I refrained

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I refrained" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used when describing an action that the speaker decided not to do, or when expressing self-restraint. Here is an example: "I refrained from eating the last slice of pizza, even though it looked delicious, because I knew my friend wanted it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I refrained, however.

The New York Times - Travel

I refrained from judging him, half-consciously.

The Guardian - Tech

Only that I refrained in public.

The New York Times - Magazine

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

The New York Times - Magazine

"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

I refrained, modestly, from also telling him that I had been chairman of the anniversary observances.

The New Yorker

But I refrained; the question would have meant nothing to him.

The New York Times - Travel

As a serious journalist, I refrained from replying in the affirmative.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

I refrained from asking him if he had any idea how hideous this object was.

The New York Times - Tech

"I refrained from hitting him, and just threw water in his face," the minister wrote.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I refrained" to clearly communicate a conscious decision not to act, particularly when there was a temptation or opportunity to do so.

Common error

Avoid using "I refrained" when you simply lacked the ability to do something. "Refrained" implies a deliberate choice, not an inability. For example, don't say "I refrained from flying because I don't have wings"; instead, say "I couldn't fly because I don't have wings."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I refrained" functions as a declaration of self-control or deliberate avoidance. As Ludwig AI states, it describes an action the speaker decided not to do. Examples show this in various contexts, like refraining from comment or action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

0.5%

Wiki

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I refrained" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression that indicates a deliberate decision to avoid a particular action. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is typically used to describe actions where the speaker intentionally chose to exercise self-control. The expression appears most often in news and media contexts, conveying a neutral tone. While several alternative phrases exist, such as "I abstained" or "I held back", it's important to use "I refrained" when a deliberate choice not to act is intended. Avoid using "I refrained" when you simply lacked the ability to do something, as it implies a conscious decision rather than an inability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I chose not to

A straightforward and neutral way of stating that one did not take a particular action.

I resisted the urge

This phrase specifically highlights the presence of a temptation or strong desire that was overcome.

I abstained

This alternative conveys a formal sense of choosing not to participate or engage in something.

I declined to

This alternative suggests a polite or formal refusal to do something.

I suppressed the impulse

This option conveys a deliberate effort to control an immediate and strong desire.

I held back

This phrase suggests a physical or emotional effort to restrain oneself.

I passed on

This alternative suggests declining an opportunity or invitation.

I avoided

This phrase suggests actively keeping away from a certain action or situation.

I desisted

This option implies a more deliberate and conscious decision to stop oneself from doing something.

I forbore

A more formal and somewhat archaic way of saying that one refrained.

FAQs

How can I use "I refrained" in a sentence?

Use "I refrained" to indicate that you deliberately chose not to do something, often implying a degree of self-control. For example, "I refrained from commenting on his poor performance."

What are some alternatives to saying "I refrained"?

You can use alternatives like "I abstained", "I held back", or "I chose not to" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "I refrained myself"?

No, the correct usage is "I refrained". The word "refrain" is a verb that already implies self-control, so adding "myself" is redundant. The sentence, "I "refrained myself" from laughing" is incorrect; "I refrained from laughing" is the proper way to say it.

What's the difference between "I refrained from" and "I avoided"?

"I refrained from" typically implies a conscious effort to hold back from doing something you were tempted to do. "I avoided" suggests taking action to keep away from something, not necessarily involving a temptation. For example, "I refrained from eating dessert" vs "I avoided the party because I knew he would be there."