abstain from

USAGE SUMMARY

"abstain from" is a perfectly valid phrase to use in written English.
It is used when you want to express the idea of someone refraining from doing something. For example: "We must all abstain from drinking alcohol until we turn 21 years old."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Abstain from sex.

The New York Times

And abstain from "Chocolat".

The New York Times

Would they abstain from throwing stones?

The New York Times

One could not even abstain from observance.

The New Yorker

Observant Muslims also abstain from it.

The New York Times - Food

Abstain from those and you're considered "sober".

The New York Times

(Tower even offered to abstain from drinking; that wasn't enough).

The New Yorker

They decided they would abstain from sex, just in case.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It's a lot like trying to abstain from drinking".

The New York Times

It's true that many Muslims abstain from alcohol.

The New York Times

Non-Catalans often abstain from voting in regional elections.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "abstain from", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being avoided. For instance, "abstain from alcohol" is more direct than simply "abstain."

Common error

Avoid using "abstain from" in informal conversations where simpler alternatives like "avoid" or "refrain from" might sound more natural. Reserve "abstain from" for more formal or serious contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "abstain from" primarily functions as a verb phrase followed by a noun or gerund, indicating the act of refraining from something. Ludwig AI examples show it used in contexts like "abstain from sex" or "abstain from alcohol."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Wiki

32%

Science

24%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "abstain from" is a versatile phrase used to indicate refraining from a particular action or substance, as validated by Ludwig AI. It is grammatically correct and frequently appears in various contexts, from news and media to scientific literature and general guides. While generally formal, its usage extends to informal settings as well. Remember to use it when you want to express a deliberate decision to avoid something, and consider context to ensure appropriate formality. Key alternatives include "refrain from" and "avoid".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

refrain from

Indicates a conscious decision to avoid doing something, emphasizing self-control.

avoid

Suggests staying away from something to prevent negative consequences.

desist from

Implies a formal or deliberate cessation of an action.

forgo

Means to give up or do without something, often voluntarily.

eschew

Indicates a deliberate avoidance of something, often for moral or aesthetic reasons.

hold back from

Suggests restraining oneself from doing something impulsive.

keep from

Implies preventing oneself from engaging in a particular behavior.

pass up

Means to decline or not take advantage of an opportunity.

do without

Indicates managing or surviving in the absence of something.

refuse to partake in

Emphasizes a firm decision not to be involved in something.

FAQs

How to use "abstain from" in a sentence?

The phrase "abstain from" is followed by the activity or substance one is avoiding. For example, "They decided to "abstain from sex", just in case" or "Muslims "abstain from pork" as part of their religious practices."

What can I say instead of "abstain from"?

You can use alternatives like "refrain from", "avoid", or "desist from" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "abstain from" or "abstain to"?

"Abstain from" is the correct phrasing. "Abstain to" is grammatically incorrect. For example: Orthodox Christians continue to "abstain from eggs" during Lent.

What's the difference between "abstain from" and "refrain from"?

While both phrases mean to avoid doing something, "abstain from" often implies a more formal or deliberate decision, while "refrain from" can be used in a broader range of contexts. In many cases, they are interchangeable.