refrain from quoting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "refrain from quoting" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when instructing someone not to cite or repeat a specific source or statement. Example: "In your essay, please refrain from quoting any sources that are not peer-reviewed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

So I will refrain from quoting the text and quote the set instead.

The New York Times

Lakely also asked bloggers and journalists to take down the documents and refrain from quoting them.

The Guardian

With that clannishness that marks the French nouveaux riches, the few friends to whom he appears in the flesh brag freely of the meetings but guardedly refrain from quoting what, if anything, might have been said.

The New Yorker

The Pope was polite enough to refrain from quoting Matthew 20 26 in today's meeting: "Whoever wants to be great among you must first be your servant …"   But Francis did find ways to signal his dissatisfaction, starting with his facial expression.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

(The lyrics are often as precisely on target, though, nonspoiler that I try to be, I am refraining from quoting them).

The New York Times

"'Shomer Shabbos.' 'Shut... up, Donny.' 'World of pain.' 'You're out of your element.' Thank God they've refrained from quoting that scene where I'm screaming at Little Larry while I'm busting up the car".

Los Angeles Times

I have nobly refrained from quoting Ms. Fisher's copious array of one-liners.

The New York Times

He refrained then from quoting Scripture, to him a pastime as common as karate, cycling, swimming or any of his other cross-training pursuits.

The New York Times - Sports

Seven are from the present century, one of which, the Coen brothers' Burn After Reading, he regards as "one of the funniest films made this century", but refrains from quoting any dialogue because "I don't want to spoil it for you".

The Guardian - Books

In this paper, we refrained from reporting quotes as the authors could potentially be identified from these, and strongly encourage other researchers to follow suit.

Journal of Patient-Reported Outcomes

"Can you please refrain from printing any more Andy Townsend quotes?" he screeches.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Employ "refrain from quoting" to maintain objectivity or avoid potential copyright issues.

Common error

While "refrain from quoting" is grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal in casual conversation. In informal settings, consider using simpler alternatives like "avoid quoting" or "don't quote".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "refrain from quoting" functions as a polite directive or instruction, typically used to advise or request someone to avoid using direct quotations in their writing or speech. Ludwig AI confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "refrain from quoting" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that politely instructs someone to avoid using direct quotations. It is most commonly found in News & Media and Science contexts, as shown by Ludwig. While Ludwig AI confirms it as correct, it's important to consider the context and formality of the situation. In casual settings, simpler alternatives like "avoid quoting" may be more appropriate. The phrase is useful for encouraging paraphrasing, maintaining objectivity, or avoiding copyright issues. Remember to choose the most fitting phrase based on your audience and the overall tone of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

avoid citing

Focuses on the act of citing, emphasizing omission in formal contexts.

do not reference

Directly instructs against making references, suitable for formal guidelines.

abstain from citing

Similar to "refrain", but implies a more deliberate and conscious avoidance.

forgo quotation

Emphasizes the choice to give up using a quotation.

omit the quotation

Focuses on leaving out a particular quotation, rather than the general act of quoting.

don't include quotations

Directly advises against the inclusion of quotations in a work.

avoid using direct quotes

Emphasizes avoiding the use of direct quotations, suggesting paraphrasing instead.

disregard the quote

Suggests ignoring a quote that might otherwise be relevant.

eschew quoting

More formal and literary, implying a deliberate avoidance of quoting.

bypass the citation

Suggests finding a way around including a specific citation.

FAQs

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

You can use "refrain from quoting" to politely ask someone not to use direct quotations. For example, "In this report, please "refrain from quoting" extensively; focus on summarizing the information instead."

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

You can use alternatives like "avoid citing", "do not reference", or "omit the quotation depending on the context and level of formality.

Is it appropriate to use "refrain from quoting" in casual conversation?

While grammatically correct, "refrain from quoting" is rather formal. In casual conversation, simpler phrases like "don't quote me" or "please don't repeat this" might be more suitable.

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

"Refrain from quoting" is a more polite and formal way to ask someone not to quote directly. "Avoid quoting" is slightly less formal but carries the same meaning of discouraging direct quotations.