refrain from asking

USAGE SUMMARY

"refrain from asking" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to ask someone to not ask a certain question, make a certain request, etc. For example: "Please refrain from asking me for money."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

I'll refrain from asking you how you spent your Christmas vacation.

The New York Times

She asked committee members to "refrain from asking questions here that have classified answers".

The New Yorker

Of course, most brokers prefer buyers who refrain from asking for outside opinions at all.

The New York Times

This code of ethics lists 19 best practices for colleges and universities, and states that schools should "refrain from asking students where else they applied".

The New York Times

So I refrain from asking about the giblets, and concentrate instead, as we settle ourselves in the adjoining room, on marvelling at all the exotic lumber.

Independent

The Afghan women examine the pictures but politely refrain from asking what compelled Dr. Amowitz to put herself at such a dangerous distance from her family.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

They refrained from asking about the meaning of lyrics.

The New Yorker

Refraining from asking for a raise, he added, is actually "good karma".

The Guardian - Money

I refrained from asking him if he had any idea how hideous this object was.

The New York Times - Tech

Although Rousselot prudently refrained from asking about the plot, Riquelme explained several sections of his book in detail.

The New Yorker

12) Refraining from asking for special favors or making recommendations to public officials in the interest of members of the Imperial family or others.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "refrain from asking" in formal communications, provide a clear reason for the request to avoid ambiguity or offense.

Common error

While "refrain from asking" is grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal or stilted in casual conversations. Opt for simpler alternatives like "please don't ask" or "don't ask" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "refrain from asking" functions as a polite imperative, typically used to request or instruct someone to avoid making a particular inquiry. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Wiki

17%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "refrain from asking" is a phrase used to politely request that someone not ask a specific question. Ludwig's analysis indicates that it's grammatically correct and commonly found in News & Media, Science and Wiki contexts. Although versatile, it's more formal than alternatives like "please don't ask" or simply "don't ask", which are better suited for casual conversations. When using this phrase, consider the context and audience to ensure your communication is both clear and respectful.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

please don't ask

Adds a polite tone to the request not to ask.

do not ask

A direct and simple command not to pose a question.

avoid inquiring

Focuses on the act of avoiding the inquiry itself, rather than a direct request to someone else.

hold back from asking

Suggests a personal restraint or hesitation in posing a question.

desist from questioning

More formal and emphasizes stopping the act of questioning.

abstain from inquiring

A more formal and deliberate choice to not ask a question.

forgo questioning

Indicates a voluntary choice to give up the opportunity to ask questions.

skip asking

Suggests omitting a question from a series of inquiries.

omit to ask

Highlights the act of leaving out the question, perhaps intentionally.

neglect to ask

Implies an oversight or unintentional omission of a question.

FAQs

How can I politely use "refrain from asking" in a sentence?

You can use "refrain from asking" to gently discourage inquiries on sensitive topics. For instance, "Given the personal nature of this matter, I would appreciate it if you could "refrain from asking" further questions."

What are some alternatives to "refrain from asking"?

You can use alternatives like "please don't ask", "avoid inquiring", or "hold back from asking" depending on the context.

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

"Refrain from asking" is suitable when you need to politely but firmly discourage someone from asking certain questions, often due to sensitivity or confidentiality. For example, "The company requested that the press "refrain from asking" about ongoing legal cases."

Is "refrain from asking" formal or informal?

"Refrain from asking" is generally considered more formal. In informal settings, simpler alternatives like "don't ask" or "please don't ask" might be more appropriate.