Not to build vs Don't build

Both "not to build" and "don't build" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "Not to build" is more formal and is often used in written instructions or formal documents. On the other hand, "don't build" is more casual and commonly used in everyday spoken English.

Last updated: April 09, 2024 • 189 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in formal contexts, such as written instructions or formal documents.

"Not to build"

Use "not to build" when giving formal instructions or writing in a formal context.

Show examples from the web [+]

Both parties promised not to build any fortifications along the border.
The crisis provides one more reason not to build the Northern gas pipeline.
Suppose, so you do not pump up the large muscles, not to build up strength, but always get their kicks.
But US Treasury Secretary Bill Simon read him the riot act. IMF and U.S. policy was to provide credit only to pay bondholders, not to build up the real economy.
In a move that gave the Japanese Imperial Navy greater freedom in the Pacific Ocean, Washington and London agreed not to build any new military bases between Singapore and Hawaii.
However, after a protracted search for an acceptable site, the school district opted not to build the new high school, a decision based largely on declining enrollment figures.
The Division of Oncology undertakes to report (and not to build up de novo) the guidelines of the major international scientific associations, regarding colorectal cancer staging, treatment and follow up.
The plans for the sustainable development of Heathrow involve an undertaking by the UK government not to build a third runway without prior public consultation and only to do so if noise and air quality conditions are strictly adhered to.
The local spokespersons of the yellow vests explain their role, how they were elected, do not hide the mistrust that exists vis-à-vis the unions, but assure that there is a wish to discuss and why not to build common actions.
Problems to be faced In order not to build a house on sand, it seems necessary to do a long introduction to experiences and testimonies, in order to open future prospects with a foundation.
The work of the revolutionaries is to analyze the real, not to build smoky theories; their role is to be on the side of the oppressed, not to be accomplices of the powers that be.
It is in fact cheaper not to build nuclear power stations, for to build a new 1000 megawatt reactor costs between five and eight times as much as to build a modern conventional reactor.
Try not to build contraptions where only one line remains undone. Your opponent will almost certainly take an advantage of it.
HP later decided not to build devices for Windows Phone, citing that it wanted to focus on devices for its newly purchased webOS.
Not to build a hope for the future.
Not to build it, because I think we'll inevitably do that, but to understand how to avoid an arms race and to build it in a way that is aligned with our interests.
Careful not to build up his hope.
Hannibal decided not to build circumventing walls but to starve the Greeks into submission.
Rolandwerft has also undertaken not to build in the second row during that period.
He was consistently careful not to build up an overattractive and attention-consuming personal career.

Alternatives:

to not build
to refrain from building
to avoid building
to abstain from building
to cease building

This phrase is correct and commonly used in casual spoken English.

"Don't build"

Use "don't build" in everyday conversations or informal situations.

Show examples from the web [+]

They don't build houses like this any more.
Romans don't build for nothing.
You don't build a beach if you want to hide a pebble.
You don't build an empire by remembering faces.
Don't build them wrong! The Snack Attack...
Don't build them wrong! Chop!
Don't build a little chapel which holds only a small group of persons.
Just don't build until Jeff finishes the plans.
Yes! You don't build a wedding around flowers or the cake or the food.
Nowadays, most scientists prefer to work inside, so they don't build physical models so much as to make computer simulations.
You don't build that many ships to make a run at Atlantis.
If you don't build a new Barn and send Croatoan back into the Void, they will all be killed.
One, don't build a reformer on a fault.
You don't build over a hundred houses without someone occasionally suing you.
Amoebas don't build houses and bridges.
If young students don't build up the neural circuitry that focused attention requires, they could have problems controlling their emotions and being empathetic.
You don't build a company like CatCo by being a wallflower and not having an opinion and a strong point of view.
You don't build a turnip truck unless you already have turnips.
However, some coworking places don't build a community; they just get a part of an existing one by combining their opening with an event which attracts their target group.
Unless you're really, really smart, don't build your business around trendy.

Alternatives:

do not build
avoid building
refrain from building
abstain from building
cease building

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Not to build vs Don't build

"Not to build"

"Don't build"

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