refrain from applying

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "refrain from applying" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when advising someone not to submit an application for a position, program, or opportunity. Example: "Due to the high volume of applicants, we kindly ask that you refrain from applying if you do not meet the minimum qualifications."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

In fact, Congress has given the FCC discretion to refrain from applying any Title II regulations that are not necessary to protect consumers and the public interest.

The Guardian - Opinion

I will refrain from applying adjectives or analogs from the arts/animal world, because many odists, including me, have heaped these on him over the years, and it can get a little embarrassing.

The New Yorker

The Federal Communications Commission approved a request from Verizon Communications and other carriers that asked the agency to refrain from applying the rules to new fiber lines they are installing to offer high-speed Internet and video services.

The New York Times - Tech

The application of antiseptics and other irritating substances should also be avoided; a good rule of thumb is to refrain from applying any substance that one would be afraid to put into one's eye.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Others have had to lie about their partner's gender, and refrain from applying for senior positions - all under the watchful gaze of an equalities minister and education secretary who voted against gay marriage.

Independent

As a result, Cantor is now suggesting that its families -- as well as the families of all other Sept. 11 victims -- refrain from applying for money from the fund unless wholesale reforms are made or, if necessary, legal challenges are mounted.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

He refrains from applying for any passports.

The Guardian

People punctuate that way because, if they spoke these sentences, they'd pause after the conjunction (and because the extremely fanciful and undependable Microsoft Word grammar and style checker refrains from applying a squiggly green underline).

The New York Times

Full Fact takes a more diplomatic approach, refraining from applying labels.

TechCrunch

As a candidate in the 2008 election, President Obama called for recognizing the Armenian genocide but has refrained from applying the term on behalf of the United States, in a bow to the sensitivities of Turks who are key allies in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and in the fight against Islamic extremism.

Los Angeles Times

Owing to linear dependency between age at diagnosis of CIN3, follow-up duration and attained age, we refrained from applying a full model using all parameters.

British Medical Journal

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "refrain from applying" when advising someone against applying for something due to specific reasons, such as ineligibility or unsuitability.

Common error

Avoid using "refrain from applying" in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "don't apply" or "avoid applying" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "refrain from applying" functions as a phrasal verb indicating a polite or formal instruction to avoid submitting an application. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's a valid and usable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "refrain from applying" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrasal verb, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It is utilized to politely advise against submitting an application, often due to specific reasons. The phrase maintains a neutral to formal register, fitting for professional, academic, and journalistic contexts. Alternatives include "avoid applying" or "do not apply", with the choice depending on the desired level of formality. While prevalent across various domains, it is more frequently found in scientific and news-related content. When using this phrase, ensure its formality aligns with the context and audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

do not attempt to apply

A direct and cautionary instruction against attempting to apply.

avoid submitting

Focuses on avoiding the act of submission rather than the initial application.

abstain from requesting

Emphasizes a formal decision to not make a request.

desist from seeking

Implies a more conscious and deliberate cessation of seeking something.

cease from applying

Emphasizes the termination of an application process.

hold back from pursuing

Highlights the act of restraining oneself from pursuing an opportunity.

forgo the application

Directly refers to giving up the application process.

skip the submission

Suggests a casual avoidance of submitting something.

shun the application process

Suggests actively avoiding or rejecting the application process.

withdraw from consideration

Indicates a removal of oneself from a process after initial involvement.

FAQs

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

You can use "refrain from applying" to politely advise someone not to submit an application, for example, "Due to the overwhelming number of applications, we ask that you "refrain from applying" if you do not meet the minimum requirements."

What are some alternatives to "refrain from applying"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "avoid applying", "do not apply", or "abstain from requesting".

Is it more formal to say "refrain from applying" or "do not apply"?

"Refrain from applying" is generally more formal and polite than "do not apply", which is more direct. Choose the phrase that best suits the tone and context of your communication.

When is it appropriate to use "refrain from applying" instead of "avoid applying"?

While both suggest not applying, "refrain from applying" carries a slightly stronger sense of formal advice or instruction, whereas "avoid applying" can be used more generally to suggest steering clear of something.