please do not forward this message

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence is correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used at the end of an email or text message to ensure that the receiver does not forward the message to anyone else. For example, "Thank you for reading my message. Please do not forward this message to anyone else."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

By Invitation Only and non-transferable – please do not forward this message.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Claudia's messages included price lists ($4.25 per gallon of raw milk, $4 for a quart of raw yogurt), a downloadable contract, and an appeal: "Please do not forward this e-mail to anyone..

The New Yorker

Claudia's messages included price lists ($4.25 per gallon of raw milk, $4 for a quart of raw yogurt), a downloadable contract, and an appeal: "Please do not forward this e-mail to anyone...

The New Yorker

Please do not forward it".

The New York Times

"Fyi - please do not forward with my e-mail reference thanks," Zachem wrote.

Vice

The email included the incriminating subject line, "Please don't forward".

TechCrunch

Please don't forward them to anyone.

HuffPost

Please do not reply to this message.

The Guardian - Opinion

Please do not leave a message.

The New York Times

Please do not message as this is not me.

The Guardian

Please do not respond to this automated message.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When sending sensitive information, use "Please do not forward this message" to remind recipients that the content is intended only for them. This helps maintain confidentiality and prevents unintentional data breaches.

Common error

Do not assume recipients will automatically understand the message is confidential. Explicitly stating "Please do not forward this message" clarifies your expectations and reduces the risk of unintended sharing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Please do not forward this message" functions as a polite request or instruction. Its purpose is to discourage the recipient from sharing the message with others. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage in email communications.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

12%

Academia

10%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "Please do not forward this message" is a polite yet direct way to request that a recipient keep a message private. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and commonly used to prevent the unintentional sharing of sensitive information. While the phrase itself isn't legally binding, it serves as a clear indicator of the sender's expectation of confidentiality. For those seeking alternatives, phrases like "please do not share this communication" or "this message is confidential" can also effectively convey the same message. To reinforce the message, it’s advisable to explicitly state the private nature of the information, as assuming implied confidentiality can lead to misunderstandings. To sum up, while this phrase is valuable, it's best paired with appropriate security measures and a clear understanding between sender and recipient regarding the message's confidentiality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Confidential: Do not forward this message

Starts by clearly stating 'Confidential', reinforcing the non-forwarding request.

This is a private message, please do not forward

Explicitly states the private nature of the message.

Please do not share this communication

Replaces "forward" with the more general term "share".

Kindly refrain from forwarding this message

Uses a more formal tone with "kindly refrain".

Do not distribute this message further

Uses a stronger, more direct instruction.

This message is not for redistribution

Emphasizes the restriction on distributing the message further.

Keep this message confidential

Focuses on the confidentiality aspect of the message.

This message is intended only for the recipient

Highlights the exclusive nature of the message.

Please respect the privacy of this message

Appeals to the recipient's sense of respect for privacy.

Please keep this information to yourself

Shifts the focus to the information contained within.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use "Please do not forward this message"?

It's appropriate when the email or document contains sensitive, private, or confidential information that should not be shared with others. This could include personal details, business strategies, or any content intended only for the recipient.

What are some alternatives to "Please do not forward this message"?

Alternatives include "Please do not share this communication", "This message is confidential", or "This message is intended only for the recipient", depending on the specific context and level of formality.

How can I ensure a message is not forwarded, even with the request "Please do not forward this message"?

While the phrase serves as a request, it doesn't guarantee prevention. For highly sensitive data, consider using encryption, password protection, or digital rights management (DRM) to technically restrict forwarding. Remember that ultimately, respecting the request relies on the recipient's discretion.

Is "Please do not forward this message" legally binding?

No, simply including "Please do not forward this message" does not create a legally binding agreement. For legal protection, you need a formal confidentiality agreement or non-disclosure agreement (NDA) signed by all parties involved.