refrain from interfering

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "refrain from interfering" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when advising someone to avoid involvement or disruption in a situation. Example: "During the meeting, please refrain from interfering with the speaker's presentation to ensure a smooth flow of information."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

Nato should refrain from interfering in Ukraine by word or deed.

The Guardian - Opinion

Science has its proper domain of activity, religion has its domain, and each must refrain from interfering with the other.

The New Yorker

Requiring officers to refrain from interfering with speech can hardly be equated with affirmatively enlisting unwilling officers to "help" speakers.

The Washington Post

Mustafa Kemal felt that the military, having gained its political ends, should refrain from interfering in politics.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Allow me, therefore, to make the request that henceforth you kindly refrain from interfering with the instructions of the president's office.

Princeton University

That's why judges are loath to second-guess management and will generally refrain from interfering in business decisions, unless there are conflicts of interest.

Columbia University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

India also refrained from interfering in the country's internal administration.

Britannica

But Mr. Khatami has also pointedly refrained from interfering in, or even directly criticizing, the recent judicial persecution of his own political allies.

The New York Times

They felt that refraining from interfering with infants' ambiguous genitalia was the first step on a desirable path to dissolving gender altogether.

The New Yorker

Except for several arrests, German authorities have generally refrained from interfering, even as top officials said they were "ashamed" by "the evil face" of anti-Semitism on display.

The Washington Post

He did not mean that there had been a "golden age" in which governments entirely refrained from interfering in the private sector.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing someone to allow a process to unfold naturally, use "refrain from interfering" to encourage a hands-off approach that minimizes disruptions and allows for organic development.

Common error

While "refrain from interfering" is grammatically correct, avoid using it in overly casual settings. Opt for simpler alternatives like "stay out of it" or "don't get involved" to maintain a natural tone in informal conversations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "refrain from interfering" primarily functions as a directive or an instruction. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and serves to advise or request someone to avoid involvement in a particular situation or process. Examples show it used in contexts ranging from political affairs to scientific observations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Academia

28%

Encyclopedias

14%

Less common in

Science

14%

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "refrain from interfering" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that advises against involvement or disruption. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across various contexts. It commonly appears in news, academic texts, and encyclopedias, maintaining a formal or professional tone. When using the phrase, consider the context to ensure the level of formality aligns with your intended audience. While acceptable, it may be best to use simpler alternatives in informal settings, such as "avoid interfering" or "stay out of it".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

avoid interfering

Replaces "refrain from" with a direct synonym, simplifying the expression.

abstain from intervening

"Abstain" provides a more formal tone, and "intervening" specifies a type of interference.

desist from meddling

"Desist" offers a stronger emphasis on stopping an action, while "meddling" implies petty or unwanted interference.

hold back from interfering

Adds a sense of restraint or effort in avoiding interference.

keep from intervening

Similar to "hold back", but emphasizes maintaining distance.

not get involved

A more direct and informal way of expressing non-participation.

stay out of it

A colloquial expression that advises complete avoidance of a situation.

keep your distance

Suggests maintaining physical or emotional separation to avoid involvement.

leave well enough alone

Advises against interfering to prevent worsening a situation.

let it be

Implies acceptance of a situation without trying to change it.

FAQs

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

You can use "refrain from interfering" to advise someone to avoid getting involved in a situation. For example, "During the experiment, please "refrain from interfering" with the controls".

What's a more casual way to say "refrain from interfering"?

In less formal contexts, you can use phrases like "stay out of it" or "don't get involved" instead of ""refrain from interfering"".

Is "refrain from intervening" the same as "refrain from interfering"?

While similar, "refrain from intervening" often implies preventing something from happening, whereas ""refrain from interfering"" is broader and can mean avoiding any kind of involvement.

What does it mean to "refrain from meddling"?

"Refrain from meddling" suggests avoiding petty or unwanted interference in someone else's affairs. It carries a slightly negative connotation compared to simply ""refrain from interfering"".