refrain from touching

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "refrain from touching" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to advise or instruct someone not to touch something or someone. Example: "For safety reasons, please refrain from touching the exhibits in the museum."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Each sign politely reads: "As these are important heritage artefacts, we appreciate if you refrain from touching.

The Guardian

One of the printed rules of the Morgan Library is: Readers must refrain from touching any portion of the text or decoration, and, in closer….

The New Yorker

Ernest Bai Koroma, president of Sierra Leone, the worst-hit nation, used a New Year's Day address to call for a week of fasting and prayer to help end the outbreak and urged people to refrain from touching the sick or corpses.

The Guardian

By Vera Moos and Burton Bernstein The New Yorker, April 24 , 1965P. 38 One of the printed rules of the Morgan Library is: Readers must refrain from touching any portion of the text or decoration, and, in closer examination, to refrain from breathing upon the page.

The New Yorker

"I conveyed my basic views on various issues to Mr. Trump, but with regard to more of the specifics or details, because [he] has not assumed the office as the president of the United States and today's discussion was an unofficial discussion, I'd like to refrain from touching on details," Abe said, adding that they had agreed to meet again to discuss bilateral issues in more detail.

The Guardian

We asked that the mother keep her hands clasped behind the infants' back throughout the procedure and refrain from touching the infant's head with her face (to keep observers blind).

BMC Pediatrics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Help us preserve our artwork by refraining from touching outdoor sculpture.

Stanford University

The Act, which most political parties have refrained from touching and several Christian civilian groups want implemented, gives the government power to regulate the land owned by churches.

Huffington Post

Refraining from touching a woman he is not related to is considered a gesture of respect and modesty.[13].[13]

WikiHow

They are among the allegorical figures who meet up with Everyman on his journey to death, characters on whom the directors, Kathryn Hunter and Marcello Magni, can't refrain from bestowing modernist touches.

The New York Times

Ask if you can refrain from touching the corpse.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing people in public spaces like museums or historical sites, using "refrain from touching" provides a polite and respectful tone, encouraging compliance without being overly forceful.

Common error

Avoid using "refrain from touching" in very informal settings; it can sound overly formal or even sarcastic. Opt for simpler phrases like "don't touch" or "hands off" in casual contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "refrain from touching" functions as an instruction or request to avoid physical contact. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is used to politely discourage or prohibit touching. It combines the verb 'refrain', indicating abstinence, with 'touching', the gerund form of 'touch'.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Wiki

36%

News & Media

36%

Science

21%

Less common in

Academia

7%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "refrain from touching" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to politely discourage physical contact. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and correctness. It is most suitable for formal and professional settings, serving purposes of preservation, hygiene, and respect. While alternatives exist, such as "avoid touching" or "do not touch", "refrain from touching" offers a nuanced level of politeness. Its prevalence across Wiki, News & Media, and Scientific sources underscores its versatility and appropriateness in diverse contexts. When choosing your words, consider the context and audience to ensure your message is both clear and respectful.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

avoid touching

Focuses on preventing the action of touching, emphasizing caution.

do not touch

A direct command not to make physical contact.

keep your hands off

Informal way to strongly discourage touching something.

hands off

A shorter, more emphatic way to say 'keep your hands off'.

abstain from touching

More formal and emphasizes a deliberate choice to avoid touching.

desist from touching

Similar to 'abstain', suggesting a more conscious effort to stop oneself from touching.

do not handle

Focuses specifically on the action of handling something.

leave untouched

Emphasizes the state of something remaining untouched.

avoid physical contact with

Broader term that includes all forms of physical contact.

keep away from

Indicates maintaining a distance to prevent touching.

FAQs

What does "refrain from touching" mean?

It means to avoid making physical contact with something or someone. It's a polite way of asking or instructing someone not to touch.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "refrain from touching"?

It's appropriate in formal settings, such as museums, historical sites, or during professional instructions, where a respectful tone is desired.

Are there any synonyms for "refrain from touching"?

Yes, you can use alternatives like "avoid touching", "do not touch", or "keep your hands off" depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is "refrain from touching" grammatically correct?

Yes, "refrain from touching" is grammatically correct. The verb "refrain" is correctly followed by the preposition "from" and the gerund "touching".