refrain from answering

USAGE SUMMARY

"refrain from answering" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to suggest to someone that they should not answer a question. For example, "Before you reply, take a minute to think about it. You can always refrain from answering if you don't know what to say."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

You have the courtesy to refrain from answering.

The New Yorker

Perhaps most masterly of all was Judge Roberts, who spent most of the hearing in silence as Republicans urged him to refrain from answering some questions while Democrats insisted the opposite.

The New York Times

This will allow the commissioner to refrain from answering any more questions about the affair "because there is an ongoing investigation".

Huffington Post

You ask the members of your team for constructive feedback in an area outside of their expertise or about the performance of another department or peer, and you find the reluctant leaders will refrain from answering the question.

Huffington Post

Respondents were informed that participation was voluntary and that they could refrain from answering any question.

BMC Public Health

When participants thought they had insufficient expertise on a particular test (not used in their speciality), they could refrain from answering this question.

BMC Family Practice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

She refrained from answering for some minutes in what Mr. Sampson called "glassy eyed amazement" and then agreed.

The New York Times

"The drone strike announcements were made before any public policy debate or discussion, and officials from both [Pakistani and British] governments have refrained from answering questions directly or providing clarifying information to know if their practice is aligned with their policy justifications," said Micah Zenko, an expert on drones at the Council on Foreign Relations.

The Guardian

But he refrains from answering questions about the threat Uighur insurgents might pose.

Forbes

Although he refrains from answering the question of whether these "responses" are in fact deep organs of communication with the nature of things — reporting only that they seem to us to be so — in his later writings, such as Varieties of Religious Experience and A Pluralistic Universe, he confesses, and to some degree defends, his belief that the question should be answered affirmatively.

SEP

I answered that I couldn't give an exact definition and refrained from answering.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "refrain from answering", ensure the context makes it clear why someone might choose not to answer—whether it's due to lack of knowledge, ethical considerations, or strategic reasons. This adds depth and clarity to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "refrain from answering" when a simpler "not answer" would suffice. "Refrain" implies a conscious decision to hold back, so use it when that deliberate choice is relevant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "refrain from answering" functions as a verb phrase indicating a deliberate action of withholding a response. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, and examples show its use in situations where a conscious decision not to answer is being made.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

41%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "refrain from answering" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression, primarily found in news and scientific contexts. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness, highlighting its use to indicate a deliberate choice to withhold a response. When using this phrase, consider its formal tone and ensure it accurately reflects a conscious decision not to answer, differentiating it from simply not answering. Alternatives like "decline to answer" or "choose not to respond" may offer subtle variations in meaning. Common errors include using it in contexts where a simpler term would suffice, diluting its intended emphasis on deliberate choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

decline to answer

Replaces "refrain" with "decline", suggesting a more direct refusal.

choose not to respond

Emphasizes the active choice of not providing an answer.

opt not to answer

Highlights the selection against answering.

avoid answering

Suggests active evasion of the question.

withhold an answer

Focuses on keeping the answer back, not revealing it.

not provide a response

A more formal way of saying not to answer.

remain silent

Indicates a complete absence of verbal response, broadening the concept.

abstain from replying

Uses "abstain" to indicate a deliberate holding back of a reply.

pass on answering

Indicates a decision to skip or forego answering the question.

beg off answering

Uses "beg off" to soften the refusal to answer.

FAQs

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

You can use "refrain from answering" to indicate someone's decision not to provide an answer. For example, "The witness chose to "refrain from answering" certain questions during the trial."

What are some alternatives to "refrain from answering"?

Alternatives to "refrain from answering" include phrases like "decline to answer", "choose not to respond", or "remain silent", each carrying slightly different connotations.

When is it appropriate to use "refrain from answering" instead of "not answer"?

"Refrain from answering" is more appropriate when you want to emphasize a deliberate decision to withhold information. "Not answer" is a more general term. Using ""refrain from answering"" shows intent more clearly.

Is "refrain from answering" formal or informal?

"Refrain from answering" leans towards the formal side, suggesting a measured and conscious decision not to speak. In casual conversation, phrases like "not going to answer" might be more fitting.