refrain from pushing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "refrain from pushing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to advise or instruct someone to avoid applying pressure or force in a particular situation. Example: "During the meeting, please refrain from pushing your opinions too aggressively, as we want to encourage open dialogue."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Avoid forcing or striving and refrain from pushing yourself.

The New York Times - Health

With consumer demand staying strong, some analysts said the chairman of the Fed, Alan Greenspan, might refrain from pushing his colleagues for immediate action.

The New York Times

"As well as you reducing speed when you see a policeman far away, you refrain from pushing and pulling when you know there is someone looking at the incident".

Independent

Google may be betting that political considerations in China will make it likely that Beijing will accept this latest move and refrain from pushing Google out of the country entirely.

The New York Times

Granted, the overzealous sperm cells would not benefit from polyspermy either, but if each sperm is competing with all the other sperm cells to reach nuclear heaven, and if each is doomed should it fail to fertilize the egg in any case, it simply lacks the discipline, and the evolutionary incentive, to refrain from pushing.

The New York Times - Science

Avoid calling out coworkers who choose not to dress up and refrain from pushing someone to wear a costume or join in on the festivities.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

But they refrained from pushing for a vote because Turkey was having its own national elections.

The New York Times

As they walked back to their campsites in the crowded dark, they refrained from pushing or shoving.

The New York Times - Books

The Brothers also refrained from pushing an overtly "Islamic" agenda, for instance banning alcohol or enforcing corporal punishment, with the zeal which might have been feared.

The Economist

If the Tasmanian tiger is a ready-made symbol that invites all sorts of grandiose interpretation, "The Hunter" admirably refrains from pushing its implications to the forefront.

The New York Times

"Yet, because the regime itself has taken stock of the danger, all the different players are refraining from pushing things toward a real crisis".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When giving advice, use "refrain from pushing" to suggest a gentle approach, emphasizing understanding and patience over forceful insistence.

Common error

While appropriate in many contexts, overuse of "refrain from pushing" can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "avoid pressuring" or "hold back from urging" to keep your message fresh and engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "refrain from pushing" functions as a directive or piece of advice, typically used to suggest caution or restraint in one's actions. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's about avoiding the application of pressure. The examples show it used in contexts ranging from sports to politics.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Wiki

25%

Science

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

6%

Social Media

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "refrain from pushing" is a grammatically correct phrase that advises against applying excessive force or pressure. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is about restraining oneself from taking forceful action. Predominantly found in News & Media, Wiki, and Science contexts, it encourages a more thoughtful and patient approach. While overuse should be avoided for stylistic reasons, the phrase offers valuable guidance in scenarios where gentleness and understanding are paramount. Remember to consider synonyms like "avoid pressuring" or "hold back from urging" to enrich your writing and maintain reader engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

refrain from advocating forcefully

Emphasizes avoiding aggressive or forceful advocacy.

avoid exerting pressure

This alternative focuses on avoiding the application of force or influence, similar to the original phrase.

avoid applying force

This focuses on not using physical or metaphorical force.

abstain from pressuring

Using "abstain" adds a formal tone, emphasizing deliberate avoidance of applying pressure.

avoid compelling

Focuses on not forcing someone to do something.

hold back from urging

This suggests restraining oneself from strongly encouraging or pushing someone.

desist from aggressive persuasion

This highlights the avoidance of overly assertive or forceful persuasion techniques.

desist from propelling

"Desist" is a more formal term, indicating a cessation or holding back from moving something forward.

hold back from coercive tactics

This suggests avoiding manipulative or forceful methods.

inhibit from advocating strongly

This emphasizes restraining from strongly supporting or pushing a particular cause or idea.

FAQs

What does "refrain from pushing" mean?

The phrase "refrain from pushing" means to avoid pressuring, urging, or forcing someone or something. It suggests exercising restraint in applying influence or force.

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

It's appropriate to use "refrain from pushing" when you want to advise someone to be gentle or patient, or when you're outlining strategies that involve avoiding forceful tactics. For example, in negotiations, one might "avoid pressuring" the other party too aggressively.

What are some alternatives to "refrain from pushing"?

Alternatives include "avoid exerting pressure", "hold back from urging", or "abstain from pressuring". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired tone.

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

You can use "refrain from pushing" in a sentence like, "During the delicate negotiations, it's important to refrain from pushing your demands too forcefully." or "In mindful dance, refrain from pushing yourself beyond your physical limits."