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not to do vs to not do

Both "not to do" and "to not do" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "Not to do" is more common and is used to give advice or instructions, while "to not do" is used when the emphasis is on the action that should not be done.

Last updated: March 27, 2024 • 1228 views

not to do

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

This phrase is used to give advice or instructions about what should not be done.

Examples:

  • It's important not to do that.
  • Not to do your homework would be a mistake.
  • She told him not to do it.
  • The sign clearly says not to do that.
  • Not to do it is the best course of action.
  • I promise not to do anything embarrassing like... kissing in the office.
  • And they promise not to do anything.
  • There are always a million reasons not to do something.
  • And we decided not to do that.
  • I repeatedly asked you not to do that.
  • Dr. Haryana specifically said not to do that.
  • I told Boxer not to do it.
  • They begged him not to do it.
  • They begged him not to do it.
  • Just to remember not to do this again.
  • But I chose not to do it.
  • Anthony and I decided not to do it.
  • Just try not to do anything heroic.
  • But l have decided not to do it.
  • We agreed not to do this.
  • All my friends said not to do it.
  • Remind me not to do that again.
  • Actually, I've decided not to do this.
  • I was begging Dean not to do it.
  • Rembrandt has decidedly chosen not to do this.

Alternatives:

  • to avoid doing
  • to refrain from doing
  • to steer clear of doing
  • to abstain from doing
  • to resist doing

to not do

This phrase is correct but less common in English.

This phrase is used when the emphasis is on the action that should not be done.

Examples:

  • She decided to not do it.
  • I chose to not do it.
  • He promised to not do it again.
  • It's better to not do it.
  • To not do it would be a mistake.
  • You're just happy to not do anything?
  • Did it ever occur to you Holly to not do something?
  • But what's even uglier is a war people use as a pretext to not do their duty.
  • You're offering to pay us money to not do our job.
  • Now, you wouldn't be trying to not do your duty paying' the club, would you?
  • You would have to love yourself enough to not do bad to your neighbor.
  • And friends don't ask friends to not do their job.
  • They asked me to not do Tony Montana once he was here in America, but to go back two years before he came to America, and decide how was it that he wound up in that boat drop.
  • My question is: could you ask those people to not do those things to Scott?
  • He needs to learn to not do this anymore.
  • That's something I'm working on in therapy to not do as much.
  • I need a reason to not do total body irradiation.
  • Mine is to not do housework.
  • How hard is it to not do something?
  • I want to not do things, just like you taught me.
  • And I would like to not do it down here with you, sir.
  • Just thought I'd remind you to not do anything you'll regret.
  • Now go. I have a job to not do.
  • As you know, our goal at Washington Redskins, is to not do anything, and make money not doing it.
  • So, I'd say if I have any fears, it would be to not do that.

Alternatives:

  • not to do
  • to avoid doing
  • to refrain from doing
  • to steer clear of doing
  • to abstain from doing

Related Comparisons

avoid to do vs avoid doing whether or not to do vs whether to do or not not being able to vs not being able to do is not able to do vs unable to do no need to do vs no needs to do too late to commence the vs not too late to do

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