refrain from calling

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "refrain from calling" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when asking someone to avoid making a phone call or to not contact someone by phone. Example: "Please refrain from calling during the meeting, as it may disrupt the discussion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

Though the soldiers refrain from calling their activities "nation building," in war-scarred Afghanistan the distinction is easily lost.

The New York Times

They're people whom many of us would instinctively shy away from, or at least refrain from calling up repeatedly, but Judge's compulsion is to go back for more.

The New York Times - Magazine

Saturday's events have prompted some analysts to say that the government may now opt to refrain from calling polls any time soon, because the authorities' handling of the rally could damage support for Mr. Najib.

The New York Times

"These items could be as simple as a request that Assad refrain from calling opposition members terrorists in the press," Professors Joshi and Quinn wrote in a Foreign Affairs article summarizing their research.

The New York Times

Instead of going along as most people are doing now and saying, OK, let's refrain from criticising Islam, let's refrain from calling Islamic terrorism Islamic, I think we should do the opposite".

The Guardian

Facebook Twitter Pinterest 2.09am GMT New York City mayor Mike Bloomberg has just given a brief statement asking people to stay indoors and to refrain from calling 911 unless the matter is serious.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

He refrained from calling out a third time, and the man moved on.

The New Yorker

She called her boyfriend twice, but refrained from calling others to let her co-workers use her phone.

The New York Times

I reread parts of her book but refrained from calling any of the twenty-seven people she had recommended.

The New Yorker

The Obama administration has refrained from calling the military intervention a coup, which could trigger an American law requiring a cutoff of aid to Egypt.

The New York Times

Fox refrained from calling too many blitzes against the Cardinals, instead looking for pressure on Jake Plummer from his four linemen.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "refrain from calling" when you want to politely request someone not to make a phone call, especially in situations where a more direct command might seem impolite or too forceful.

Common error

While "refrain from calling" is grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal in casual conversations. In informal settings, consider using simpler alternatives like "don't call" or "avoid calling" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "refrain from calling" functions as an imperative, typically used to politely request or instruct someone to avoid making a telephone call or initiating contact via phone. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in various contexts ranging from official announcements to personal requests.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "refrain from calling" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase for politely requesting someone to avoid making a phone call. As Ludwig AI indicates, it appears in a variety of contexts, especially within news and media, wiki sources, and scientific writing. While appropriate in many situations, remember it is more polite and formal and might sound stilted in a casual environment where simpler alternatives, such as "avoid calling" or "don't call", are better suited. Ultimately, choosing the right phrase depends on the desired tone and audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

avoid calling

This is a direct and simple substitute, focusing on the action of avoidance.

don't phone

A simple and direct command not to make a phone call.

do not call

This is a more direct and forceful command, lacking the politeness of "refrain".

avoid contacting by phone

More explicit and less concise, specifying the method of communication to be avoided.

withhold a call

This phrase implies a deliberate holding back or suppression of the call.

abstain from calling

This is a more formal and emphatic way of saying "refrain from calling".

hold back from calling

This implies a conscious effort to prevent oneself from making a call.

keep from calling

Implies an effort to suppress the urge to call.

cease calling

This suggests a stop to ongoing calls, rather than preventing an initial call.

desist from phoning

A more formal and somewhat archaic alternative to "refrain from calling".

FAQs

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

You can use "refrain from calling" to politely ask someone not to call. For example, "Please refrain from calling after 10 PM."

What's a more informal way to say "refrain from calling"?

Informal alternatives include "avoid calling" or "don't call", which are more direct and less formal.

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

It's appropriate in situations where you want to make a polite request, such as in a professional setting or when giving instructions to a group. It's generally less appropriate in casual conversations.

Is there a difference between "refrain from calling" and "avoid calling"?

While similar, "refrain from calling" implies a more conscious effort to hold back from making a call, whereas "avoid calling" is a more general suggestion to not call.