How to use "do not hesitate to contact"

What Does "do not hesitate to contact" Mean?

• The expression "do not hesitate to contact" is a polite and formal way of inviting someone to get in touch with you. It essentially means "please feel free to contact me/us if you have any questions or need assistance."
• The meaning is compositional. Each word contributes its individual meaning to the overall expression. "Do not hesitate" means don't pause or be reluctant, and "to contact" specifies the action you are encouraging.
• The register is formal to neutral. While perfectly acceptable in many situations, it leans towards formality and is commonly used in professional and academic contexts.

How to Use It

• Grammatical pattern: verb phrase + infinitive phrase (verb + "to" + verb)
• Typical objects, complements, or prepositions that follow: The phrase is typically followed by a pronoun (me, us) and often a prepositional phrase specifying the reason for contact (e.g., "with any questions," "for further information").
• Can the components be separated? No, the components of the core phrase "do not hesitate to contact" should not be separated.
• What sounds unnatural: Using an incorrect preposition (e.g., "do not hesitate on contacting"), using a more informal verb (e.g., "don't be afraid to contact"), or omitting the "to" in the infinitive (e.g., "do not hesitate contact").

Real-World Examples

These examples are sourced from do not hesitate to contact on Ludwig.guru.

"Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions!" — haas.berkeley.edu

"If you have any problems, please do not hesitate to contact the local police." — The New Yorker

"Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like any further information." — The Guardian

"Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns." — Harvard University

"If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me." — Forbes

Examples sourced from https://ludwig.guru/s/do+not+hesitate+to+contact

Similar Phrases and Alternatives

Phrase	Context
feel free to reach out	Slightly less formal, more conversational.
please get in touch	A common and generally polite alternative.
do not hesitate to get in touch	Similar formality, emphasizes ease of contact.
if you have any questions, please ask	More direct and concise, suitable for informal settings.
we welcome your questions	More proactive and inviting, often used by organizations.
we are here to help	Emphasizes support and availability.
contact us if you need further assistance	More direct and action-oriented, suitable for customer service.

Common Mistakes

• Using the wrong preposition: "Do not hesitate on contacting" is incorrect. The correct phrasing is "do not hesitate to contact."
• Using an overly informal alternative in a formal context: Phrases like "hit me up" or "holler at me" are inappropriate in professional communication.
• Omitting the "to" in the infinitive: "Do not hesitate contact" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "do not hesitate to contact."

Quick-Reference Summary

Expression	Meaning	Grammatical Pattern	Register
do not hesitate to contact	Please feel free to get in touch; please contact us if you need assistance.	verb phrase + infinitive phrase	Formal to neutral

FAQs

Can the words in "do not hesitate to contact" be separated?

No, the core phrase "do not hesitate to contact" should not be separated. Inserting words within the phrase disrupts the intended meaning and grammatical structure. For example, "do not hesitate at all to contact" is grammatically correct, but the core phrase remains intact.

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How is "do not hesitate to contact" different from "feel free to contact"?

Both phrases express a similar sentiment, but "do not hesitate to contact" is generally considered more formal than "feel free to contact." "Feel free to contact" is more conversational and can be used in a wider range of situations, whereas "do not hesitate to contact" is often preferred in professional or academic contexts.

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What's the right way to use the preposition with "do not hesitate to contact?"

It's important to use the correct preposition with "do not hesitate to contact." The correct phrasing is "do not hesitate to contact." Using other prepositions, such as "on" (e.g., "do not hesitate on contacting"), is grammatically incorrect and should be avoided. Always use the infinitive form "to contact."