refrain from offering

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "refrain from offering" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when advising someone to avoid making a suggestion, proposal, or gift. Example: "In this situation, it is best to refrain from offering unsolicited advice to your colleagues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

Continue to offer your friend support by way of brief, regular emails but refrain from offering any unsolicited advice at this time or telling her that you know what she's going through.

Huffington Post

Both critics refrain from offering new interpretations of the novels.

The Guardian - Books

The filmmakers refrain from offering opinions in the film, though the students are portrayed with an empathetic lens.

The New York Times

But Microsoft executives have also repeatedly cautioned that until Vista meets performance and stability standards, the company will refrain from offering it commercially.

The New York Times - Tech

Entropia (www.entropia.com) said it would continue to refrain from offering monetary incentives even as it gains steam in the commercial marketplace.

The New York Times

He has made the decision to let Socrates speak for himself in this work and to refrain from offering any of his own reflections on the justice or injustice of the charges against his teacher.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

He diplomatically refrained from offering his opinion on the speech.

The New Yorker

Mr Dong prudently refrained from offering the court a pirated copy.

The Economist

He refrained from offering the usual disclaimer, about everyone voting his conscience, before telling his remaining follower to back Mr. Gingrich, but the endorsement was a little odd nonetheless.

The New York Times

He refrained from offering any counsel to Speaker John A. Boehner of Ohio, whose Republican caucus balked at the Senate bill.

The New York Times

Reached for comment by e-mail, several scholars of the development of German fascism refrained from offering opinions about "The White Ribbon" as a film.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "refrain from offering", ensure it's followed by a specific noun or gerund phrase to clarify what is being withheld. For example, "refrain from offering unsolicited advice" or "refrain from offering assistance until asked."

Common error

While "refrain from offering" is grammatically correct, overuse in less formal contexts can sound overly stiff or unnatural. Consider using simpler alternatives like "avoid giving" or "don't offer" in casual conversation to maintain a more approachable tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "refrain from offering" functions as a directive or recommendation, advising against providing something, whether it's advice, assistance, or a physical item. Ludwig AI confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "refrain from offering" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that advises against providing something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It's commonly found in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts, indicating a conscious decision to withhold action. When using the phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what is being withheld and consider the formality of the context to avoid sounding unnatural. Alternatives like "avoid giving" or "abstain from providing" can be used depending on the specific situation. This phrase serves the purpose of discouraging action, which maintains a boundary and/or prevents unwanted outcomes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

abstain from providing

Emphasizes a deliberate choice not to give or supply something.

avoid giving

Focuses on preventing the act of giving or presenting something.

withhold from supplying

Highlights the act of holding back something that could be provided.

desist from extending

Suggests stopping or ceasing to offer or provide something.

refuse to grant

Implies a denial or unwillingness to give something requested or expected.

forgo the provision of

Indicates a decision to give up or omit the act of supplying something.

hold back from presenting

Focuses on the act of keeping something from being shown or offered.

omit to tender

Emphasizes the act of leaving out or neglecting to offer something formally.

decline to extend

Suggests politely refusing to provide or offer something.

shun the act of giving

Highlights actively avoiding the act of offering or providing.

FAQs

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

You can use "refrain from offering" to advise someone to avoid making a suggestion, proposal, or gift. For example, "In this situation, it is best to "refrain from offering" unsolicited advice to your colleagues."

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

You can use alternatives like "avoid giving" or "abstain from providing" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "refrain from offering" or "refrain to offer"?

"Refrain from offering" is correct. "Refrain" should be followed by "from" and a gerund (verb ending in -ing).

What's the difference between "refrain from offering" and "avoid offering"?

"Refrain from offering" suggests a more conscious and deliberate decision to withhold something, while "avoid offering" is a more general recommendation to prevent something from being given.