refrain from

USAGE SUMMARY

"refrain from" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to mean avoid or abstain from, as in "I am trying to refrain from eating too many sweets."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Iraqi Shiites refrain from retaliating.

The New Yorker

First, refrain from hype.

Forbes

If not, refrain from posting.

BBC

To refrain from lecturing.

BMC Medical Education

Please refrain from swearing.

WikiHow

Just refrain from using it.

WikiHow

In duels, refrain from "stacking".

WikiHow

Please Refrain From Lip Service.

Science Magazine

Refrain from being judgmental.

Huffington Post

Refrain from electronic distractions.

WikiHow

Refrain from taking sides.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "refrain from" when you want to strongly suggest avoiding an action, especially in formal contexts or when emphasizing self-control.

Common error

Avoid using "refrain from" in very informal conversations; it can sound overly stiff or pretentious. Simpler alternatives like "avoid" or "stop" are often more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "refrain from" functions as a directive, advising or requesting someone to avoid a particular action. Ludwig AI validates its structure. Examples show it used in contexts ranging from avoiding hype to abstaining from swearing, underlining its role in expressing prohibition.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Wiki

76%

News & Media

21%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "refrain from" is a grammatically correct phrase used to advise or request the avoidance of a specific action. Ludwig's analysis indicates that it is most commonly found in Wiki articles and news media. Although the phrase is deemed correct, it's essential to consider its formality. Use simpler alternatives in casual conversations. The phrase's purpose is to prevent undesired behaviors, like false speech or public swearing, so it implies conscious control. Keep in mind it is generally followed by a gerund, like in "refrain from interrupting".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

abstain from

More formal synonym emphasizing deliberate self-restraint.

avoid

A more general term for keeping away from something.

desist from

A more formal and emphatic way of saying stop doing something.

hold back from

Implies an effort to control an impulse or urge.

keep from

Similar to avoid but can also mean to prevent oneself.

shun

Suggests deliberately avoiding someone or something.

forgo

Means to do without or give up something desirable.

evade

To escape or avoid something, often with skill or cunning.

bypass

To go around or avoid an obstacle or problem.

circumvent

To find a way around an obstacle or rule.

FAQs

How to use "refrain from" in a sentence?

Use "refrain from" to indicate that someone should avoid doing something. For example, "Please "refrain from swearing" in this establishment."

What can I say instead of "refrain from"?

You can use alternatives like "abstain from", "avoid", or "desist from" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "refrain from doing" or "refrain to do"?

"Refrain from doing" is the correct construction. The phrase "refrain from" is always followed by a gerund (a verb ending in -ing).

What's the difference between "refrain from" and "avoid"?

"Refrain from" implies a conscious effort to suppress an impulse or desire, whereas "avoid" simply means to keep away from something. "Refrain from" is also generally more formal.