to refrain from doing

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes a conscious decision to hold back from an action.

to not undertake

This alternative suggests choosing not to begin or engage in a task.

to not perform

This alternative is more direct and simply states the absence of an action.

to reject doing

This alternative implies a firm refusal to engage in an action.

to not execute

This alternative is formal and suggests not carrying out a plan or instruction.

to abstain from doing

This alternative is highly formal and suggests a deliberate act of self-denial.

to forgo doing

This alternative indicates giving up or doing without something.

to omit doing

This alternative suggests leaving something out or neglecting to do it.

to skip doing

This alternative implies intentionally missing or bypassing an action.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "not to do" in a more formal way?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "to refrain from doing", "to abstain from doing", or "to avoid doing" depending on the specific context.

What are some common situations where I might use "not to do"?

The phrase "not to do" is often used in instructions, warnings, or advice to indicate actions that should be avoided. For example, "It is important not to do anything that could jeopardize the investigation."

Is it always necessary to specify what not to do, or can it be implied?

While context can sometimes make the intended meaning clear, it is generally best practice to explicitly state what action should "not to do" to prevent any misunderstanding.

What is the difference between "not to do" and "to not do"?

While both forms are grammatically correct, "not to do" is generally more common and considered more natural-sounding than "to not do" in most contexts. "To not do" might be used for emphasis in specific situations.