does not refrain from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "does not refrain from" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone is not holding back or is actively engaging in a particular action or behavior. Example: "She does not refrain from expressing her opinions, even when they are controversial."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Academia

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Nonetheless, he does not refrain from playing it.

The New Yorker

Blanco, who does not refrain from making pickoff attempts at any base, fits that description.

The New York Times - Sports

Treuer does not refrain from myth-busting, particularly regarding the American Indian Movement, which was founded in the late nineteen-sixties, in Minneapolis.

The New Yorker

He remained almost comically eloquent to the end, but he was increasingly unreliable about his memories and his judgments (Hardy, to his great credit, does not refrain from drawing attention to some of the more egregious lapses).

The Guardian - Books

The law does not refrain from searching for the intent of the actor in a multitude of circumstances; and in some cases the general command to ascertain intent is not susceptible to much further refinement.

The New York Times

Unsurprisingly, then, he does not refrain from calling out his own party now on what he says was a "badly played election campaign, all on the defensive, allowing Berlusconi his latest miraculous recovery".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Freelance journalist Sally Hayden, 29, also doesn't refrain from going where there is conflict.

Forbes

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "does not refrain from" to convey a deliberate choice not to hold back, especially when discussing opinions, actions, or behaviors that might be considered controversial or bold.

Common error

While grammatically correct, using "does not refrain from" in very informal settings can sound overly formal or stilted. Opt for simpler alternatives like "doesn't hold back" or "is not afraid to" in casual conversation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "does not refrain from" functions as a verb phrase indicating a deliberate lack of inhibition or hesitation. Ludwig AI confirms this phrase is correct and usable. It is often used to describe someone's willingness to express opinions or engage in actions without reservation, as seen in examples where individuals "do not refrain from" criticizing or myth-busting.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "does not refrain from" is a grammatically sound way to express a lack of hesitation or inhibition. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for indicating a deliberate choice not to hold back. While its usage is more common in news, scientific, and formal contexts, it may sound overly formal in casual conversation. Simpler alternatives like "doesn't hold back" or "is not afraid to" might be more suitable for informal settings. Its adaptability and correctness make it a useful phrase in various writing scenarios, especially when emphasizing directness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

doesn't hold back from

Indicates a complete lack of reservation or self-censorship.

does not hesitate to

Emphasizes a lack of pause or reluctance before acting.

does not shy away from

Highlights boldness and a willingness to confront something difficult or challenging.

doesn't shrink from

Similar to 'doesn't shy away from', highlighting courage in facing challenges.

is not afraid to

Focuses on the absence of fear in taking a particular action.

readily engages in

Stresses eagerness and ease in participating in a specific activity.

dares to

Highlights courage and a willingness to take risks.

freely indulges in

Implies a sense of pleasure and lack of restraint in pursuing something.

ventures into

Emphasizes the act of daring to explore new or unknown areas.

embraces

Implies a full and enthusiastic acceptance and adoption of an idea or activity.

FAQs

How can I use "does not refrain from" in a sentence?

The phrase "does not refrain from" is used to indicate that someone does not hesitate or hold back from doing something. For example, "She "does not refrain from" expressing her opinions, even when they are controversial."

What are some alternatives to "does not refrain from"?

You can use alternatives such as "does not hesitate to", "does not shy away from", or "is not afraid to", depending on the context.

Is "does not refrain from" formal or informal?

The phrase "does not refrain from" tends to be more formal. In informal contexts, simpler alternatives like "doesn't hold back" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "does not refrain from" and "avoids"?

"Does not refrain from" means someone actively chooses not to hold back, whereas "avoids" means someone is actively trying to stay away from something. They have opposite meanings.