desist from

USAGE SUMMARY

"desist from" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to indicate that someone should stop doing something. For example, "I urge you to desist from using improper language."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Therefore I desist from writing.

The New Yorker

Why can't actors desist from trying to be musicians?

Independent

How can I desist from such an interesting hobby?

The New Yorker

Southampton City Council should desist from this folly.

The Guardian - Arts

For once the pundits will desist From Hyper Bowl hyperbole.

The New York Times

But the Haggler still hopes that he will immediately cease and desist from using the name.

The New York Times

MSF has repeatedly called for combatants to desist from hitting civilian targets.

Independent

Offenders usually desist from crime only after many twists and turns.

The Economist

Investors should press their companies to agree within industry-wide associations to desist from bribes collectively.

The Economist

Please desist from pursuing this matter and further upsetting my fiancée.

The New Yorker

Will Bones ever desist from singing "Ode to Billie Joe," over and over?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "desist from" when you want to formally request or instruct someone to stop a particular action. It's suitable for legal, official, or serious contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "desist from" in casual conversations or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "stop" or "refrain from" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "desist from" functions as a phrasal verb, typically used to issue a formal request or command to stop a particular action. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. Examples show it in contexts ranging from legal orders to polite requests.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "desist from" is a phrasal verb used to formally request or command the cessation of an action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used, especially in formal and professional contexts like news, science, and business. While highly useful in certain situations, overuse in informal contexts should be avoided. Related phrases include "refrain from", "abstain from", and "cease from", each offering subtle differences in nuance. With a high expert rating and frequent appearance in authoritative sources, "desist from" remains a valuable phrase for formal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

refrain from

Implies a voluntary holding back from doing something, often due to personal reasons or principles.

abstain from

Suggests a deliberate avoidance of something, often for health, ethical, or religious reasons.

cease from

Directly means to stop doing something, emphasizing the termination of an action.

stop from

A more straightforward and less formal way of saying "desist from", indicating to halt an activity.

hold back from

Implies restraining oneself or someone else from doing something.

forbear from

Indicates a patient or tolerant restraint from acting, often implying a moral or ethical consideration.

discontinue from

Suggests a formal termination of an action or practice.

quit from

A more casual way to express stopping an action, often used in informal contexts.

break away from

Implies a separation or departure from a habit or situation.

withdraw from

Suggests a removal or retreat from a situation or activity.

FAQs

How can I use "desist from" in a sentence?

Use "desist from" when you want to formally ask someone to stop doing something. For example, "The company was ordered to "cease and desist from" further violations."

What can I say instead of "desist from"?

You can use alternatives like "refrain from", "abstain from", or "cease from" depending on the context.

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

"Desist from" is the correct phrasing. "Desist to" is grammatically incorrect. You always "desist from" an action, not to an action.

Is "desist from" a formal expression?

Yes, "desist from" is considered a formal expression. In informal settings, simpler alternatives such as "stop" or "refrain" might be more appropriate.