refrain from altering

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "refrain from altering" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when instructing someone to avoid making changes or modifications to something. Example: "Please refrain from altering the document once it has been finalized."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Scientists should refrain from studies that alter the genome of human embryos, sperm, or egg cells, researchers warn in a commentary published today in Nature.

Science Magazine

For example, when reporting their work, researchers must refrain from discarding outlying data or altering images to emphasize some aspects, as "such actions violate researchers' fundamental obligation to produce reliable and objective results," the guide states.

Science Magazine

He suggested that should the generals feel unwilling to alter their position immediately, they should refrain from actions that would preclude a later change of heart.

Wikipedia

Study participants were instructed to refrain from the consumption of coffee, tea, alcohol, sleep altering medications and nicotine on the day prior to the study night.

Clinical Research in Cardiology

Just refrain from testing?

The Washington Post

Iraqi Shiites refrain from retaliating.

The New Yorker

Many concerned individuals refrain from meaningful pro-environmental actions.

Journal of Environmental Psychology

He planned to refrain from the latter.

The New York Times

He may refrain from provocations in Georgia.

The Economist

First, refrain from hype.

Forbes

If not, refrain from posting.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "refrain from altering" in formal writing or instructions when you want to strongly advise against making changes, especially when those changes might have negative consequences.

Common error

Avoid using "refrain from altering" in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "don't change" or "avoid modifying" are often more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "refrain from altering" functions as an instructional expression. It strongly advises against making modifications or changes to something. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "refrain from altering" is a grammatically correct phrase used to strongly advise against making changes to something. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is appropriate for formal contexts where maintaining the integrity of something is important. While alternatives like "avoid modifying" or "do not change" exist, "refrain from altering" conveys a more serious and cautionary tone. Remember to reserve this phrase for formal writing and instructions, and choose simpler alternatives for casual conversation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

avoid modifying

Direct replacement using a more common verb, slightly less formal.

refrain from modifying

Maintains the formal tone while using a more common verb.

do not change

A simpler and more direct way of expressing the instruction, suitable for less formal contexts.

leave unaltered

Focuses on maintaining the current state, suitable when the default action might be to change something.

abstain from altering

Uses a more formal synonym for 'refrain', suitable for highly formal or legal contexts.

desist from altering

A more emphatic and formal way of instructing someone to stop making changes.

hold off on modifying

Suggests a temporary suspension of modification, implying a possible future change.

avoid any modifications

Broadens the instruction to prevent any kind of change, useful when all alterations are undesirable.

do not tamper with

Emphasizes a warning against unauthorized or inappropriate changes.

keep it as is

An informal way of saying to leave something in its current condition.

FAQs

How to use "refrain from altering" in a sentence?

"Refrain from altering" is used to strongly advise against making changes to something. For example, you might say, "Please refrain from altering the document after submission."

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

You can use alternatives like "avoid modifying", "do not change", or "leave unaltered" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "refrain from altering" or "refrain to alter"?

"Refrain from altering" is correct. "Refrain" requires the preposition "from" followed by a gerund (altering). "Refrain to alter" is grammatically incorrect.

What is the difference between "refrain from altering" and "avoid altering"?

"Refrain from altering" is generally more formal and carries a stronger sense of caution than "avoid altering". Both suggest not making changes, but "refrain" implies a deliberate act of holding back.