refrain from speaking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "refrain from speaking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to advise or instruct someone to avoid talking or making noise, often in formal or polite situations. Example: "During the presentation, please refrain from speaking so that everyone can hear the speaker clearly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

Young executives with good ideas refrain from speaking up.

The Economist

Even with good questions, many people refrain from speaking up.

Harvard Business Review

She ordered both sides to refrain from speaking about the case in the interim.

The New York Times - Sports

In the 1930s, German Jewish refugees were urged to learn English and refrain from speaking German.

The Guardian

Federal authorities asked Radomski to refrain from speaking about his case.

The New York Times - Sports

No one should want Mr. Lieberman to refrain from speaking from his heart about his faith.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

They refrained from speaking to plaintiff or others and committed no breach of the peace.

Cornell University

As for the Opposition, Mendes-France, who leads it, refrained from speaking or voting.

The New Yorker

Zervos, for her part, has refrained from speaking to the media since the Inauguration.

The New Yorker

The odd thing about his statement was that he and his fellow generals had refrained from speaking up earlier.

The Economist

Still very active in the counterterrorism debate within the armed forces, Cowan has refrained from speaking out publicly.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "refrain from speaking" in formal settings or when a polite directive is needed to maintain silence, such as in meetings, presentations, or during performances. For example: "During the concert, please refrain from speaking to avoid disturbing the musicians and other audience members."

Common error

Avoid using "refrain from speaking" in casual conversations or informal settings where it might sound overly formal or stilted. Instead, opt for simpler alternatives like "please be quiet" or "hold on, I'm listening".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "refrain from speaking" primarily functions as an imperative construction, used to politely request or instruct someone to be silent. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in formal requests and legal contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Formal & Business

24%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "refrain from speaking" is a grammatically sound phrase used to politely request or instruct silence. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It's commonly found in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science contexts, suggesting a neutral-to-formal register. While "refrain from speaking" is appropriate for formal settings, simpler alternatives may be preferred in casual conversations. Remember to avoid overuse in informal situations to maintain a natural tone. Consider related phrases like "avoid speaking" or "keep silent" for varying degrees of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

avoid speaking

This alternative simply uses "avoid" instead of "refrain", making it slightly less formal.

abstain from talking

This phrase uses "abstain", which is a more formal synonym for "refrain", and "talking" instead of "speaking".

keep silent

This option replaces the entire phrase with a more direct expression of silence.

remain silent

Similar to "keep silent", this conveys the act of maintaining silence.

hold one's tongue

This is an idiomatic expression for avoiding saying something, often when tempted to speak.

not utter a word

This phrase emphasizes the complete absence of speech.

desist from talking

Using "desist" provides a more commanding or formal tone than "refrain".

bite your tongue

An informal idiom that means to stop yourself from saying something.

mute oneself

A more modern expression, often used in the context of virtual meetings or communication.

pipe down

This is an informal command to be quiet.

FAQs

How to use "refrain from speaking" in a sentence?

You can use "refrain from speaking" to politely request silence. For example, "During the lecture, please "refrain from speaking"." It's often used in formal contexts.

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

Alternatives include "avoid speaking", "keep silent", or "remain silent", depending on the level of formality required.

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

"Refrain from speaking" is best used in formal situations where a polite but firm request for silence is necessary, such as in courtrooms, libraries, or during a performance. In more casual contexts, simpler phrases may be more appropriate.

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

"Refrain from speaking" carries a slightly more formal and directive tone, suggesting a conscious effort to hold back from talking. "Avoid speaking" is a more general suggestion to not talk, without necessarily implying a specific effort or command.