refrain from anecdotes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "refrain from anecdotes" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when asking someone to avoid sharing personal stories or examples in a discussion or writing. Example: "In this formal report, please refrain from anecdotes and focus on the data presented."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

The paper's executive editor, Skeeter Diamond, a stressed-out windbag with a "perverse facial tic," once played basketball with Idi Amin and can't refrain from lapsing into nostalgic anecdotes about the good old days.

The New York Times - Books

When Sherman attempted to secure Ailes's cooperation for the book, Fox News PR honcho Brian Lewis, who has since left the network, stipulated that the author must "refrain from using any background quotes or anecdotes that Ailes could consider 'negative,' " according to the book.

The Washington Post

Just refrain from testing?

The Washington Post

Iraqi Shiites refrain from retaliating.

The New Yorker

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

To refrain from lecturing.

BMC Medical Education

Please refrain from swearing.

WikiHow

Just refrain from using it.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing a formal report or academic paper, use "refrain from anecdotes" to maintain a professional and objective tone. Ensure the focus remains on data and analysis.

Common error

Avoid peppering your writing with too many personal stories, especially when objectivity is key. If anecdotes are necessary, ensure they directly support your argument and are relevant to the topic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "refrain from anecdotes" functions as an imperative construction, typically used to instruct or advise someone to avoid including personal stories or illustrative examples in their communication, particularly in formal contexts.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "refrain from anecdotes" is a formal instruction to avoid including personal stories, primarily used in professional, academic, or technical writing to maintain objectivity. While Ludwig shows that this phrase can be effectively replaced by alternatives like "avoid sharing personal stories" or "omit anecdotal evidence", it’s essential to consider the context and formality of the situation. Using "refrain from anecdotes" indicates a need to prioritize factual information and structured analysis over potentially subjective narratives, ensuring clarity and focus.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

do not include personal stories

A direct and straightforward instruction to exclude personal stories.

avoid sharing personal stories

This alternative uses simpler language and focuses on the action of sharing.

limit use of personal examples

Focuses on reducing, rather than completely avoiding, personal examples.

omit anecdotal evidence

This is more specific, focusing on the type of evidence being avoided.

avoid illustrative tales

Replaces "anecdotes" with a synonym and emphasizes their illustrative nature.

steer clear of anecdotes

This uses a more informal and figurative expression.

eschew personal reminiscences

Uses more formal language to express avoiding personal memories.

keep to the facts

This emphasizes focusing on objective information rather than personal accounts.

stick to the data

Similar to keeping to the facts, but emphasizes numerical or quantifiable information.

focus on objective reporting

This alternative shifts the focus to objective reporting rather than subjective storytelling.

FAQs

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

You can use "refrain from anecdotes" to instruct someone to avoid including personal stories. For example, "In this formal report, please "refrain from anecdotes" and focus on the data presented."

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

You can use alternatives like "avoid sharing personal stories", "omit anecdotal evidence", or "steer clear of anecdotes" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "refrain from anecdotes"?

It is appropriate to use "refrain from anecdotes" in formal settings such as academic writing, business reports, or legal documents where objectivity and factual information are paramount. It's less appropriate in informal conversations or creative writing where personal stories are encouraged.

What is the difference between "refrain from anecdotes" and "avoid sharing personal stories"?

"Refrain from anecdotes" is a more formal and direct instruction, while "avoid sharing personal stories" is a more casual and general suggestion. The former is suitable for formal writing, while the latter is appropriate for informal communication.