refrain from telling

USAGE SUMMARY

"refrain from telling" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when advising someone to avoid sharing information or disclosing something. Example: "Please refrain from telling anyone about the surprise party." Alternative expressions include "avoid sharing" and "abstain from disclosing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

I will refrain from telling you".

The New Yorker

I refrain from telling her that she's got it wrong, however.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The programmes wisely refrain from telling teachers how to teach, leaving decisions on delivery and organisation to schools themselves.

The Guardian

Dr. Weintraub said that someone in Mr. Robertson's public position should refrain from telling others how to solve such a complex problem.

The New York Times

In the back seat, Lynne Cheney whispered that she was trying to refrain from telling the Secret Service agent behind the wheel which route to take.

The New York Times

Berkovits says that not only did he refrain from telling Gerstel about being unhappy at the prospect of having a cash-for-gold operation as a neighbor but he also offered advice to Gerstel about buying advertising.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

Other schools refrained from telling the youngest students what had happened.

The New York Times

Michael Goldsmith refrained from telling Teixeira that he was an Orioles fan.

The New York Times - Sports

Yet Ivy and its executives refrained from telling investors for fear of losing out on lucrative fees, the suit says.

The New York Times

Griffin refrains from telling us what her lowlight was, though I think we all know what it was.

The Guardian - Film

Though Nachtwey refrains from telling us where we should stand, he makes a strong case that detachment is a luxury we can't afford.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "refrain from telling" when you want to advise someone to consciously avoid sharing specific information or details, especially when discretion is needed.

Common error

Avoid using "refrain from telling" in very casual conversations; it can sound overly formal or stiff. Opt for more relaxed alternatives like "don't mention" or "keep quiet about" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "refrain from telling" functions as a verb phrase, specifically as an infinitive clause acting as a complement. It usually follows a verb, conveying advice, instruction, or a conscious decision to withhold information, which aligns with Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Wiki

19%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "refrain from telling" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for advising someone to not disclose information. Ludwig's analysis confirms its prevalence across news, wiki, and scientific contexts, but also highlights its tendency toward formality. When using this phrase, be mindful of your audience and consider if a more casual alternative might be more appropriate. According to Ludwig AI, understanding its nuance ensures effective and contextually appropriate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

avoid disclosing

Implies a conscious effort to not reveal information.

abstain from revealing

Suggests a deliberate holding back of information that one might otherwise share.

hold back from sharing

Focuses on the act of preventing oneself from communicating something.

keep from disclosing

Emphasizes the effort to maintain secrecy about a particular detail.

omit to mention

Highlights the action of intentionally leaving something unsaid.

decline to reveal

Suggests a formal refusal to provide certain information.

desist from announcing

Implies stopping oneself from publicly declaring something.

silence oneself about

Highlights the act of deliberately not speaking about something.

keep mum about

An informal way of saying to remain silent about something.

not breathe a word about

Emphasizes the importance of keeping something a secret.

FAQs

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

You can use "refrain from telling" when advising someone not to disclose specific information. For example, "Please "refrain from telling" anyone about the surprise party until after it happens."

What are some alternatives to "refrain from telling"?

Some alternatives include "avoid disclosing", "abstain from revealing", or "hold back from sharing". The best choice depends on the context and the level of formality required.

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

It's appropriate in situations where you want to emphasize the importance of keeping something secret or confidential. It's often used in formal settings or when giving instructions.

Is "refrain from telling" different from "avoid telling"?

While both phrases suggest not sharing information, "refrain from telling" implies a more conscious and deliberate effort to hold back, while "avoid telling" might simply mean not bringing up a topic.