refrain from practising

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "refrain from practising" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when advising or instructing someone to avoid engaging in a particular activity or behavior. Example: "During the exam period, students are encouraged to refrain from practising any distractions that could hinder their focus."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Previous research suggests that drivers have a certain level of eco-driving knowledge and skills, which they refrain from practising in their everyday lives.

Transportation Research Part C: Emerging Technologies

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

They refrain from inducting humans into their clan by practising that special sexual restraint that was once universally insisted on and upheld by movie censors and is currently being restored by America's religious right.

The Guardian - Film

Iraqi Shiites refrain from retaliating.

The New Yorker

He planned to refrain from the latter.

The New York Times

He may refrain from provocations in Georgia.

The Economist

First, refrain from hype.

Forbes

If not, refrain from posting.

BBC

To refrain from lecturing.

BMC Medical Education

Please refrain from swearing.

WikiHow

Just refrain from using it.

WikiHow

In duels, refrain from "stacking".

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing someone to avoid a specific behavior, consider the context. Use "refrain from practising" in formal settings or when emphasizing a deliberate choice to abstain.

Common error

While "refrain from practising" is grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "avoid" or "stop" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "refrain from practising" primarily functions as a verb phrase used to advise or instruct someone to avoid engaging in a specific activity. This is supported by Ludwig AI, which identifies its use in contexts where deliberate avoidance is emphasized.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Wiki

34%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "refrain from practising" is a grammatically correct but relatively uncommon way to advise against engaging in a specific activity. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and notes its usage in contexts that emphasize deliberate avoidance. While understandable, it can sound overly formal in casual conversation, where simpler alternatives like "avoid" or "stop" might be more appropriate. The phrase sees usage across Science, News & Media and Wiki sources. When deciding whether to use "refrain from practising", consider the formality of the setting and the desired emphasis on intentional abstention.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

avoid practicing

Replaces "refrain" with "avoid", offering a more straightforward and less formal alternative.

abstain from practicing

Substitutes "refrain" with "abstain", providing a more formal and emphatic way to express avoidance.

desist from practicing

Uses "desist" in place of "refrain", giving a stronger and slightly archaic tone.

hold back from practicing

Replaces "refrain" with "hold back", suggesting a conscious effort to suppress an action.

cease practicing

Implies a complete stop to the practice, with a stronger emphasis on termination.

discontinue practicing

Suggests stopping a practice that was previously ongoing, indicating a formal end.

forgo practicing

Means to willingly give up the practice, emphasizing a voluntary decision.

shun practicing

Implies actively avoiding a practice due to dislike or disapproval.

give up practicing

Indicates abandoning a practice, often suggesting a change in habits or routines.

inhibit practicing

Signifies preventing or hindering oneself from practicing, focusing on internal restraint.

FAQs

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

You can use "refrain from practising" to advise against engaging in a certain behavior or activity. For example: "During the experiment, participants should "refrain from practising" any meditation techniques."

What's a less formal way to say "refrain from practising"?

Less formal alternatives to "refrain from practising" include "avoid practising", "stop practising", or simply "don't practise", depending on the context.

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

"Refrain from practising" is appropriate in formal settings, instructions, or when you want to emphasize the deliberate nature of avoiding something. In more casual contexts, simpler alternatives might be preferable.

Is there a stronger, more formal alternative to "refrain from practising"?

Yes, "abstain from practising" is a stronger and more formal alternative, suggesting a deliberate and firm decision to avoid a particular activity.