refrain from judgment

USAGE SUMMARY

"refrain from judgment" is correct and usable in written English.
You would use this phrase when you want to advise someone not to express a judgment or opinion about a particular situation. For example: "When dealing with controversial issues, it's best to refrain from judgment and keep an open mind."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Refrain from judgment.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

As always, I'll refrain from passing judgment on the thing until we get to take the final hardware for a spin, but Barnes & Noble has made plenty of thoughtful choices here.

TechCrunch

Just how selfless is a matter of interpretation, and the movie refrains from judgment.

The New York Times

While Appleyard refrained from judgment, as did the Independent's Bonnie Greer, other reviewers had no such inhibitions.

The Guardian - Books

We have refrained from judgment or addressing the issue with you in hopes that you will learn and grow into a true advocate for our communities.

HuffPost

Just as important as holding a door or offering assistance are the acts of refraining from judgment or wishing someone well.

HuffPost

Serve as a sounding board, while refraining from judgments or criticism, said Alison Doyle, a job search specialist for About.com, which is owned by The New York Times Company.

The New York Times

We refrain from passing judgment with a simple thumbs up or thumbs down.

Harvard Business Review

European leaders have received unexpected help from Russia, whose leaders typically refrain from passing judgment on issues they consider domestic affairs.

The New York Times

Usually I refrain from passing judgment on others, but she must be one burnt cookie.

Vice

Pyrrho said that we should refrain from making judgment as we can never know the true reality.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When facilitating discussions, especially on sensitive topics, actively "refrain from judgment" to create a safe and open environment where all participants feel comfortable sharing their perspectives.

Common error

Avoid offering evaluations too quickly. Instead, gather all information and consider different angles before giving an opinion. Jumping to conclusions without proper context can lead to misunderstandings and unfair assessments.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "refrain from judgment" functions as an imperative or advisory expression, urging one to abstain from forming or expressing an opinion, especially prematurely. As indicated by Ludwig AI, this encourages open-mindedness and fairness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Wiki

22%

Science

21%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Academia

6%

Encyclopedias

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "refrain from judgment" is a phrase advising against premature evaluation, promoting open-mindedness and fairness. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It is common in news, wiki, and science contexts and generally maintains a neutral to formal tone. To enhance communication, consider alternatives like "avoid passing judgment" or "withhold judgment". The phrase is valuable in facilitating discussions and creating inclusive environments. Remember to gather sufficient information before forming opinions to prevent misunderstandings. Prioritize active listening and empathy to foster more effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

avoid passing judgment

Focuses on the act of avoiding a specific action.

withhold judgment

Emphasizes the act of holding back an opinion.

suspend judgment

Suggests a temporary pause in forming an opinion.

reserve judgment

Implies keeping judgment until all facts are known.

abstain from judging

Highlights a deliberate choice not to judge.

decline to judge

A formal way of expressing refusal to make a judgment.

refrain from criticism

Focuses specifically on avoiding negative evaluation.

hold your fire

An idiomatic expression meaning to delay criticism or judgment.

keep an open mind

Implies being receptive to different viewpoints before forming an opinion.

see how the cookie crumbles

Idiomatic expression that advocates a wait-and-see approach, avoiding premature judgment.

FAQs

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

You can use "refrain from judgment" to advise someone to avoid expressing their opinion immediately, such as: "When dealing with sensitive topics, it's important to "refrain from judgment" and listen with an open mind."

What are some alternative ways to say "refrain from judgment"?

Alternatives include "avoid passing judgment", "withhold judgment", or "suspend judgment", each carrying a slightly different nuance.

Is it always appropriate to "refrain from judgment"?

While refraining from judgment is often valuable, especially in initial interactions or sensitive discussions, there are situations where informed judgment is necessary, such as in professional evaluations or critical decision-making processes.

What is the difference between "refrain from judgment" and "avoid judgment"?

"Refrain from judgment" suggests a conscious effort to hold back an opinion, while "avoid judgment" might imply steering clear of situations that require evaluation altogether. The former is about self-control, the latter about circumvention.