Refrain from commenting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Refrain from commenting" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to ask someone not to make comments or provide feedback on a particular subject. Example: "During the meeting, please refrain from commenting until everyone has had a chance to speak."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Refrain from commenting on my family and OUR business (and I will do the same).

Huffington Post

The administration did not refrain from commenting.

The New York Times

The Bagger will refrain from commenting on this until he does.

The New York Times

"The mediator has asked both sides to refrain from commenting," said Mike Bass, an N.B.A. spokesman.

The New York Times - Sports

4. Refrain from commenting when your mother refers to the resort staff as "the help".

The New York Times - Travel

"We refrain from commenting on the particulars of an open investigation," Mr. Singer said.

The New York Times

Papadopoulos' lawyers have released a statement to say they will refrain from commenting on his cases.

The Guardian

Johnson, who is an MP but not a minister, did not refrain from commenting on Heathrow.

The Guardian

Enjoy (but please refrain from commenting on) the pristine hillsides of the San Geronimo Valley.

The New York Times

"To begin with they even refrain from commenting on the dishes Babette serves," Fischler observes.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"We refrain from commenting on this matter until an independent investigation is concluded," he said.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "refrain from commenting" when you want to formally indicate that someone should avoid making statements, especially in sensitive situations like ongoing investigations or negotiations.

Common error

While "refrain from commenting" is grammatically sound, avoid using it in casual conversations where simpler alternatives like "keep quiet" or "say nothing" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "refrain from commenting" functions as a directive, instructing or advising someone to abstain from making comments. Ludwig examples show its use in formal announcements, legal contexts, and media interactions, aligning with Ludwig AI analysis.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Science

2%

Social Media

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "refrain from commenting" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that advises or instructs someone to avoid making comments, particularly in formal or sensitive situations. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is primarily used to maintain discretion or prevent interference in delicate matters. Predominantly found in news and media, as well as formal business contexts, its formality level ranges from neutral to formal, making it a suitable choice for professional communications. Alternatives such as "decline to comment" or "avoid commenting" offer similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis. When using the phrase, it is crucial to consider the context and choose simpler alternatives for more informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Avoid commenting

Suggests a deliberate effort to steer clear of making comments.

Decline to comment

Emphasizes a formal refusal or unwillingness to provide a statement.

Offer no comment

Indicates a lack of any statement or response.

Withhold comment

Highlights the act of holding back or suppressing an opinion.

Not express an opinion

Explicitly states the absence of voicing a personal viewpoint.

Hold one's tongue

Implies a conscious effort to not speak, often to avoid causing trouble.

Remain silent

Focuses on maintaining complete silence, broader than just avoiding comments.

Say nothing

A direct and simple way to express the act of not making a statement.

Stay quiet

Similar to remain silent but with a slightly less formal tone.

Keep mum

An informal way of saying to keep quiet and not reveal information.

FAQs

What does "refrain from commenting" mean?

The phrase "refrain from commenting" means to abstain from making any remarks or expressing an opinion on a particular subject or situation.

When is it appropriate to use "refrain from commenting"?

It's appropriate to use "refrain from commenting" in situations where discretion is required, such as during ongoing investigations, legal proceedings, or when asked to "decline to comment" on sensitive matters.

Are there alternatives to "refrain from commenting"?

Yes, you can use alternatives like "avoid commenting", "withhold comment", or "offer no comment", depending on the context.

Is "refrain from commenting" formal or informal?

"Refrain from commenting" is generally considered a formal phrase. In more casual settings, simpler alternatives like "stay quiet" or "say nothing" may be more suitable.