i refrained from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I refrained from" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to express that you chose not to do something or held back from an action. Example: "I refrained from commenting on the situation to avoid escalating the conflict."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

I refrained from judging him, half-consciously.

The Guardian - Tech

Which isn't to say that I refrained from eating meat.

The New York Times - Magazine

"But you can quote me that I refrained from comment.

The New York Times

I was not included in the squad but I refrained from comment.

Independent

As a serious journalist, I refrained from replying in the affirmative.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

I refrained from asking him if he had any idea how hideous this object was.

The New York Times - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

I refrain from telling him that I share his consternation.

MIT Technology Review

So now I refrain from saying things like that".

The New York Times - Health

Should I refrain from setting a bad example?

The New York Times - Magazine

I refrain from reclining until I've asked the person behind me if it's O.K.

The New York Times - Travel

I refrain from saying anything bitter about how complicated this system is.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I refrained from" to clearly communicate a conscious decision to avoid an action, especially when emphasizing self-control or politeness. For example, "I refrained from interrupting the speaker, even though I had questions."

Common error

While "I refrained from" is generally suitable for both formal and informal contexts, be mindful of its slightly formal tone. In very casual situations, consider using simpler alternatives like "I didn't" or "I avoided" to maintain a natural flow.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I refrained from" functions as a declarative statement indicating the subject's conscious decision to abstain from a specific action. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

84%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I refrained from" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate a conscious decision to avoid a particular action. Ludwig AI validates its correctness. It's commonly found in News & Media contexts but suitable for most situations, carrying a neutral to slightly formal tone. Consider using synonyms like "I abstained from" or "I avoided" for varied expression or specific contexts. Be mindful of the level of formality, and while versatile, simpler alternatives may be more natural in casual settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

i abstained from

This alternative uses a more formal verb, 'abstained', implying a deliberate choice to avoid something.

i held back from

This alternative uses the phrasal verb 'held back', suggesting a more internal struggle or hesitation.

i avoided

This is a more concise alternative, simply stating that something was avoided without explicitly mentioning restraint.

i kept myself from

This alternative implies a conscious effort to prevent oneself from doing something.

i desisted from

This is a formal and less common alternative, similar to 'abstained'.

i avoided doing

Focuses on avoiding the action itself, rather than the act of restraining oneself.

i resisted the urge to

This alternative emphasizes the presence of a strong temptation or impulse that was overcome.

i forbore to

This is an archaic and highly formal alternative to 'refrained'.

i passed on

This alternative is more informal and suggests declining an opportunity or invitation.

i didn't

A simple and direct way to indicate that an action was not taken.

FAQs

What does "I refrained from" mean?

The phrase "I refrained from" means that you consciously chose not to do something or held yourself back from a particular action. It implies a degree of self-control or deliberate avoidance.

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

You can use "I refrained from" to describe a situation where you deliberately avoided doing something. For example, "I refrained from commenting on the sensitive topic to avoid causing an argument."

What are some alternatives to "I refrained from"?

You can use alternatives like "I abstained from", "I held back from", or "I avoided" depending on the context.

Is "I refrained from" formal or informal?

The phrase "I refrained from" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. While acceptable in most situations, simpler alternatives may be more appropriate in very informal settings. Consider a phrase like "I didn't" for less formal scenarios.