hold back from acting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hold back from acting" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the decision to refrain from taking action or making a decision in a particular situation. Example: "Despite the urgency of the situation, she chose to hold back from acting until she had more information."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

I cannot hold back from that!

The New York Times

Government agreed to hold back from legislation.

The Guardian - Tech

I don't hold back from sharing this opinion.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I held back from asking personal questions.

The New Yorker

We hold back from saying this as scientists.

Huffington Post

Not all the time but I wouldn't hold back from doing that kind of thing.

Australian Educational Researcher

Many investors held back from buying them.

The Economist

It was held back from release.

The Guardian - Film

But something in me holds back from declaring him Respectable.

The New Yorker

Still, though, it held back from any military action.

The New Yorker

But too often they are held back from doing so.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "hold back from acting", ensure the context clearly indicates the reason for the restraint. Specify the factors or considerations that are preventing action to provide a clearer understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "hold back from acting" in very casual conversations. Simpler phrases like "not act" or "wait" might be more appropriate in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hold back from acting" functions as a verb phrase indicating a deliberate decision to refrain from taking a particular action. Ludwig provides examples showing its usage in various contexts where restraint or delayed action is emphasized.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Wiki

32%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hold back from acting" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a deliberate decision to refrain from taking action. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides examples across various sources. While not extremely common, it appears more frequently in news, science, and wiki contexts. Alternatives include "refrain from acting" and "abstain from acting", offering nuanced ways to express similar ideas. When using the phrase, ensure the context clearly conveys the reason for restraint. While perfectly correct, be wary of overuse in informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

refrain from acting

A more formal and direct way of expressing the same idea.

hold off on acting

Suggests a temporary delay in acting, implying that action may be taken later.

abstain from acting

Emphasizes a deliberate and conscious decision to not act, often due to moral or ethical reasons.

postpone action

Focuses on delaying an action to a later time, often for logistical reasons.

desist from acting

Implies stopping an action that has already begun or was about to begin.

delay acting

Similar to postpone, but can also suggest that the delay is undesirable.

hesitate to act

Suggests uncertainty or reluctance in taking action, often due to fear or doubt.

forbear to act

A somewhat archaic expression that suggests patience and self-control in not acting.

avoid acting

Indicates a desire to completely evade taking action, often due to potential negative consequences.

remain inactive

Focuses on the state of not acting, emphasizing a lack of movement or intervention.

FAQs

How can I use "hold back from acting" in a sentence?

You can use "hold back from acting" to describe a situation where someone is consciously refraining from taking action. For example, "Despite his anger, he chose to "hold back from acting" rashly."

What are some alternatives to "hold back from acting"?

Some alternatives include "refrain from acting", "abstain from acting", or "desist from acting", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "hold back from acting"?

It's appropriate to use "hold back from acting" when you want to emphasize a conscious and deliberate decision to not take action, often due to careful consideration or strategic reasons.

What's the difference between "hold back from acting" and "hesitate to act"?

"Hold back from acting" implies a more controlled and deliberate choice to not act, while "hesitate to act" suggests uncertainty or reluctance, possibly due to fear or doubt.