refrain from having contact

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "refrain from having contact" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when advising or instructing someone to avoid communication or interaction with another person or group. Example: "For the safety of all involved, please refrain from having contact with the individual until further notice."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

A judge the following month ruled that Jabara had to remain 30 feet from Majors "at all times" and refrain from having any contact with him whatsoever.

The Guardian

GSA will refrain from having any contact with the debtor and will direct all debtor inquiries concerning the debt to DOJ, except as otherwise agreed between GSA and DOJ.

Cornell University

Soon after, she was released on $100,000 bail and ordered to refrain from having any contact with her husband, CBS reported.

Huffington Post

Although they make up half the population of overseas students at Bedfordshire, they have refrained from having much contact with the university, let alone approaching it for support.

The Guardian

Moreover, he refrained from having affairs with other women.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Refrain from having sex.

WikiHow

Refrain from having "The Talk".

WikiHow

Refrain from having or allowing lit candles in your business.

WikiHow

Although they had been asked to refrain from intimate contact in the days before sampling, Tridico deduced that they'd disobeyed her; she detected the woman's profile on the man's pubic hairs.

BBC

Please refrain from direct contact with Harvard managers.

Harvard University

These were originally housecats that went astray and now refrain from human contact.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing someone to avoid contact for legal or safety reasons, use "refrain from having contact" to clearly communicate the need for complete avoidance of communication or interaction.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "refrain from having contact" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "avoid contact" or "don't talk to" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "refrain from having contact" functions as an instruction or directive. It is used to formally advise or order someone to avoid communication or interaction with another person or entity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it follows standard grammar rules.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "refrain from having contact" is a grammatically sound and formal way to instruct someone to avoid communication or interaction. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. Although the phrase is rarely encountered, it is typically appropriate for professional, legal, or official contexts. When opting to use this phrase, consider the nature of the communication and whether a more colloquial expression like "avoid contact" is more suitable. Proper usage ensures clarity and avoids sounding overly formal in casual settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

avoid contact with

Uses "avoid" instead of "refrain from having", simplifying the wording.

abstain from contacting

Replaces "refrain" with "abstain" and modifies the verb form, maintaining a formal tone.

cease communication with

Focuses on stopping communication, replacing "contact" with "communication".

desist from interaction with

Employs "desist" and "interaction" for a more formal and legalistic tone.

stay away from communication with

Uses a more direct and less formal way to express avoiding communication.

discontinue relations with

Suggests a more formal and permanent end to interaction.

have no dealings with

Indicates a complete lack of interaction or involvement.

keep one's distance from

Implies avoiding physical or social proximity to prevent interaction.

shun interaction with

Suggests deliberately avoiding someone or something due to dislike or distrust.

evade communication with

Implies actively avoiding contact or communication, often to escape something unpleasant.

FAQs

What does "refrain from having contact" mean?

It means to avoid any form of communication or interaction with someone or something. This could include phone calls, emails, physical meetings, or any other type of exchange.

When is it appropriate to use "refrain from having contact"?

It's suitable in formal situations where you need to instruct someone to avoid contact, such as legal agreements, restraining orders, or workplace guidelines. Less formal phrases, such as "avoid contact", are preferable in everyday conversation.

What are some alternatives to "refrain from having contact"?

Alternatives include "avoid contact with", "abstain from contacting", or "cease communication with". The best choice depends on the specific context and level of formality required.

Is "refrain from having contact" the same as "avoid contact"?

While similar, "refrain from having contact" often carries a stronger implication of a formal instruction or obligation. "Avoid contact" is a more general recommendation to stay away, while "refrain from having contact" suggests a more serious directive.