Not to dance vs To not dance

Both "not to dance" and "to not dance" are correct constructions in English, but they are used in different contexts. "Not to dance" is more commonly used when giving advice or instructions, while "to not dance" is used when emphasizing the action of not dancing.

Last updated: March 30, 2024 • 998 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English, especially when giving advice or instructions.

"Not to dance"

This phrase is used to advise against dancing or to indicate that dancing should not be done in a specific situation.

Examples:

It's better not to dance at a funeral.
She decided not to dance at the party.
The doctor advised him not to dance until his ankle healed.
I told him not to dance on the slippery floor.
Not to dance in the rain is a wise choice.

Show examples from the web [+]

When all said done is best probable not to dance of the whole.
I know for certain that she has a very particular reason not to dance tonight.
So I told her not to dance.
When all said done is best probable not to dance of the whole.
I'm just accepting a new engagement, and not to dance either.
I dare say, but if I'm not to dance with you, then I'm getting out of this operetta and going home.
To start with, these women that I told you about are dancing and singing every single day, and if they can, who are we not to dance?
Chuck told all the girls not to dance with you and we all went along with it.
I thought that wise people not to dance without collants.

Alternatives:

Avoid dancing
Refrain from dancing
Don't dance
It's best not to dance
Dancing is not recommended

This phrase is also correct in English and is used to emphasize the action of not dancing.

"To not dance"

This phrase is used to put emphasis on the act of not dancing, highlighting the choice or decision not to engage in dancing.

Examples:

She chose to not dance with him.
I decided to not dance tonight.
He wanted to not dance in front of the crowd.
To not dance at the wedding was a deliberate choice.
They agreed to not dance until the music started.

Show examples from the web [+]

I don't ever want to not dance with the Smurfs again.
I will not dance to your drummed-up war.
So I told her not to dance.
I'm just accepting a new engagement, and not to dance either.
"What I Will" I will not dance to your war drum.
When all said done is best probable not to dance of the whole.
When all said done is best probable not to dance of the whole.
I dare say, but if I'm not to dance with you, then I'm getting out of this operetta and going home.
I know for certain that she has a very particular reason not to dance tonight.
You'r e not able to dance with me.
But now we're really never not going to the dance together.
You guys have filmed me long enought to know that I'm not going to dance around the issue.
You are not going to the dance looking like that.
I always regretted not going to that dance with Debbie.
Not supposed to dance in the middle of the street.
I'm not used to dance in general.
But excuse me, I... am not inclined to dance.
Why would - we're not going to dance.
But excuse me, I... am not inclined to dance.
And, as you know, Anne does not care to dance.

Alternatives:

Choose not to dance
Decide not to dance
Opt not to dance
Intend not to dance
Make the choice not to dance

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Not to dance vs To not dance

"Not to dance"

"To not dance"

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