please refrain from applauding

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "please refrain from applauding" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to ask an audience not to clap or show approval through applause, often during a formal event or presentation. Example: "As we begin the presentation, please refrain from applauding until the end to ensure everyone can hear the speaker clearly."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Please refrain from calling or visiting.

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BTL, please refrain from blatant codswallop.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Please refrain from wearing scented products.

University of California, Berkeley

Please refrain from using your cellphone inside this space.

The New York Times

"Will the witness please refrain from shagging flies".

The New Yorker

Please refrain from eggs-treme arguments below the line.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Please refrain from hard copy submissions or telephone calls.

Yale University

Please refrain from emailing us asking when registration opens.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Please refrain from wearing scented products, especially perfumes.

University of California, Berkeley

Please refrain from direct contact with Harvard managers.

Harvard University

Please don't set your font to eight and please refrain from using dingbats.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use this phrase in formal settings or announcements where you want to politely request the audience to delay or avoid applauding until a specific moment.

Common error

Avoid using "please refrain from applauding" in very casual settings. A simpler, more direct request like "no applause, please" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "please refrain from applauding" functions as a polite imperative. It's used to request or instruct an audience to avoid a specific action. Ludwig AI indicates this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "please refrain from applauding" is a grammatically sound and polite way to ask an audience to avoid applauding. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While the phrase is correct, due to the lack of examples, it's difficult to determine its common usage contexts. Alternative phrases like "please hold your applause" or "please do not applaud" can be used depending on the setting's formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Refrain from applause

More concise, omitting the initial polite "please".

Please do not applaud

A straightforward and simple request to not applaud.

Please hold your applause

A more direct and concise way to ask for no applause.

Please avoid applauding

Uses 'avoid' offering a slightly different emphasis.

Kindly withhold your applause

Uses 'withhold' instead of 'refrain' offering a slightly more formal tone.

We ask that you not applaud

A more formal and polite way to request no applause.

No applause, please

A brief and informal way to request silence.

Let's hold the applause

Suggests a collective decision to postpone applause.

Please save your applause for later

Indicates applause is welcome, but not yet.

Your applause is appreciated, but please hold it

Acknowledges appreciation while still requesting no immediate applause.

FAQs

What does "please refrain from applauding" mean?

The phrase "please refrain from applauding" is a polite request for people not to clap or show their approval through applause, usually for a specific reason or until a designated time.

When is it appropriate to use "please refrain from applauding"?

This phrase is appropriate in formal settings such as concerts, presentations, or ceremonies where spontaneous applause might disrupt the event or performance. Alternatively, you can say "please hold your applause".

What can I say instead of "please refrain from applauding"?

You can use alternatives such as "please hold applause", "kindly withhold your applause", or "please do not applaud", depending on the level of formality required.

Is "please refrain from applauding" grammatically correct?

Yes, the phrase is grammatically correct. "Refrain" means to abstain from doing something, and the sentence structure is a polite and clear request. You can also say "refrain from applause".