refrain from explaining

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "refrain from explaining" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when instructing someone to avoid providing an explanation or elaboration on a topic. Example: "In this meeting, please refrain from explaining your reasoning; we will discuss it later."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

It was very difficult for me to refrain from explaining that is how I feel and I have reproduced.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Other members of Mr Johnson's family have not refrained from explaining his ambitions.

Independent

He needs to go not only for his actions involving a state employee but also for how he chose to handle events -- disclosing some details while leaving others out and refraining from explaining why this was happening now.

The New York Times

However, he refrained from explaining its deeper meaning, leaving it instead as something for the viewers to ponder and hence helping them enjoy the adaptation much more.

Wikipedia

But some Israeli military officials say factors besides the barrier -- including stepped-up army operations in the West Bank and a two-year-old decision by most armed Palestinian factions to refrain from such attacks -- better explain the sharp decline.

The Washington Post

So if we refrain from such theft, we cannot explain or justify such refraining by reference to any actual natural motives.

SEP

Supporters of index fund stewardship view private engagements by the Big Three as explaining why they refrain from using certain other stewardship tools available to shareholders.

Harvard University

Diane gently asked some Guyanese if they would please refrain from putting ribbons in the water, explaining the hazard it posed.

The New Yorker

Though the leadership changes come at the same time as the decision to refrain from a public offering, Zadeh, Mehr and Steckelberg explained that the timing is coincidental.

TechCrunch

Since the parasite studied here is a viviparous, holometabolous insect, we refrain from using traditional terms, and rather explain each sampling point in the context of the reproductive biology of our system.

Plosone

Insider- oriented may help explain why they refrain from full and free expression, because the interviewers might not be treated as an "Insider".

BMC Geriatrics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "refrain from explaining" when you want to politely instruct someone not to provide an explanation, often because it's unnecessary or inappropriate at that time.

Common error

Avoid using "refrain from explaining" in casual conversations. Opt for simpler alternatives like "don't explain" or "skip the details" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "refrain from explaining" functions as a directive or request, often used to politely instruct someone not to offer an explanation. The Ludwig AI Examples show its use in various contexts, from hospital settings to political commentary.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

8%

Academia

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "refrain from explaining" is a grammatically sound and usable expression in English, employed to politely request or instruct someone to avoid giving an explanation. As indicated by Ludwig, it appears across diverse contexts, from news and media to scientific discourse, albeit with moderate frequency. When a more informal tone is desired, alternatives such as "avoid elaborating" or "skip the explanation" may be preferred. While versatile, overuse in casual conversations can sound unnatural. Therefore, understanding the context is crucial to effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

avoid elaborating

This alternative directly suggests preventing further detail or explanation.

refuse to comment on the rationale

Formally indicates a refusal to provide reasoning or justification.

abstain from clarifying

This implies a deliberate choice to withhold clarification, suggesting a formal tone.

hold back on detailing

Suggests a temporary withholding of information or details.

desist from expounding

A more formal way to say stop speaking at length.

decline to elaborate

This is a formal way of saying one chooses not to give more details.

skip the explanation

Informal instruction to omit the explanation.

omit the details

Suggests leaving out certain details, simplifying the account.

keep mum about the reasons

Indicates remaining silent about the reasons, implying secrecy.

bite your tongue regarding the specifics

A more figurative expression suggesting restraint in speaking about specifics.

FAQs

What does "refrain from explaining" mean?

It means to avoid giving an explanation or details about something, usually as a polite request or instruction.

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

You can say, "During the presentation, please "refrain from explaining" the technical details; we'll address them later."

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

You can use alternatives like "avoid elaborating", "decline to elaborate", or "skip the explanation" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "refrain from explaining" or "refrain to explain"?

"Refrain from explaining" is correct. "Refrain" is followed by the preposition "from" and a gerund (verb ending in -ing).