refrain from doing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "refrain from doing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to advise or instruct someone to avoid a particular action or behavior. Example: "Please refrain from doing any work on the project until we have finalized the details."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The son said he would refrain from doing so.

The New York Times

I'd be grateful if you'd refrain from doing the same".

The Guardian

Management has requested that comedians please refrain from doing crowd work involving the Thai place's employees!

The New Yorker

Most of the signs requested that the kids refrain from doing certain things.

The New Yorker

(Gazprom has said it will try to refrain from doing so again this time).

The New York Times

Settle down to some steady work and kindly refrain from doing anything really foolish".

The Guardian - Books

This obligation may be to pay a sum of money, to perform some act, or to refrain from doing so.

Encyclopedia Britannica

So far, Mr Blair has managed both to do useful things and to refrain from doing too many foolish ones.

The Economist

Many people do not mind being asked either to pop a capsule regularly, or to refrain from doing so.

The Economist

China's ambassador, Liu Jieyi, had said the council "should refrain from doing anything that might cause the escalation of tensions".

Independent

"We refrain from doing so because we respect the scientific process, and we are waiting to see the evidence".

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance clarity, specify the reason for refraining from the action, especially in formal contexts. For example: "Please refrain from doing so due to safety concerns."

Common error

While grammatically correct, "refrain from doing" can sound overly formal in casual conversations. Consider using simpler alternatives like "avoid" or "stop" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "refrain from doing" functions as an instruction or recommendation to avoid a particular action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a standard and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "refrain from doing" is a grammatically sound phrase used to advise or instruct against a particular action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in written English. While versatile, it leans towards a more formal tone, making it suitable for professional, academic, and news contexts. Remember to use it judiciously in informal settings, opting for simpler alternatives when appropriate. Common mistakes can be avoided by being aware of the register and context where it's being used.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

abstain from doing

This alternative carries a slightly more formal tone and often implies a voluntary act of self-restraint.

avoid doing

This phrase is more general and suggests preventing something from happening or keeping away from it.

desist from doing

This option is more formal and less common, emphasizing the act of ceasing an action.

hold back from doing

This implies a conscious effort to restrain oneself from performing an action.

forgo doing

Focuses on giving up or doing without something, implying a sacrifice or denial.

cease to do

Emphasizes the termination of an action or behavior.

stop oneself from doing

Highlights the personal effort involved in preventing oneself from acting.

keep from doing

Suggests preventing oneself or someone else from performing an action.

shun doing

Implies a deliberate avoidance and rejection of a particular action.

evade doing

Focuses on skillfully escaping or avoiding an action, often implying a sense of cunning or strategy.

FAQs

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

You can use "refrain from doing" to advise or instruct someone to avoid a particular action. For example, "Please "refrain from doing" any work on the project until we have finalized the details."

What are some alternatives to "refrain from doing"?

Alternatives include "abstain from doing", "avoid doing", or "desist from doing", depending on the context and level of formality you want to convey.

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

It is appropriate to use "refrain from doing" in formal or official contexts when you need to politely or firmly instruct someone to avoid a specific action. Using the word in informal contexts may sound unnatural.

Is "refrain from doing" more formal than "avoid doing"?

Yes, "refrain from doing" is generally considered more formal than "avoid doing". The choice between the two depends on the tone and audience of your writing or speech.