Complete Guide to Using “Don’t + (verb)” in English

The phrase “Don’t + verb” (contraction of “do not”) is used to give negative commands, warnings, or advice about what actions should be avoided. This construction helps communicate prohibitions or strong suggestions.

“Don’t” Usage Examples

Sno	English Example	Hindi Translation	Context
1	Don’t try to fool me.	मुझे मूर्ख बनाने की कोशिश मत करो।	Warning
2	Don’t allow this to happen.	ऐसा होने मत दो।	Prevention
3	Don’t watch scary movies before bed.	सोने से पहले डरावनी फिल्में मत देखो।	Advice
4	Don’t cause any more trouble.	और कोई परेशानी मत खड़ी करो।	Command
5	Don’t chew gum in class.	कक्षा में च्युइंग गम मत चबाओ।	Rule
6	Don’t forget your keys.	अपनी चाबियाँ मत भूलना।	Reminder
7	Don’t interrupt when others are speaking.	दूसरों के बोलने के दौरान बीच में मत बोलो।	Etiquette
8	Don’t leave without permission.	बिना अनुमति के मत जाओ।	Instruction
9	Don’t make promises you can’t keep.	ऐसे वादे मत करो जिन्हें पूरा न कर सको।	Advice
10	Don’t open that door.	वह दरवाज़ा मत खोलो।	Warning

“Do not” Formal Usage Examples

Sno	English Example	Hindi Translation
1	Do not concern yourself with others’ problems.	दूसरों की समस्याओं से स्वयं को मत जोड़ो।
2	Do not behave that way.	उस तरह से व्यवहार मत करो।
3	Do not announce your decision yet.	अभी अपना निर्णय मत सुनाओ।
4	Do not argue with me.	मेरे साथ बहस मत करो।
5	Do not arrive late for your meeting.	अपनी मीटिंग के लिए देर से मत पहुँचो।

Key Grammar Rules

• Structure:
  • “Don’t/Do not” + base verb
  • ✅ Correct: “Don’t touch that.”
  • ❌ Incorrect: “Don’t to touch that.”
• Formality:
  • “Don’t” – casual/informal
  • “Do not” – more formal/official
• Negative Questions:
  • “Don’t you want to go?”
  • “Why don’t we try again?”

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ “Don’t to go there.”
✅ “Don’t go there.” (no “to” after don’t)

❌ “Doesn’t talk loudly.”
✅ “Don’t talk loudly.” (use “don’t” for commands)

❌ “Don’t forgot your bag.”
✅ “Don’t forget your bag.” (use base verb form)

Cultural Usage Notes

• Politeness:
  • Can sound harsh alone (“Please don’t” is softer)
• Workplace Usage:
  • “Do not” preferred in formal notices
  • Softer alternatives (“Avoid” or “Refrain from”)
• Indian Context:
  • Often used with “yaar” among friends (“Yaar, don’t do that”)
  • Sometimes considered rude without “please”