please don't

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "please don't" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used as a polite request or plea to ask someone not to do something. Example: "Please don't forget to submit your report by the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Please don't talk; please don't talk".

The New Yorker

And please don't watch.

The New York Times

Please don't interrupt".

Independent

Please don't sack me".

The Economist

"Please don't do it.

The New Yorker

Please don't hurt me.

The New Yorker

Please, don't start dancing.

Independent

God, please don't talk.

The New York Times

Please don't leave me.

The New Yorker

Please don't change it.

The New York Times

Please don't misunderstand him.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "please don't", consider the context and audience to ensure the level of politeness is appropriate. In more formal settings, consider alternatives like "I'd appreciate it if you didn't".

Common error

While "please don't" is perfectly acceptable in everyday conversation, overuse in formal or professional writing can sound less sophisticated. In such contexts, opt for alternatives like "I kindly request that you refrain from" or "It would be appreciated if you did not".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "please don't" primarily functions as a polite imperative. According to Ludwig AI, it's used to softly direct someone to avoid a specific action, which softens a command or request. The addition of "please" indicates consideration and courtesy.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Wiki

10%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "please don't" is a versatile and commonly used phrase for making polite requests or prohibitions. It is deemed grammatically correct, is very frequently used, and suitable for neutral to informal contexts, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While widely accepted, one should consider more formal alternatives in professional writing. The phrase is found most frequently in News & Media and Wiki sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I'd appreciate it if you didn't

Emphasizes the speaker's feelings about the action.

kindly refrain from

More formal and polite way of asking someone to avoid doing something.

I'd be grateful if you wouldn't

Highlights the speaker's gratitude for the other person's cooperation.

would you mind not

A polite question form requesting someone to stop an action.

I'd rather you didn't

Expresses a preference in a gentler, indirect manner.

I'd prefer it if you didn't

A more explicit statement of preference, still polite.

do not

More direct and slightly less polite.

refrain from

A formal instruction to avoid a certain action.

I ask you not to

A formal and somewhat emphatic way of making a request.

avoid

A simple and direct way of asking someone to prevent something.

FAQs

How to use "please don't" in a sentence?

Use "please don't" to politely ask someone to avoid doing something. For example, "Please don't interrupt me while I'm speaking" or "Please don't forget to lock the door".

What can I say instead of "please don't"?

You can use alternatives like "kindly refrain from", "I'd appreciate it if you didn't", or "would you mind not" depending on the context and desired level of formality.

When is it appropriate to use "please don't"?

"Please don't" is suitable for most informal and semi-formal situations where you want to make a polite request. Avoid using it in very formal contexts where a more sophisticated phrasing is preferred.

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

"Please don't" is a more polite and gentle way to ask someone not to do something, while "do not" is more direct and can sound sterner. The inclusion of "please" softens the command.