Cool MateDon't move vs Stay still
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Don't move
Top 2,000 (common)
Stay still
Top 2,000 (common)
| Don't move | Stay still | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //dəʊnt muːv//🇺🇸 //doʊnt muːv// | 🇬🇧 //steɪ stɪl//🇺🇸 //steɪ stɪl// |
| Meaning | Do not change your position. | Don't move. |
| Example | When I entered the room, I shouted, "Don't move!" to catch their attention. | Please, stay still while I take your picture. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (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 | stay still for a photo, stay still in class, stay still during surgery, stay still for safety |
| 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. | Confusing with 'stay quiet', which means to not speak., Omitting 'still' and saying just 'stay' which changes the meaning., Using it inappropriately in situations where movement is expected. |
| 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. | Used to instruct someone to remain in one position. Common in both spoken and written English. Not suitable for formal contexts but acceptable in casual conversation. |
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Frequently asked questions: Don't move vs Stay still
What's the difference between Don't move and Stay still?
Don't move: Do not change your position. Stay still: Don't move.
Can you show an example of each?
Don't move: When I entered the room, I shouted, "Don't move!" to catch their attention. Stay still: Please, stay still while I take your picture.
Can I use Don't move and Stay still interchangeably?
Not always. Don't move and Stay still 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.