refrain from referring

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "refrain from referring" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when advising someone to avoid mentioning or alluding to something specific. Example: "In this discussion, please refrain from referring to past incidents that may cause unnecessary tension."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Is it too much to ask commentators to refrain from referring to female athletes as "girls"?

The Guardian

On Thursday, Mr. Ricco also asked that prosecutors refrain from referring to Mr. Seabrook's girlfriend, Gloria Jones-Grant, as his mistress, noting that the councilman had not always been married during the period in question, and that the word was inaccurate and carried a lot of "baggage".

The New York Times

"We have a job to do here, and in order for me to do my part effectively," Olivia icily tells the manipulative Mellie, "I'm going to need you to refrain from referring to me as a whore — at least in front of my face".

The New York Times

His followers often took the name Allah, but would refrain from referring to themselves as such in his presence, in deference to his authority.

Wikipedia

This implies that TBAs, especially untrained TBAs, may not recommend formal post-partum care and may refrain from referring women to formal health-care services.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

New cost containment policies in the Netherlands have recently urged GPs to adopt an even larger role in treating mental health conditions and to refrain from referring patients to specialised mental health services.

BMC Family Practice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Its closest cousin is probably something like The Sentimental Bloke although not as heavy on the doggerel and I've refrained from referring to woman as "tarts".

The Guardian

The billion and a half dollars that was spent on security during the Games paid off, and NBC's announcers, for their part, helpfully refrained from referring to the issue and increasing the unspoken anxiety in the air.

The New Yorker

In what strategists described as a deliberate show of confidence, he refrained from referring to Michael Howard or Tony Blair by name but attacked the Conservatives for their uncritical support of the conflict.

The Guardian

After the People's Republic of China joined the United Nations in 1971, British politicians refrained from referring to their country's recognition of Tibet's autonomy to avoid embarrassing Beijing.

The New York Times

Mr. Sheen denied charges of violence against women ("Consider the source") and he railed against Alcoholics Anonymous, CBS and most of all his show's executive producer, Chuck Lorre, though this time he refrained from referring to Mr. Lorre as "Chaim," as he did on a radio show and which was interpreted by many as an anti-Semitic slur.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When space is limited or a more direct tone is appropriate, consider using alternatives like "avoid mentioning".

Common error

While "refrain from referring" is correct, it can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "don't mention" or "avoid bringing up" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "refrain from referring" functions as a directive, advising or instructing someone to avoid mentioning or alluding to a specific subject or source. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness. The examples in Ludwig showcase this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

43%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "refrain from referring" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, that advises against mentioning or alluding to something. While the phrase is most commonly found in News & Media and Science contexts, it maintains a neutral-to-formal register, making it well-suited for professional and academic environments. When a more casual tone is appropriate, consider alternatives like "avoid mentioning". Remember that "refrain from referring" is best used when a specific topic or source should be avoided to maintain decorum or prevent controversy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

avoid mentioning

This alternative directly suggests not bringing something up.

abstain from referencing

This alternative implies a deliberate choice not to cite or allude to something.

desist from alluding to

This suggests stopping any indirect reference to a topic.

hold back from mentioning

This implies a conscious effort to suppress a reference.

forgo reference to

This means to omit or waive the act of referring to something.

omit any mention of

This emphasizes the complete absence of any reference.

decline to cite

This suggests a formal decision not to refer to something.

shun any reference to

This indicates a strong avoidance of any connection or mention.

keep silent about

This implies not speaking about a particular topic or subject.

avoid bringing up

This is a more conversational way to suggest not introducing a topic.

FAQs

What does "refrain from referring" mean?

The phrase "refrain from referring" means to abstain from mentioning or alluding to something specific, usually to avoid causing offense, confusion, or other negative consequences.

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

You can use "refrain from referring" in sentences like, "During the meeting, please refrain from referring to the ongoing legal dispute" or "The speaker asked the audience to refrain from referring to his previous controversial statements".

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

You can use alternatives like "avoid mentioning", "abstain from referencing", or "omit any mention of" depending on the context.

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

It's appropriate to use "refrain from referring" in formal or professional settings where you need to politely instruct someone to avoid mentioning a particular topic. In more casual settings, simpler phrases may be more suitable.