refrain from taking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "refrain from taking" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when advising someone to avoid or abstain from a specific action or behavior. Example: "We kindly ask you to refrain from taking photographs during the performance to respect the artists' privacy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Riders in Tokyo were asked to refrain from taking calls at peak hours.

The New York Times

Did the new welfare laws allow men to refrain from taking care of their children?

The Economist

Perhaps refrain from taking a duvet and pillows though; you might get some weird looks.

Independent

So [ministers] are fine with making political statements but they refrain from taking concrete action".

The Guardian

One of Buddhism's core principles is to refrain from taking life.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We should strengthen dialogue and consultation, refrain from taking protectionist measures and avoid politicizing trade issues.

The New York Times

(They also politely requested that photographers refrain from taking pictures of child soldiers).

The New York Times

"One must refrain from taking measures which have no return," Mr. Kharrazi said.

The New York Times

Healthy women who showed no such symptoms should refrain from taking HRT.

The Guardian

Reid wants people to stay on paths and to refrain from taking selfies with animals.

The Guardian

The Council, he said, "should refrain from taking any actions at this critical juncture".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "refrain from taking" when you want to politely or formally advise someone to avoid a particular action, especially when the action could be perceived as undesirable or inappropriate. For instance, "Visitors are requested to refrain from taking photographs during the performance."

Common error

While "refrain from taking" is grammatically sound, avoid using it in very casual settings. Alternatives like "avoid taking" or "don't take" might be more appropriate for informal conversations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "refrain from taking" functions as a directive, often used in polite requests or formal instructions. As Ludwig AI confirms, it advises avoidance of a specific action. Examples include advising riders to "refrain from taking" calls or asking photographers to "refrain from taking" pictures.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

44%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "refrain from taking" is a grammatically sound and versatile phrase used to politely request or instruct someone to avoid a specific action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely accepted and utilized across various contexts, particularly in news and media and scientific publications. While more formal than alternatives like "avoid taking" or "don't take", its use depends on the context and desired tone. Remember to use it appropriately to maintain a polite and respectful tone, especially in formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

avoid taking

Uses 'avoid' instead of 'refrain', indicating a desire to keep away from something.

abstain from taking

Emphasizes a deliberate and often formal decision to not take something.

desist from taking

A more formal and less common way to express stopping oneself from taking.

hold back from taking

Suggests restraining oneself or being prevented from taking something.

forgo taking

Implies a voluntary decision to give up the act of taking.

refuse to take

Indicates a firm decision not to take something, emphasizing rejection.

decline to take

A polite way of saying no to taking something.

shun taking

Suggests avoiding taking something due to dislike or disapproval.

bypass taking

Indicates choosing an alternate route or method to avoid taking something.

pass up taking

Implies missing an opportunity to take something, often voluntarily.

FAQs

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

You can use "refrain from taking" to politely request someone to avoid a particular action. For example, "We ask that you "refrain from taking" calls during the meeting" or "Please "refrain from taking" food into the library".

What are some alternatives to "refrain from taking"?

Alternatives include "avoid taking", "abstain from taking", or simply "don't take", depending on the context and level of formality.

Is it better to say "refrain from taking" or "avoid taking"?

"Refrain from taking" is generally more formal and polite than "avoid taking". The best choice depends on the context and your desired tone. Use "refrain" in official notices or formal requests; "avoid" is suitable for more casual situations.

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

It's appropriate to use "refrain from taking" when you want to make a polite but firm request for someone to not do something, especially when the action might be disruptive or inappropriate. This phrase is often used in formal settings or public announcements.