please do not

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of a sentence "please do not" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an imperative statement and it is often used to politely request someone not to do something. Example: "Please do not forget to turn off the lights before leaving the room."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Please do not riot"?

The Economist

Please do not open".

The New Yorker

Please Do Not Disturb".

The New Yorker

"Please do not worry".

The New York Times

Please do not feed them".

The New Yorker

Please do not.

Harvard University

Please do not be complacent.

The Guardian

Please do not communalise it.

The Guardian

Please do not troll me.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Please do not forward it".

The New York Times

Please do not deport us".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "please do not" in written communication, consider your audience and the level of formality required. In formal contexts, consider alternatives like "kindly refrain from" or "we respectfully request that you not."

Common error

Avoid using "please do not" excessively in casual conversations or informal writing, as it can sound overly formal or even passive-aggressive. In these situations, a simpler "don't" or a more direct request might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "please do not" primarily functions as a polite negative imperative. It is used to gently request or instruct someone to refrain from performing a specific action. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Wiki

24%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

6%

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "please do not" functions as a polite negative imperative, used to discourage or prevent an action while maintaining a level of courtesy. Ludwig AI validates its proper usage across diverse contexts, with a neutral to formal register. It's frequently found in "News & Media" and "Wiki" sources. For more formal settings, consider alternatives like "kindly refrain from". Be mindful of overuse in informal contexts, where a simpler "don't" may suffice. Ultimately, "please do not" is a versatile phrase for conveying gentle prohibition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

do not

This is a direct command, lacking the politeness of "please".

refrain from

This alternative is more formal and direct, without the "please".

kindly refrain from

This alternative is more formal and polite.

I kindly ask you not to

This alternative emphasizes the speaker's personal request.

we ask that you don't

This alternative shifts the responsibility to the speaker or organization making the request.

we respectfully request that you not

This version is even more polite and respectful, suitable for formal settings.

I would appreciate it if you didn't

This is a more tentative and polite request, focusing on the speaker's feelings.

it would be appreciated if you didn't

This phrase is a softer, more indirect way of making a request.

avoid

This option provides a direct and concise way to express the request, lacking the politeness marker.

I'd rather you didn't

This alternative expresses a preference rather than a direct request.

FAQs

How to use "please do not" in a sentence?

"Please do not" is used to politely request someone to avoid doing something. For example, "Please do not touch the artwork" or "Please do not feed the animals".

What can I say instead of "please do not"?

Alternatives include "kindly refrain from", "we ask that you don't", or just "do not" depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Which is correct, "please do not" or "do not please"?

"Please do not" is the standard and grammatically correct order. "Do not please" is not a common or correct construction in English.

What's the difference between "please do not" and "don't"?

"Please do not" is generally more formal and polite than "don't". While both convey the same basic meaning, "please do not" is suitable for more formal or sensitive situations, while "don't" is appropriate for casual conversation.