refrain from discussing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "refrain from discussing" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when advising or instructing someone to avoid talking about a particular topic. Example: "In this meeting, we must refrain from discussing personal matters to maintain professionalism."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

Several current employees said they had been ordered to refrain from discussing the director search even with one another.

The New York Times - Arts

Meet for lunch, by all means, but refrain from discussing any relationship problems openly in the office.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The Academy annually advises its members, in a letter that comes with the final ballot, to refrain from discussing their votes with others.

The New York Times

A possible distinction with the Machine is that its members refrain from discussing it explicitly or even acknowledging that it exists.

The New York Times

He also said he would refrain from discussing his continuing confrontation with the Yankees and Major League Baseball, and if he is asked about it, he will end the interview.

The New York Times - Sports

And at a Council hearing held by Mr. Duane, she called on the city to evict the armed forces recruiting station from Times Square, citing the military's policy of requiring gay soldiers to refrain from discussing their sexuality.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

Unlike the garrulous Mr. Trump, Mr. Roth refrains from discussing his business dealings with reporters.

The New York Times

He also refrained from discussing five-year plans or any other sort of timetable for a turnaround.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. Chávez, while refraining from discussing the specifics of his tumor, looked ahead on Thursday to next year's presidential elections.

The New York Times

The current commissioner, Bud Selig, who operated the Brewers in those days and was a major force in the owners' labor efforts, has always refrained from discussing collusion, as recently as yesterday.

The New York Times - Sports

Having waited two hours to be summoned to our court-martial, the likely verdict of which we refrained from discussing — we had probably slipped into an after-dinner doze, because I do not recall the interval as a period of apprehension — the pfc.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "refrain from discussing" when you want to be polite or formal. For instance, use it when communicating with authority figures.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "refrain from discussing" can sound overly formal in casual conversations. In informal settings, consider using simpler alternatives like "avoid talking about" or "not talk about" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "refrain from discussing" functions as a directive, advising or instructing someone to avoid talking about a particular subject. This is supported by Ludwig examples, where the phrase is used in contexts requiring discretion or confidentiality.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

38%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "refrain from discussing" is a grammatically correct and common way to advise or instruct someone to avoid a particular topic. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is used across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and formal business settings. While generally neutral, it tends toward formality and politeness. Simpler alternatives like "avoid discussing" or "do not discuss" are more appropriate in informal conversations. When using "refrain from discussing", it's helpful to explain the reason behind the request to ensure better understanding and compliance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

avoid discussing

A more direct and less formal alternative.

abstain from discussing

A more formal and emphatic way of saying avoid discussing.

do not discuss

A simple and direct command not to discuss.

not talk about

An informal way of saying avoid discussing.

keep silent about

Implies concealing information by not discussing it.

hold back from discussing

Suggests a conscious effort to suppress discussion.

decline to comment on

A formal way to refuse to discuss a topic.

pass over in silence

To avoid discussing something, especially because it's sensitive or embarrassing.

leave undiscussed

To intentionally omit a topic from discussion.

shun discussion of

To deliberately avoid any discussion of a particular topic.

FAQs

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

You can use "refrain from discussing" to politely instruct someone to avoid a particular topic. For example: "Please "refrain from discussing" ongoing litigation during the meeting".

What can I say instead of "refrain from discussing"?

You can use alternatives like "avoid discussing", "abstain from discussing", or "do not discuss" depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to use "refrain from discussing" or "avoid discussing"?

"Refrain from discussing" is more formal and polite. "Avoid discussing" is a more direct and less formal alternative.

When should I use "refrain from discussing"?

Use "refrain from discussing" in formal settings, when giving instructions, or when you want to politely request someone to avoid a topic. In informal settings, simpler phrases like "not talk about" may be more appropriate.