I refrained from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I refrained from" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that you chose not to do something or held back from an action. Example: "I refrained from commenting on the situation to avoid escalating the conflict."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

I refrained from judging him, half-consciously.

The Guardian - Tech

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

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

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

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

The New York Times - Arts

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

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I refrained from" to indicate a deliberate decision to hold back from an action or comment, often to avoid negative consequences or maintain decorum.

Common error

While grammatically correct, using "I refrained from" in very casual conversations can sound overly formal or stilted. Consider simpler alternatives like "I didn't" or "I avoided" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I refrained from" functions as a main clause element, specifically indicating the subject's deliberate decision to abstain from a particular action. Ludwig showcases its usage in diverse contexts to denote conscious avoidance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I refrained from" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey a conscious decision to abstain from a specific action. As Ludwig highlights, this phrase often appears in news and media contexts, implying a formal and deliberate choice. While it's considered correct, be mindful of its slightly elevated tone, particularly in casual settings where simpler alternatives might be more appropriate. The many examples available in Ludwig's database showcase its wide applicability in various situations, emphasizing self-control and strategic avoidance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I abstained from

Emphasizes a voluntary choice to not participate or engage in something.

I held back from

Indicates a conscious effort to suppress or restrain oneself from doing something.

I avoided

Highlights the action of keeping away from a particular situation or action.

I resisted the urge to

Specifically focuses on the act of fighting against a temptation or impulse.

I kept myself from

Focuses on the self-control used to prevent an action.

I desisted from

Formal term indicating a cessation or holding back from something.

I suppressed

Emphasizes actively preventing an emotion or action from showing or happening.

I forbore to

A more archaic and formal way of saying 'I refrained from'.

I declined to

Suggests a polite refusal or unwillingness to do something.

I bypassed

Implies choosing an alternative route or action to avoid something.

FAQs

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

Use "I refrained from" to indicate that you deliberately avoided doing something. For example, "I refrained from commenting on the issue to avoid escalating the conflict."

What can I say instead of "I refrained from"?

You can use alternatives like "I abstained from", "I avoided", or "I held back from" depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to say "I refrained from" or "I didn't"?

"I refrained from" is more formal and suggests a conscious decision to hold back. "I didn't" is more general and can simply indicate that an action wasn't taken. The best choice depends on the desired tone and context.

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

"I refrained from" implies avoiding an action, while "I resisted" suggests actively fighting against a temptation or urge. For example, "I refrained from eating dessert" means I didn't eat it, while "I resisted the urge to eat dessert" means I wanted to but fought against that desire.