refrain from smoking

USAGE SUMMARY

'refrain from smoking' is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it when you would like to emphasize that someone should not smoke. For example: "I strongly urge you to refrain from smoking and instead follow a healthier lifestyle."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

154 (43.3%) smokers found it difficult to refrain from smoking, and 207 (58.1%) still smoked even when they were ill in bed, while 188 (52.8%) thought they were reluctant to give up the first cigarette in the morning.

BioMed Research International

Subjects who smoked were asked to refrain from smoking for at least 24 h before the study.

American Journal of Physiology - Heart and Circulatory Physiology

Although it's true that Soubi smokes a lot of cigarettes, it's highly suggested that you refrain from smoking because of health reasons.

WikiHow

Diners are asked to refrain from smoking cigars and perfumed cigarettes.

The New York Times - Travel

Cast members refrain from smoking, drinking & dating while on the road.

The New Yorker

But the individual should exercise, and eat well, wear seat belts when driving, and refrain from smoking.

University of California, Berkeley

"Please refrain from smoking during your shift, unless you are on an agreed break," urges the manual.

The Guardian - Sport

After embarking on a solo career, Dearie insisted that her nightclub audiences refrain from smoking during her performances so that she could preserve her tender voice.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A document about dress and discipline circulated around the unit in North Yorkshire said soldiers should also refrain from smoking cigarettes in uniform or texting on mobile phones whilst walking down the street.

The Telegraph

Visitors are asked to refrain from smoking ("tobacco mosaic virus harms iris") and from spraying irises with water to make them even more dewy and photogenic ("this magnifies the sun and damages the delicate blooms with burn spots").

The New York Times

It is a staunchly conservative town of 50,000, where the young generally refrain from smoking and drinking and would never dare to stroll publicly with someone of the opposite sex.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "refrain from smoking" when you want to emphasize a temporary or situational avoidance of smoking, rather than quitting entirely.

Common error

Avoid using "refrain from smoking" when you actually mean to convey the idea of permanently stopping smoking. "Refrain" suggests temporary abstinence, whereas "quit" implies a complete cessation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "refrain from smoking" functions primarily as an instruction or recommendation. It's used to advise or require individuals to avoid the act of smoking, as seen in the Ludwig examples where participants in studies are asked to temporarily stop smoking.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

68%

News & Media

27%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "refrain from smoking" is a widely used and generally accepted phrase that advises or instructs people to avoid smoking, particularly in specific situations or for a limited time. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and appropriate for use in written English, especially when you wish to emphasize that someone should not smoke. While "quit smoking" suggests a permanent cessation, "refrain from smoking" usually implies temporary abstinence. The phrase is frequently found in scientific and news media sources. Alternatives include more formal options like "abstain from smoking" or simpler ones like "do not smoke", depending on the context and desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Abstain from smoking

This is a more formal alternative, emphasizing deliberate self-restraint.

Avoid smoking

This is a more general term indicating to keep away from smoking.

Do not smoke

A direct and simple imperative, suitable for commands or warnings.

Quit smoking

This implies stopping a current habit, rather than just avoiding it temporarily.

Give up smoking

Similar to "quit smoking", suggesting the cessation of a habitual behavior.

Cease smoking

A more formal way to say "stop smoking".

Desist from smoking

A very formal and somewhat archaic way to say "stop smoking".

Kick the smoking habit

This is an idiomatic expression that means to stop smoking.

Break the smoking addiction

This phrase implies a struggle against addiction.

Say no to smoking

This emphasizes a conscious decision against smoking.

FAQs

How is "refrain from smoking" used in formal writing?

"Refrain from smoking" is suitable for formal contexts like research studies, regulations, or official announcements where temporary abstinence is required. For example: "Participants were asked to refrain from smoking for 24 hours prior to the study."

What's the difference between "abstain from smoking" and "refrain from smoking"?

"Abstain from smoking" is a more formal and emphatic term than "refrain from smoking", suggesting a stronger commitment to avoidance. "Refrain" is more commonly used for temporary or situational avoidance.

When should I use "avoid smoking" instead of "refrain from smoking"?

"Avoid smoking" is a general recommendation to keep away from smoking, whereas "refrain from smoking" is a specific instruction not to smoke in a particular situation or for a certain period.

Is "refrain from smoking" only used concerning cigarettes?

No, "refrain from smoking" can apply to any form of smoking, including cigars, pipes, and e-cigarettes. The context usually clarifies what type of smoking is being referred to.