did not refrain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "did not refrain" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone did not hold back from doing something, often in a context where restraint was expected. Example: "She did not refrain from expressing her opinions during the meeting, even when they were controversial."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Updike did not refrain.

The New Yorker

The administration did not refrain from commenting.

The New York Times

But for all of Mr. Romney's precautions, he did not refrain from all criticism abroad.

The New York Times

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

The Guardian

Senator Barack Obama did not refrain from dropping cutting comments about Senator Hillary Clinton into his speeches.

The New York Times

LITTLE ROCK, Ark .— He chose his home state as the venue, and did not refrain from ticking off several problems he saw with the law.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Democratic Senator Patty Murray, the chair of the Senate Budget Committee, sure didn't refrain from partisanship.

The New Yorker

It's good that the Clinton camp didn't refrain from explicitly pointing out the hatemongering.

The Washington Post

But she didn't refrain from sharing the marriage rumor with prospective students as she led them through Prospect Garden on an Orange Key tour.

Princeton University

Just as she didn't refrain from using four-letter words in conversations with friends, or hiding her love affairs, so she didn't feel the need to look perfect.

The New York Times

For his efforts, Land received a letter of reprimand from KBR, telling him that if he didn't "refrain from further involvement regarding the working and living conditions of the sub-contract workers," he could be fired.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "did not refrain" to emphasize a deliberate choice not to hold back, particularly when restraint might have been expected or advisable. This highlights the actor's boldness or determination.

Common error

While grammatically sound, "did not refrain" can sound overly formal or stilted in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "didn't hold back" or "went ahead" in informal settings to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "did not refrain" functions as a verb phrase that negates the act of restraining oneself. It describes a situation where someone or something does not hold back from a particular action or expression, often implying a sense of forthrightness or lack of inhibition. Ludwig AI confirms this correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "did not refrain" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express a lack of restraint or hesitation. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is correct and suitable for various contexts, although it tends to appear more frequently in formal writing, particularly in news, academic and scientific domains. While alternatives like "did not hesitate" or "didn't hold back" exist, "did not refrain" emphasizes a deliberate choice not to restrain oneself. When writing, consider the level of formality required and choose the phrase that best conveys the intended nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

did not hesitate

Emphasizes the immediacy and lack of pause before acting, focusing on decisiveness.

did not hold back

Highlights a lack of emotional or expressive restraint, suggesting openness or candor.

proceeded without hesitation

Combines the idea of forward movement with a lack of delay or uncertainty.

did not abstain

Implies a conscious decision not to withhold oneself from a particular activity or indulgence.

didn't mince words

Focuses specifically on direct and frank communication, avoiding euphemisms or circumlocution.

did not forbear

A more formal term suggesting a deliberate choice not to suppress or control an impulse.

did not balk

Indicates a lack of aversion or resistance to a challenging or unpleasant task.

did not shrink from

Suggests courage and a willingness to face difficulty or danger without flinching.

did not demur

Implies a lack of objection or protest, indicating agreement or acquiescence.

went ahead

A simpler phrase focusing on the act of proceeding without impediment or hesitation.

FAQs

How can I use "did not refrain" in a sentence?

You can use "did not refrain" to indicate that someone didn't hold back from doing something, often in a context where restraint was expected. For example, "The politician "did not refrain" from criticizing his opponent's policies during the debate."

What are some alternatives to "did not refrain"?

Some alternatives to "did not refrain" include "did not hesitate", "did not hold back", or "went ahead", depending on the specific context.

Is "did not refrain from" formal or informal?

"Did not refrain from" is generally considered a more formal expression. In informal contexts, phrases like "didn't hold back" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "did not refrain" and "chose not to"?

"Did not refrain" emphasizes a lack of restraint, while "chose not to" focuses on a conscious decision. "He "did not refrain" from speaking his mind" suggests impulsiveness, while "He chose not to speak" implies deliberation.