Cool MateDon't move vs Nobody make a move
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Don't move
Top 2,000 (common)
Nobody make a move
InformalTop 5,000 (fairly common)
Most formal: Don't moveMost common: Don't move
| Don't move | Nobody make a move | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //dəʊnt muːv//🇺🇸 //doʊnt muːv// | 🇬🇧 //ˈnəʊ.bə.dɪ ˌmeɪk ə muːv//🇺🇸 //ˈnoʊ.bə.di ˌmeɪk ə muːv// |
| Meaning | Do not change your position. | No one should change their position. |
| Example | When I entered the room, I shouted, "Don't move!" to catch their attention. | As soon as the robber entered, the officer shouted, 'Nobody make a move!' |
| Register | Neutral | Informal |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 5,000 (fairly common) |
| Collocations | don't move an inch, don't move your feet, don't move closer, don't move at all, don't move forward | make a sudden move, make a move for it, make a move towards, make a bold move, make a quick move |
| Common mistakes | Learners sometimes say 'Don't moving' instead of 'Don't move'., Confused with 'Don't move on' which has a different meaning., Some may use 'Not move' which is incorrect. | Saying 'Nobody makes a move' instead of 'make' to match singular subject., Confusing 'make a move' with 'take a step' which has a different nuance., Using it in overly formal situations where a calmer phrase is appropriate. |
| Usage notes | Use this phrase when you want someone to stay still. It's appropriate in both formal and informal contexts, often used in urgent situations. | Use this phrase in situations that require immediate attention or when wanting to prevent action. It's best suited for informal settings. |
See it in real clips
Frequently asked questions: Don't move vs Nobody make a move
What's the difference between Don't move and Nobody make a move?
Don't move: Do not change your position. Nobody make a move: No one should change their position.
Which is more formal: Don't move and Nobody make a move?
Don't move is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Don't move and Nobody make a move?
Don't move is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Don't move: When I entered the room, I shouted, "Don't move!" to catch their attention. Nobody make a move: As soon as the robber entered, the officer shouted, 'Nobody make a move!'
Can I use Don't move and Nobody make a move interchangeably?
Not always. Don't move and Nobody make a move 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.