refrain from disturbing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "refrain from disturbing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when asking someone to avoid causing disruption or interruption, often in a formal or polite context. Example: "Please refrain from disturbing others while they are working in the library."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

This is not a moment to refrain from disturbing the serenity of the walk on the basis it causes 'disunity'disunity

Independent

During this time, you should frequently water and refrain from disturbing the plant too much.

WikiHow

Not let?" He's correct in his pristine prescriptiveness: to leave alone is "to allow to remain in solitude," while to let alone is slightly different: "to refrain from disturbing".

The New York Times - Magazine

Refrain from disturbing the hen or the eggs as much as possible.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

What interests me is how Mary Poppins happened to think of you.' " We refrained from disturbing the Travers branch, but its inhabitant rewarded us with a fact or two.

The New Yorker

Hume thinks that as persons become aware that stability of possessions is advantageous to each individually, they also realize that stability is not possible unless everyone refrains from disturbing others' possessions.

SEP

Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed also said they should "refrain from any action that disturbs the peace of airports, main areas and the infrastructure of transport".

BBC

"Even those who do not share our belief that the state on principle should refrain from taking life ought to be disturbed by that reality".

The Guardian

Subjects were also asked to refrain from analgesic intake all along the protocol, which could have disturbed DOMS perception.

European Journal of Applied Physiology

Iraqi Shiites refrain from retaliating.

The New Yorker

He planned to refrain from the latter.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "refrain from disturbing" in contexts where politeness and formality are valued, such as in official notices or when addressing superiors.

Common error

Avoid using "refrain from disturbing" in casual conversations or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "don't disturb" or "avoid interrupting" are more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "refrain from disturbing" functions as an imperative construction, advising or requesting the avoidance of a specific action. As Ludwig confirms, it's grammatically sound, serving to politely discourage disruption.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Wiki

33%

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "refrain from disturbing" is a grammatically correct phrase used to politely request the avoidance of disruption. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for formal contexts. While the phrase is valid, it's important to consider the setting; simpler alternatives may be better suited for informal situations. Remember to maintain consistency in tone and register when using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

don't interfere with

Directly advises against interfering, providing a practical and straightforward alternative.

avoid disrupting

Focuses on preventing disruption, carrying a slightly stronger connotation of potential chaos.

evade disrupting

Focuses on evading to causing disruption, suggesting the act of preventing a turmoil.

leave undisturbed

Focuses on maintaining the current state, implying a passive avoidance of interference.

abstain from interfering

Highlights a conscious decision to not get involved, suggesting a more deliberate act of restraint.

desist from troubling

Emphasizes the act of ceasing to cause trouble or inconvenience, implying a prior disturbance.

hold back from bothering

Implies a personal restraint from causing annoyance or worry to someone.

forbear from interrupting

Specifically addresses refraining from cutting into someone else's actions or speech.

keep from agitating

Highlights the act of preventing someone or something from becoming stirred up or anxious.

shun unsettling

Emphasizes the deliberate avoidance of causing unease or instability.

FAQs

How to use "refrain from disturbing" in a sentence?

The phrase "refrain from disturbing" is used to politely request someone to avoid causing a disruption. For example, "Please refrain from disturbing others during the examination."

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

You can use alternatives like "avoid disrupting", "do not disturb", or "please be quiet", depending on the context.

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

It's most appropriate in formal or semi-formal settings where a polite and respectful tone is necessary, such as in libraries, meetings, or hospitals.

What's the difference between "refrain from disturbing" and "do not disturb"?

"Refrain from disturbing" is a more polite and formal way of saying "do not disturb". The latter is more direct and commonly used on signs or labels.