not to trust

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not to trust" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing doubt or caution regarding someone's reliability or intentions. Example: "She warned him not to trust anyone who made promises they couldn't keep."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

What's not to trust?

The New York Times

"Not to trust people.

The Guardian - Books

But he knew not to trust photos.

The New York Times

"I've simply learned not to trust people".

The Guardian - Books

Here's when not to trust the majority.

Harvard Business Review

As New Yorkers, we're born not to trust people.

Cornell University

My brother and I learned not to trust anyone.

The New Yorker

That and not to trust brokers too quickly.

The New York Times

Morozov seems not to trust the judgment of his audience.

The New York Times - Books

From hard experience we've learned not to trust you.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

He has learned not to trust them.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When advising someone, specify the reasons "not to trust" a person or entity, providing context for your caution.

Common error

Avoid applying "not to trust" to entire groups without specific justification. Distrust should be based on individual actions or evidence, rather than stereotypes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not to trust" functions primarily as an infinitive phrase, often used to express caution, advice, or a learned lesson about the reliability of others. As evidenced by Ludwig, it is frequently seen in contexts where past experiences have shaped one's perspective on trust.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Science

3%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "not to trust" is a grammatically sound and frequently used infinitive phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig. It serves as a cautionary statement or a piece of advice against placing faith in someone or something without due diligence. The phrase is common in news articles, academic discussions, and even informal wikis, demonstrating its broad applicability. When using this phrase, remember to provide context and avoid generalizations. Consider alternative phrases like "distrust" or "be wary of" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

distrust

A single word expressing a lack of trust.

be wary of

Suggests caution and alertness to potential deception.

be skeptical of

Implies a questioning attitude and a need for evidence.

have doubts about

Expresses uncertainty and reservations.

lack confidence in

Highlights a deficit in belief or reliance.

question the integrity of

Challenges someone's honesty and moral principles.

regard with suspicion

Indicates a guarded and doubtful perspective.

take with a grain of salt

Suggests not accepting something at face value.

view with reservation

Implies a hesitance to fully accept or endorse.

hold a jaundiced eye

A more figurative way of expressing cynicism and distrust.

FAQs

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

You can use "not to trust" to express caution or warn against relying on someone or something. For example, "He learned "not to trust anyone" after being betrayed".

What are some alternatives to "not to trust"?

Alternatives include "distrust", "be wary of", or "be skeptical of", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to advise someone "not to trust"?

It's appropriate to advise someone "not to trust" when there's a history of deception, broken promises, or when relying on someone could lead to negative consequences.

What's the difference between "not to trust" and "to distrust"?

"Not to trust" is an infinitive phrase, while "to distrust" is a single verb expressing a lack of trust. The phrase "not to trust" is often used to give advice or express a general principle, while "to distrust" describes a feeling or attitude.