refrain from commenting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "refrain from commenting" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is usually used to encourage someone to not make a comment or opinion on something. For example, "I know you're very opinionated on the subject, but please refrain from commenting and let others have their say."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The administration did not refrain from commenting.

The New York Times

The Bagger will refrain from commenting on this until he does.

The New York Times

"The mediator has asked both sides to refrain from commenting," said Mike Bass, an N.B.A. spokesman.

The New York Times - Sports

"We refrain from commenting on the particulars of an open investigation," Mr. Singer said.

The New York Times

Papadopoulos' lawyers have released a statement to say they will refrain from commenting on his cases.

The Guardian

Johnson, who is an MP but not a minister, did not refrain from commenting on Heathrow.

The Guardian

Enjoy (but please refrain from commenting on) the pristine hillsides of the San Geronimo Valley.

The New York Times

"To begin with they even refrain from commenting on the dishes Babette serves," Fischler observes.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"We refrain from commenting on this matter until an independent investigation is concluded," he said.

The New York Times - Tech

Dr. Petit has noted publicly that the court order does not direct him to refrain from commenting on the case.

The New York Times

In a statement, Papadopoulos's attorneys Thomas Breen and Robert Stanley said they would refrain from commenting on the case.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "refrain from commenting" when you want to politely indicate that you or someone else will not be providing an opinion or statement on a particular matter, often due to sensitivity or ongoing investigations.

Common error

Avoid consistently using passive constructions with "refrain from commenting" (e.g., "Comments will be refrained from"). Opt for active voice to make the sentence more direct and engaging (e.g., "We will refrain from commenting").

Linguistic Context

The phrase "refrain from commenting" functions as a declarative statement indicating a decision to withhold an opinion or statement. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and provides numerous examples across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "refrain from commenting" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to indicate a deliberate decision to avoid expressing an opinion or providing information. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its usage spans across various contexts, particularly in news and media, science, and formal business settings. The phrase is generally neutral to formal in register, suggesting a level of discretion. When using this phrase, consider alternatives like "decline to comment" or "withhold comment" to tailor the message to your specific needs. Avoiding passive voice can enhance clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

decline to comment

Indicates a polite refusal to give an opinion or statement.

withhold comment

Emphasizes the act of holding back a comment that one might otherwise make.

abstain from remarking

Suggests a more formal and deliberate choice not to make a remark.

not offer an opinion

Focuses on the absence of a stated viewpoint.

remain silent

Implies a complete lack of verbal response or opinion.

hold one's tongue

Suggests a conscious effort to avoid saying something.

keep mum

An informal way to say to remain silent or secretive.

not divulge information

Focuses on keeping information secret, rather than just opinions.

take a vow of silence

Signifies a deliberate and often solemn decision to remain silent.

clam up

An informal way of saying someone suddenly stops talking.

FAQs

What does "refrain from commenting" mean?

The phrase "refrain from commenting" means to deliberately avoid making a statement or expressing an opinion on a particular subject.

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

You can use it to indicate that you or someone else will not be providing an opinion. For example: "The company has decided to "decline to comment" on the ongoing investigation."

Which is more formal: "refrain from commenting" or "decline to comment"?

"Refrain from commenting" and "decline to comment" are quite similar in formality, but "refrain from commenting" might be perceived as slightly more formal and deliberate.

What are some alternatives to "refrain from commenting"?

Some alternatives include "remain silent", "withhold comment", or "not offer an opinion", depending on the specific context.