abstained from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "abstained from" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that someone has chosen not to participate in or refrain from a particular action or behavior. Example: "During the meeting, she abstained from voting on the controversial proposal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Both abstained from voting.

The New York Times

China abstained from voting on the resolution.

The Economist

He abstained from the vote.

The New York Times

Other governments abstained from accepting total responsibility.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Mr. Rivlin abstained from the vote.

The New York Times

Mr. Ozawa abstained from the vote.

The New York Times

Mr. Crétier abstained from that process.

The New York Times

Fellow Oklahoma Senator Inhofe abstained from voting.

The Guardian - Opinion

Another third abstained from answering the question.

The New York Times

Eight legislators abstained from today's vote.

The New York Times

Nineteen Turkish lawmakers abstained from voting.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "abstained from" when you want to clearly indicate a deliberate choice not to participate in something, whether it's a vote, a behavior, or a substance. It conveys a neutral stance, unlike alternatives that might suggest disapproval or avoidance.

Common error

Avoid using "abstained from" as a general way to express dislike or disagreement. It specifically means choosing not to participate, not necessarily opposing something. Instead of saying "I abstained from that idea," consider using alternatives like "I disagreed with that idea" or "I didn't support that idea".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "abstained from" functions as a prepositional phrase indicating the act of refraining from something. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and commonly used. It connects a subject to an action they deliberately avoided, such as voting or consuming a substance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

4%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "abstained from" is a grammatically correct and frequently used prepositional phrase that indicates a deliberate choice to refrain from something. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and formal settings. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects a conscious decision not to participate, rather than a general expression of disagreement. Consider alternatives like "refrained from" or "withheld from" depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

refrained from

Indicates a deliberate avoidance, similar to abstaining but can imply a stronger conscious effort.

desisted from

Implies ceasing from an action, often after having started it.

withheld from

Suggests holding something back, such as a vote or comment.

declined to participate in

Specifically refers to not taking part in an activity or event.

opted out of

Suggests a conscious decision to not be involved.

passed on

Informal way of saying someone declined an opportunity or action.

shunned

Implies avoiding something, often due to moral or ethical reasons.

forwent

Means to do without or give up something valuable.

evaded

Indicates avoiding something, often cleverly or strategically.

dodged

Suggests quickly avoiding something, often something unpleasant.

FAQs

How is "abstained from" used in a sentence?

The phrase "abstained from" is used to indicate that someone has chosen not to participate in or refrain from a particular action or behavior. For example, "The delegate "abstained from voting" on the resolution" or "He "abstained from alcohol" for health reasons".

What's the difference between "abstained from" and "refrained from"?

"Abstained from" typically implies a deliberate choice not to participate, often in a formal context like voting. "Refrained from" is more general and suggests holding oneself back from doing something. While similar, "abstained from" carries a slightly more formal tone.

What can I say instead of "abstained from"?

You can use alternatives like "refrained from", "desisted from", or "withheld from" depending on the context. Each carries a slightly different nuance, so choose the one that best fits your intended meaning.

Is it correct to say "abstained to" instead of "abstained from"?

No, the correct preposition to use with "abstained" is "from". Saying "abstained to" is grammatically incorrect. Always use "abstained from" followed by the action or thing being avoided.