refrained from joining

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "refrained from joining" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing someone who has chosen not to participate in an activity or group. Example: "Despite the invitation, she refrained from joining the discussion, preferring to listen instead."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Sean refrained from joining the fantasy acquisition, finding all the Chihulys excessive.

The New Yorker

The South had refrained from joining for fear of angering the North.

The New York Times

But she refrained from joining critics who said that the New York City Police Department was lax in its response.

The New York Times

His twin brother, Yoel, was killed in the Yom Kippur War in 1973, but Noam refrained from joining anti-government demonstrations at the time.

The New York Times - Magazine

Having been a closet insomniac for years, I've generally refrained from joining in when others complain (or, it sometimes seems, brag) about never getting a good night's sleep.

The New York Times

Those who refrained from joining the insurgent attacks on the US, for fear this would be aiding Saddam, may now feel no such restraint.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

So you need to be brave and refrain from joining the dots for them.

The Guardian

Across London, Chelsea have found themselves unable to refrain from joining in the fun.

The Guardian - Sport

Employees were given the right to organize unions and could not be required, as a condition of employment, to join or to refrain from joining a labour organization.

Encyclopedia Britannica

We suggest that although an All-Revenue-Share Fee is appealing for Internet malls due to its ability to capture sales leakage directly, it may cause the stores to refrain from joining the mall in certain circumstances.

Journal of Retailing

But Cairo depends on foreign assistance, which would make Egypt vulnerable to the enormous international pressure it would most likely face to refrain from joining an arms race.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "refrained from joining" to convey a deliberate decision not to participate, especially when implying a potential pressure or expectation to do so.

Common error

While "refrained from joining" is grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal in casual contexts. Consider using simpler alternatives like "didn't join" or "chose not to participate" for everyday conversations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "refrained from joining" functions as a verbal phrase, indicating a deliberate action of choosing not to participate. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically sound and readily understood in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "refrained from joining" is a grammatically correct and understandable phrase used to express a deliberate decision not to participate in something. While Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common use, it's essential to consider the context. The phrase is most commonly found in news media and has a neutral register. For more casual settings, simpler alternatives such as "didn't join" might be more suitable. Remember that using language effectively involves choosing the right words for the right situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

did not get involved

A common and simple way of stating non-participation.

chose not to participate

A more direct and simple way of saying someone decided against participation.

abstained from participating

This alternative suggests a formal decision to not participate, often in a vote or official process.

declined to take part

Indicates a polite refusal to engage in an activity.

avoided participation

Focuses on the act of keeping away from participating in something.

opted out of involvement

Highlights the active choice to remove oneself from a situation.

held back from engaging

Suggests a hesitation or reluctance to get involved.

stayed away from involvement

Emphasizes avoiding participation or association.

desisted from entering

Implies stopping oneself from entering or becoming a part of something.

remained separate from

Highlights maintaining a state of being apart and uninvolved.

FAQs

How can I use "refrained from joining" in a sentence?

You can use "refrained from joining" to indicate a conscious decision not to participate in an activity or group. For example: "Despite the invitation, she "refrained from joining" the discussion."

What are some alternatives to "refrained from joining"?

Alternatives include "chose not to participate", "declined to take part", or "did not get involved", depending on the context.

Is "refrained from joining" formal or informal?

"Refrained from joining" leans toward the formal side. Simpler alternatives like "didn't join" or "chose not to" are more appropriate for informal contexts.

What is the difference between "refrained from joining" and "avoided joining"?

"Refrained from joining" implies a conscious effort to resist an urge or expectation to participate, while "avoided joining" simply indicates that someone took steps to stay away from participating. "Refrained from joining" highlights the internal struggle or decision-making process more than "avoided joining".