not to eat vs to not eat

Both "not to eat" and "to not eat" are correct constructions in English, but they are used in different contexts. "Not to eat" is more commonly used and is often found in instructions or recommendations, while "to not eat" is less common and may be used for emphasis or to create a specific rhythm or emphasis in speech.

Last updated: March 23, 2024 • 2190 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English, especially in instructions or recommendations.

"not to eat"

This phrase is used to indicate a prohibition or recommendation against eating something.

Examples:

It is not to eat after midnight.
The doctor advised her not to eat spicy food.
The sign said not to eat the berries.
The rule is not to eat in the classroom.
She decided not to eat meat anymore.

Show examples from the web [+]

I'm trying not to eat anything with a central nervous system.
That day, I decided not to eat.
I'll introduce you if you promise not to eat her.
I'm trying not to eat it too fast, take my time with it.
It would be rude not to eat her pie.
She's decided not to eat meat anymore.
- I try not to eat in any vehicle.
Well, I done told you not to eat that huevos rancheros for breakfast.
Better put word out not to eat or drink anything down here.
Aside from advising me not to eat the cream of chicken,
l was told not to eat red meat by my doctor.
! He told me not to eat boogers!
Do you hear voices telling you not to eat?
She has the right not to eat!
You promise not to eat Mom, right?
I'm trying not to eat the Krispy Kremes.
Because you have a meeting with General Murray in the Motor Pool now, and they said not to eat first!
Did they tell you not to eat, too?
I told you not to eat those berries and what did you do? OK.
And then tells them not to eat from the Tree of Knowledge?

Alternatives:

avoid eating
refrain from eating
abstain from eating
do not eat
should not eat

This phrase is also correct in English, but it is less common and may be used for emphasis or stylistic reasons.

"to not eat"

This phrase can be used to emphasize the action of not eating or to create a specific rhythm or emphasis in speech.

Examples:

I decided to not eat any more junk food.
She chose to not eat the cake.
He wanted to not eat anything until dinner.
The plan was to not eat until they reached the campsite.
To not eat before the operation is important for the procedure.

Show examples from the web [+]

My advice would be to not eat or drink anything after 8:00 at night.
Why don't I make the choice to not eat meat?
Way to not eat each other, fellas.
Besides, it's rude to not eat what you're served.
You got to really hate fish to not eat 'em for eight years, Re, I mean...
Chuck's got a wicked vinyl collection, and chuck has the wisdom to not eat garbage from the break room Crisper.
"How can we get people to not eat pork?"
it's funny how things like mortgage payments, and a desire to not eat cat food can get between a person and their principles.
To not eat, because men like us have no place in times of peace.
I'm a seafood nut and to not eat clams-what's life for?

Alternatives:

decide not to eat
choose not to eat
want not to eat
plan not to eat
important not to eat

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not to eat vs to not eat

"not to eat"

"to not eat"

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