abstain from using

USAGE SUMMARY

"abstain from using" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It means to refrain or avoid using something. Examples: 1. The doctor advised me to abstain from using my phone before bedtime to improve my sleep. 2. It is important to abstain from using plastic bags to protect the environment. 3. She promised to abstain from using foul language in front of her children. 4. The organization urged its members to abstain from using single-use plastics. 5. The priest advised the congregation to abstain from using social media during Lenten season. 6. The team decided to abstain from using any new software until it was thoroughly tested. 7. As part of her diet, she had to abstain from using sugar. 8. The doctor recommended that the patient abstains from using alcohol while taking medication. 9. In order to save money, I have decided to abstain from using my credit card for a month. 10. The school has a strict policy that students must abstain from using any electronic devices during class.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

The capstone experiment asks readers to abstain from using selected devices for a substantial span of time, and then to pay close attention to how things go.

The New Yorker

There is no technical incompatibility between such programs, only a legal one -- Iran's signature on the nonproliferation treaty, obliging it to abstain from using its nuclear fuel for arms instead of electricity.

The New York Times

Williamsburg, the lighter area in the map above, is inhabited by many Hasidic Jews, who often abstain from using electrical appliances on the Sabbath sundown Friday to sundown Saturday, a prime time for noise-complaint phone calls to 311.

The New Yorker

Williamsburg, the lighter area in the map above, is inhabited by many Hasidic Jews, who often abstain from using electrical appliances on the Sabbath — sundown Friday to sundown Saturday, a prime time for noise-complaint phone calls to 311.

The New Yorker

Speaking at MacDill Air Force Base, in Tampa, the headquarters of Central Command and Special Operations Command, Obama called for the United States to adhere to the law and to abstain from using torture, imposing religious tests, stigmatizing Muslims, and other illiberal acts that Donald Trump has, at times, advocated.

The New Yorker

Other eNB's would abstain from using those RB's to avoid mutual interference.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

You see, he doesn't own a cellphone and abstains from using them.

The New York Times

From sundown on Friday, March 7th, until sundown on Saturday, March 8th, participants abstained from using technology, unplugging themselves from their phones and tablets, computers and televisions.

The New Yorker

During his first stint as governor — he served from 1975 to 1983 — he abstained from using the governor's limousine, opting to drive himself to work in his personal car.

The New York Times

He added that he was drawn to the guitar's resonance and its "clear, ringing sound," and that he therefore abstained from using pedals or effects.

The New York Times - Arts

During the debate, Mr. Lazio walked over to Mrs. Clinton's lectern, waving a sheet of paper, gesturing at her and demanding that she sign a pledge abstaining from using unregulated campaign contributions known as soft money.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When advising someone to "abstain from using" something, clearly state the reason for abstention. This provides context and strengthens the advice. For example, "abstain from using your phone before bed to improve sleep quality."

Common error

While "abstain from using" is grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal in everyday conversation. Consider using simpler alternatives like "avoid using" or "don't use" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "abstain from using" functions as a verb phrase indicating a deliberate act of refraining or avoiding the employment of something. As Ludwig AI explains, it's a common way to express the action of deliberately avoiding something, whether it's a substance, technology, or a certain behavior.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "abstain from using" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed way to express the deliberate act of avoiding something. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its meaning is clear: to refrain from use. It is commonly found in news, scientific, and general contexts, although its level of formality leans towards neutral, as it may sound slightly stiff in casual settings. If aiming for a more relaxed tone, options such as "avoid using" or "refrain from using" might be more suitable. When using it, ensure you clearly communicate the reason behind the abstention for greater impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

refrain from using

Emphasizes a conscious effort to hold oneself back from using something.

avoid using

Focuses on preventing the use of something, often to evade negative consequences.

desist from using

Implies a cessation or stopping of the use of something, often after initial usage.

forgo using

Suggests a voluntary renunciation or sacrifice of using something.

abstain from the use of

More formal and emphasizes the act of abstaining itself.

keep from using

Indicates an effort to prevent oneself from employing a particular tool or method.

go without using

Highlights the absence of a particular thing being used.

do without using

Indicates managing a situation or task in the absence of a specific resource.

eschew the use of

A formal way to suggest deliberately avoiding the use of something.

refrain from employing

Suggests a more deliberate and formal choice to not employ something.

FAQs

What does "abstain from using" mean?

The phrase "abstain from using" means to deliberately refrain from using something. It implies a conscious decision to avoid a particular action or substance.

How can I use "abstain from using" in a sentence?

You can use "abstain from using" to advise someone to avoid something, like "The doctor recommended that he "refrain from drinking alcohol" while taking the medication."

Are there alternatives to "abstain from using"?

Yes, you can use phrases like "avoid using", "refrain from using", or "desist from using" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "abstain from using"?

It is appropriate to use "abstain from using" in formal contexts, such as medical advice, legal documents, or when giving serious recommendations. In everyday conversation, simpler alternatives may be more suitable.