I refrain from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I refrain from" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a decision to avoid or abstain from a particular action or behavior. Example: "I refrain from commenting on political matters to maintain a neutral stance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

So now I refrain from saying things like that".

The New York Times - Health

Should I refrain from setting a bad example?

The New York Times - Magazine

I refrain from reclining until I've asked the person behind me if it's O.K.

The New York Times - Travel

I refrain from telling her that she's got it wrong, however.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I refrain from saying things go back to normal, because obviously normal wasn't good enough".

The New York Times - Arts

C.S.: I hope so, because I refrain from lots of things I love, like cheese and carbs.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

I refrained from judging him, half-consciously.

The Guardian - Tech

"But you can quote me that I refrained from comment.

The New York Times

I was not included in the squad but I refrained from comment.

Independent

Which isn't to say that I refrained from eating meat.

The New York Times - Magazine

At the restaurant, waiting for my sister, I refrained from Googling "white spots tongue".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, be precise about what you are refraining from to maintain clarity. For example, instead of "I refrain from commenting", specify "I refrain from commenting on ongoing investigations".

Common error

While "I refrain from" is grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal in casual conversations. Opt for simpler alternatives like "I avoid" or "I don't" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I refrain from" functions as a statement of deliberate abstention. It's used to declare a conscious decision to avoid a specific action or behavior. Ludwig examples confirm its usage in expressing self-control or avoidance.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I refrain from" is a grammatically correct phrase used to express a deliberate decision to abstain from something. Ludwig's analysis indicates it's most common in news and media, science, and formal business contexts, suggesting a neutral to formal register. While effective for communicating intent, remember to consider the context and audience, opting for simpler alternatives in casual settings. Use Ludwig's examples to guide your usage and ensure clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I abstain from

Replaces "refrain" with "abstain", emphasizing a voluntary act of holding back.

I avoid

Uses a more general term, "avoid", to indicate staying away from something.

I abstain myself from

Adds "myself" for emphasis, making the act of abstaining more personal.

I hold back from

Emphasizes the act of restraining oneself from doing something.

I keep from

A less formal way to say "refrain from", indicating avoidance.

I desist from

Uses the word "desist", which is a more formal and legalistic term.

I forbear to

A more archaic way of saying "refrain from", implying politeness or respect.

I pass on

An informal way to indicate declining an action or opportunity.

I skip

A simple way to express choosing not to do something.

I balk at

Suggests a reluctance or unwillingness to do something.

FAQs

What does "I refrain from" mean?

The phrase "I refrain from" means that you are deliberately choosing not to do something. It implies a conscious decision to abstain or avoid a particular action or behavior.

How can I use "I refrain from" in a sentence?

You can use "I refrain from" to express that you are holding yourself back from doing something. For example, "I refrain from eating sweets to maintain a healthy diet", or "I refrain from making comments on topics I don't fully understand".

What are some alternatives to "I refrain from"?

Some alternatives to "I refrain from" include "I avoid", "I abstain from", "I hold back from", or simply "I don't" depending on the context.

Is "I refrain to" grammatically correct?

No, "I refrain to" is not grammatically correct. The correct usage is "I refrain from" followed by a gerund (verb + -ing) or a noun. For example, "I refrain from speaking" or "I refrain from alcohol".