Cool MateDon't do that vs Stop that
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Don't do that
Top 2,000 (common)
Stop that
InformalTop 2,000 (common)
Most formal: Don't do that
| Don't do that | Stop that | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //dəʊnt duː ðæt//🇺🇸 //doʊnt du ðæt// | 🇬🇧 //stɒp ðæt//🇺🇸 //stɑp ðæt// |
| Meaning | A phrase used to tell someone to stop doing something. | Tell someone to not continue something. |
| Example | When you see the dog acting aggressively, just say, 'Don't do that!' | When the dog started barking loudly, I had to shout, 'Stop that!' |
| Register | Neutral | Informal |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| Collocations | Don't do that again, Don't do that here, Don't do that in public | stop that noise, stop that behavior, stop that game |
| Common mistakes | Learners may use it too formally instead of in casual situations., Often confused with 'Please don't do that', which is more polite., Some might incorrectly say 'Don't do it' when referring to a specific action. | Using in too formal a context., Not realizing it can sound rude without context., Confusing with 'stop it' which tends to sound less abrupt. |
| Usage notes | Used in everyday conversation to express disapproval or warning. Typically informal and can vary in intensity based on tone. | Used when you want someone to cease an action. Common in casual contexts; might not be appropriate in very formal situations. |
Frequently asked questions: Don't do that vs Stop that
What's the difference between Don't do that and Stop that?
Don't do that: A phrase used to tell someone to stop doing something. Stop that: Tell someone to not continue something.
Which is more formal: Don't do that and Stop that?
Don't do that is the most formal of these.
Can you show an example of each?
Don't do that: When you see the dog acting aggressively, just say, 'Don't do that!' Stop that: When the dog started barking loudly, I had to shout, 'Stop that!'
Can I use Don't do that and Stop that interchangeably?
Not always. Don't do that and Stop that are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.