kindly refrain from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "kindly refrain from" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to politely ask someone to avoid doing something. Example: "We kindly refrain from using mobile phones during the performance to ensure everyone enjoys the show."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Settle down to some steady work and kindly refrain from doing anything really foolish".

The Guardian - Books

Allow me, therefore, to make the request that henceforth you kindly refrain from interfering with the instructions of the president's office.

Princeton University

The New Yorker, September 28 , 1935P. 11 A shoe shining parlor in Philadelphia has considered it prudent to put up this little warning: "Ladies and gents will kindly refrain from tearing their clothes".

The New Yorker

By E. Huberman, E. Zern, and Russell Maloney The New Yorker, September 28 , 1935P. 11 A shoe shining parlor in Philadelphia has considered it prudent to put up this little warning: "Ladies and gents will kindly refrain from tearing their clothes".

The New Yorker

And the President asks them to kindly refrain from buying new carpet?

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

He's a very nice, extremely positive guy who kindly refrained from commenting on how nervous I was (so nervous that I stuttered a few times and was sweating profusely even though we were walking around Brooklyn in the middle of February).

Vice

Inside the gatefold cover, around the edges of a tinted photo of Harrison and comedian Peter Sellers walking beside a Friar Park lake, text asks the "Wanderer through this Garden's ways" to "Be kindly" and refrain from casting "Revengeful stones" if "perchance an Imperfection thou hast found", the reason being: "The Gardener toiled to make his Garden fair, Most for thy Pleasure".

Wikipedia

Participants were kindly asked to refrain from any alcohol and caffeine consumption the day before and the day of the experiment; they were also asked to sleep as adequately and comfortably as possibly achievable the night before the recordings.

Brain Topography

Russian club Rostov, issuing a robust message to fans after Uefa punished them for racism: "Dear fans, we kindly ask you to refrain from racism at home games".

The Guardian - Sport

We kindly ask that you refrain from bringing other beverages or snacks on the tour.

Duke University

If the customer interrupts, kindly ask them to refrain from interjecting until you're finished.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "kindly refrain from" when you want to politely and formally request someone to avoid a particular action. It's suitable for signs, announcements, or formal communication where a respectful tone is important.

Common error

Avoid using "kindly refrain from" too frequently in informal contexts. While polite, overuse can make your communication sound overly formal or even passive-aggressive. Choose simpler alternatives like "please don't" or "please avoid" in casual settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "kindly refrain from" functions as a polite imperative. It serves to issue a request or instruction in a courteous manner, asking someone to avoid a particular action. As Ludwig AI points out, this construction is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Wiki

30%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "kindly refrain from" is a polite and formal way to request someone to avoid doing something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and suitable for various written contexts, particularly those requiring a respectful tone. While it's more common in formal announcements and signs, overuse in casual conversations can make one sound overly formal. Alternatives like "please do not" or "please avoid" may be more appropriate in informal settings. The phrase is frequently found in news media and academic contexts. Given its formality, it is important to consider the context and audience when using this phrase to ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

please avoid

A simpler and more direct way to ask someone to not do something.

please do not

A direct and polite request to avoid a specific action; less formal than the original phrase.

please abstain from

A more formal and somewhat stronger request to avoid something, implying a sense of abstinence.

we ask that you don't

A polite request framed as a general appeal.

it would be appreciated if you didn't

A more indirect and polite way of asking someone to avoid doing something.

we request you not to

A formal request with a slightly different structure.

would you please not

A question format to formulate a polite request.

I would appreciate it if you didn't

A softer way to express the same sentiment.

we encourage you not to

A slightly more forceful suggestion, implying a recommendation.

we advise against

A formal caution against a specific action, often used in official notices.

FAQs

How can I use "kindly refrain from" in a sentence?

You can use "kindly refrain from" to politely request someone to avoid a specific action. For example: "We "kindly refrain from" using mobile phones during the performance" or "Guests are asked to "kindly refrain from" smoking in the building".

What can I say instead of "kindly refrain from"?

You can use alternatives like "please do not", "please avoid", or "we ask that you don't" depending on the context.

Is "kindly refrain from" too formal for everyday conversations?

Yes, "kindly refrain from" is generally considered formal and may sound out of place in casual conversations. Simpler alternatives like "please don't" or "please avoid" are more appropriate for informal settings.

When is it best to use "kindly refrain from"?

It is best to use "kindly refrain from" in formal notices, signs, announcements, or any situation where you need to convey a polite and respectful request to avoid a particular action.