"Don't be" or "Be not"

[Nightmare85]

Hello guys,
I always thought it was:
"Don't be + adjective".

However, I often read:
"Be not + adjective".

Are both acceptable?

Cheers!

 

[bertietheblue]

Hello guys,
I always thought it was:
"Don't be + adjective".

However, I often read:
"Be not + adjective".

Are both acceptable?

Cheers!

As in eg

Don't be afraid!

Be not afraid!

In this example at least, the former is the norm, the latter is more archaic (for some reason, I picture a passage from the Bible: 'Be not afraid, my child!"). But I'd have to think of more examples to comment any further.

 

[emsr2d2]

As in eg

Don't be afraid!

Be not afraid!

In this example at least, the former is the norm, the latter is more archaic (for some reason, I picture a passage from the Bible: 'Be not afraid, my child!"). But I'd have to think of more examples to comment any further.

I totally agree! Funnily enough, the exact same phrase (Be not afraid) came to mind as well.

 

[Nightmare85]

In mine too :-D

Okay thanks.

Cheers!