refrain from joining

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "refrain from joining" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when advising or instructing someone to avoid participating in an activity or group. Example: "We kindly ask that you refrain from joining the discussion until it is your turn to speak."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Across London, Chelsea have found themselves unable to refrain from joining in the fun.

The Guardian - Sport

Employees were given the right to organize unions and could not be required, as a condition of employment, to join or to refrain from joining a labour organization.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The discussions the characters are having are nonsensical, but such is the design of this new theater -- a semicircle of seats, not a bad one in the house -- that you can barely refrain from joining in yourself.

The New York Times

Though nothing is ever final in Ukraine, Mr Yanukovych's favoured option seems to be to preserve the status quo and refrain from joining either camp while continuing to milk both hence his new proposal of three-way talks.A face-saving memorandum may yet be signed with the EU, but the collapse of the association agreement could be a blessing in disguise for the Europeans.

The Economist

Cameron related how the negotiators had explored the possibility of a more limited arrangement — a Tory minority government with the Lib Dems agreeing to refrain from joining a vote of no confidence in exchange for certain concessions, that sort of thing — and how they then looked at each other and said, "How uninspiring".

The New Yorker

In Iraq, the majority Shia population would refrain from joining the US in the fight against IS.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Sean refrained from joining the fantasy acquisition, finding all the Chihulys excessive.

The New Yorker

The South had refrained from joining for fear of angering the North.

The New York Times

But she refrained from joining critics who said that the New York City Police Department was lax in its response.

The New York Times

His twin brother, Yoel, was killed in the Yom Kippur War in 1973, but Noam refrained from joining anti-government demonstrations at the time.

The New York Times - Magazine

The Kurds have refrained from joining the Syrian National Council, an umbrella organization for the Syrian opposition that is made up of diverse ethnic and religious groups in Syria, and demanding that first their independent status in a future structure be recognized.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing someone to not participate, use "refrain from joining" to convey a polite but firm expectation of non-involvement. For example, "Please refrain from joining the conversation until called upon".

Common error

While "refrain from joining" is grammatically sound, overuse in casual contexts can sound overly formal. Opt for more relaxed alternatives like "avoid joining" or "don't join" when the situation calls for a more conversational tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "refrain from joining" functions as a verbal phrase, specifically a gerund phrase, often used to express prohibition or abstention. It instructs someone to avoid becoming part of a group or activity. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "refrain from joining" is a grammatically sound way to advise or instruct someone to abstain from participating in a group or activity. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is correct and usable. While the phrase is more formal, as Ludwig examples show, consider using more relaxed options when appropriate. It is most commonly encountered in News & Media and Science contexts. To maintain consistency in your writing, remember that while authoritative, using other forms might improve style and cadence, also, be creative, and you may create more friendly sentences!

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

abstain from participating

Emphasizes a voluntary act of holding oneself back from taking part in something.

avoid becoming involved

Focuses on preventing oneself from being entangled or implicated in a situation.

keep from participating

Highlights an effort to maintain distance and prevent active involvement.

decline to participate

Implies a formal refusal to be part of something.

opt out of joining

Suggests making a deliberate choice to not be included.

refuse to get involved

Conveys a strong unwillingness to participate actively.

stay away from joining

Indicates a conscious effort to maintain a distance and avoid joining.

dissociate oneself from joining

Stresses the act of separating oneself from an association or group.

hold back from participating

Emphasizes restraint and preventing oneself from becoming active.

evade getting involved

Highlights efforts to skillfully escape or avoid being implicated.

FAQs

What does "refrain from joining" mean?

The phrase "refrain from joining" means to abstain or hold back from becoming a member of or participating in something.

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

It's appropriate when you want to politely but firmly instruct someone not to participate in an activity or group. It's often used in formal or professional settings.

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

You can use alternatives like "avoid joining", "abstain from participating", or "decline to participate" depending on the context.

Is "refrain from joining" formal or informal?

"Refrain from joining" is generally considered a more formal way to express the idea of not participating compared to phrases like "don't join" or "stay away from".