not to proceed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not to proceed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that someone should not move forward with a particular action. For example: "Given the risks involved, it is best not to proceed with the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"They were warned not to proceed".

The New York Times

They begged him not to proceed.

The New York Times - Science

Following preliminary enquiries he decided not to proceed".

Independent

"Senator Santorum has decided not to proceed with his campaign.

The New York Times

None of this is a reason not to proceed.

The New York Times

The frail, bedridden patient begged him not to proceed.

The New York Times - Science

It ought not to proceed under the radar.

The Guardian

The studio decided not to proceed with it.

The Guardian - Books

But he had decided not to proceed with a lawsuit.

The New Yorker

Two other bishops have been warned not to proceed with votes to secede.

The New York Times

At this critical moment, Huyser strongly advised Rabii not to proceed with his plan.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not to proceed" when you want to clearly and directly advise against continuing with a particular course of action, especially when outlining potential negative consequences. For example, "Due to the high risks involved, it is advisable "not to proceed" with the investment."

Common error

Avoid using "not to proceed" when a simple verb form would be more concise and direct. Instead of saying "They decided not to proceed", consider saying "They decided against it" or "They decided not to go forward".

Linguistic Context

The infinitive phrase "not to proceed" functions as a negative infinitive of purpose or intention, often expressing advice, decision, or recommendation against a specific action. Ludwig provides examples where it is used to express warnings, decisions, and recommendations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not to proceed" is a common and grammatically correct way to express the idea of advising against or deciding against a particular action. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is widely used in formal and professional contexts, particularly in news and media. While alternatives exist, such as "refrain from continuing" or "halt the process", "not to proceed" maintains a neutral-to-formal tone suitable for various situations. To ensure clarity and avoid potential errors, consider the specific context and choose the most appropriate wording, as the specific tone may depend on the alternative you chose.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to refrain from continuing

Indicates a deliberate holding back from further action, slightly more formal.

to halt the process

Emphasizes the stopping of an ongoing action or sequence.

to discontinue the action

Highlights the termination of a specific activity or task.

to abandon the plan

Suggests a complete relinquishment of a previously made plan.

to cease the operation

Implies stopping a complex or organized activity.

to back out of the deal

Specifically refers to withdrawing from an agreement or transaction.

to give up on the attempt

Highlights the act of surrendering after an effort has been made.

to call off the event

Indicates the cancellation of a scheduled occurrence.

to withdraw from the undertaking

Suggests a formal removal from a project or commitment.

to desist from the effort

Emphasizes a more formal and resolute cessation of activity.

FAQs

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

The phrase "not to proceed" is typically used to advise against or describe the cessation of an action. For example, "The committee recommended "not to proceed" with the project until further data is available."

What are some alternatives to "not to proceed"?

You can use alternatives like "to refrain from continuing", "to halt the process", or "to discontinue the action" depending on the specific context.

Is it more formal to say "not to proceed" or "not to go ahead"?

"Not to proceed" tends to be slightly more formal than "not to go ahead". "Not to proceed" is often used in official reports, formal correspondence, and professional settings. The difference is subtle, and the best choice depends on the specific context.

When should I use "not to proceed" versus "to stop"?

Use "not to proceed" when you want to suggest that an action should not be initiated or continued. Use "to stop" when an action is already in progress and needs to be halted. For example, "We advised them "not to proceed" with the experiment" versus "We told them to stop the experiment immediately".