I will refrain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I will refrain" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to indicate intention to avoid or stop something. For example: "I will refrain from visiting crowded places due to the ongoing pandemic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

So I will refrain.

The Guardian

I will refrain from telling you".

The New Yorker

"Until then, I will refrain from further public comment".

The New York Times

So I will refrain from endorsing that spot.

The New York Times

That should be obvious — but not so obvious that I will refrain from writing this column.

The New York Times

As it's Christmas, I will refrain from expressing just how much I despise that revolting tic.

The Guardian

So I will refrain from quoting the text and quote the set instead.

The New York Times

I will refrain from reading any book reviews by Walter Kirn.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

I tried a few things I'll refrain from mentioning.

The New York Times

I'll refrain from asking you how you spent your Christmas vacation.

The New York Times

Because of a plot twist I'll refrain from divulging, Charlie's triplets are African-American academic prodigies.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I will refrain" to express a conscious decision to avoid a particular action or topic, especially when tact or discretion is required.

Common error

Avoid using "I will refrain" in very casual conversation; simpler alternatives like "I won't" or "I'll pass" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I will refrain" functions as a declarative statement expressing the speaker's intention to abstain from a specific action or behavior. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. It indicates a conscious decision to exercise self-control or avoid causing offense, as showcased in numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

18%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I will refrain" is a common and grammatically correct way to express an intention to abstain from a particular action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's frequently used in news, academic writing, and scientific contexts, conveying a deliberate choice to avoid something. While versatile, it’s important to consider the context; simpler alternatives might be more appropriate for informal conversations. The phrase’s purpose is to signal restraint or discretion, indicating a conscious effort to prevent conflict or maintain decorum.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I will abstain

Shorter and more direct, omitting the auxiliary verb "will".

I intend to abstain

More formal and emphasizes a deliberate decision to hold back.

I plan to abstain

Similar to "I intend to abstain" but focuses on planning.

I will hold back

Emphasizes the act of restraining oneself.

I'll decline to

More polite and formal, used when refusing an invitation or request.

I will avoid

Highlights the action of staying away from a particular thing or action.

I'm going to avoid

More informal and suggests a proactive effort to steer clear.

I'm not going to

Simple negative construction indicating a decision not to do something.

I'll keep from

Focuses on preventing oneself from doing something.

I'll pass on that

Informal and often used in response to an offer or suggestion.

FAQs

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

Use "I will refrain" to express your intention to avoid doing something. For example, "I will refrain from making any further comments on this matter."

What's a more formal alternative to "I will refrain"?

A more formal alternative is "I intend to abstain". This conveys a similar meaning with a slightly more elevated tone.

What's a simpler way to say "I will refrain"?

You can use simpler phrases like "I won't" or "I'll avoid", depending on the context. These are suitable for less formal situations.

Is it ever incorrect to use "I will refrain"?

While grammatically correct, using "I will refrain" in very informal settings can sound stilted. Choose a more casual option like "I'll pass" or "I'm not going to" in those contexts.