refrain from imposing

USAGE SUMMARY

"refrain from imposing" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means to avoid or abstain from forcing something on someone. You can use this phrase when you want to remind someone to not impose their will or authority on others. Example: "As a leader, it is important to refrain from imposing your ideas on your team. Instead, listen to their suggestions and collaborate to find the best solution."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

Existing export restrictions should be eliminated and countries should refrain from imposing new ones.

Yale University

Momentum effects are yet another reason to refrain from imposing restrictions on short-sellers.

The Economist

But lawmakers would be wise to refrain from imposing sanctions that take effect while negotiations proceed.

The Washington Post

Now, however, their mantra is that the only way to revive the economy is for regulators to refrain from imposing tough rules.

The New York Times

North Korea, too, will most likely expect the United States to refrain from imposing additional sanctions or engaging in other punitive measures during negotiations.

The Washington Post

The nations that signed a Nov. 15 agreement at the G-20 summit in Washington promised to refrain from imposing "protectionist" measures for at least 12 months.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

Mr. Mangano, in his news conference, also questioned why the authority had refrained from imposing a wage freeze.

The New York Times

Judge Hellerstein said he had refrained from imposing a prison term last year largely because Mr. Bello's wife is seriously ill with Crohn's disease.

The New York Times

Although General Musharraf has refrained from imposing martial law, some analysts suspect he eventually will.He has inducted more uniformed men into civilian institutions than previous military rulers, says Hasan Askari Rizvi, an observer of the armed forces.

The Economist

By emphasizing nonintervention in sovereign affairs and refraining from imposing conditions like fiscal austerity or transparency, as Western governments do, China promises its financing horizon will not be influenced by such short-term policy targets.

The Washington Post

It features considerations such as what images are appropriate to share on social media and the importance of refraining from imposing religious and cultural values that the local community may not share.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "refrain from imposing", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being avoided. This adds clarity and precision to your writing.

Common error

While "refrain from imposing" is grammatically correct, overuse in formal documents can sound repetitive. Consider varying your language with alternatives like "avoid enforcing" or "abstain from applying" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "refrain from imposing" functions as a verb phrase expressing the act of deliberately avoiding the application or enforcement of something. This can relate to rules, sanctions, or one's own will. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its correct usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

28%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Science

10%

Wiki

8%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "refrain from imposing" is a commonly used phrase that advises against or describes the avoidance of enforcing something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and appears across diverse contexts, particularly in news, formal business, and academic spheres. When writing, ensure clarity about what's being avoided and consider alternatives like "avoid enforcing" to prevent repetition in formal settings. Common mistakes include incorrect prepositional usage and over-formality in informal settings. By understanding these nuances, writers can effectively use "refrain from imposing" to convey restraint and consideration in their communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

refrain from applying

Focuses on avoiding the act of applying rules or regulations.

avoid enforcing

Focuses on avoiding the active enforcement of a rule or law.

abstain from applying

Emphasizes a voluntary act of not applying a particular measure or rule.

desist from enforcing

Highlights the cessation of enforcing something, suggesting a previous action.

forgo the imposition of

Stresses the act of giving up the right or opportunity to impose something.

waive the right to impose

Implies a formal relinquishment of the authority or right to impose.

hold back from enforcing

Suggests a restraint or hesitation in enforcing something.

temper the application of

Indicates a moderation or lessening of the force with which something is applied.

shun the application of

Highlights deliberately avoiding the act of implementing or using something.

evade the enforcement of

Emphasizes an active effort to dodge or circumvent the enforcement of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "refrain from imposing" to suggest avoiding the enforcement of something, such as "The government should "refrain from imposing" new taxes during the recession".

What are some alternatives to "refrain from imposing"?

Some alternatives include "avoid enforcing", "abstain from applying", or "desist from enforcing", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "refrain from imposing" formal or informal?

"Refrain from imposing" is generally considered a neutral to formal expression, suitable for professional, academic, and news contexts. It's not typically used in very informal settings.

Which is correct: "refrain from imposing" or "refrain to impose"?

"Refrain from imposing" is correct. "Refrain" is followed by "from" and a gerund (imposing), not an infinitive (to impose).