refrained from participating

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "refrained from participating" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing someone who chose not to take part in an activity or event. Example: "Despite the invitation, she refrained from participating in the discussion."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

585 persons refrained from participating; yielding a participation rate of the interview and examination of 47.7%.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

Robert was thankful that Paulette had refrained from participating, not because he was a prude but because he suddenly really fucking hated that cocksucker Bill Harrison.

The New Yorker

Many of the most powerful nobles refrained from participating in the ceremony, but Blanche was not a woman to be discouraged by adversity.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Begley says that only two marriages in the Updikes' circle survived that time, and both of those couples had refrained from participating in the sexual roundelay that was (to use the phrase from "Couples") the "post-pill paradise" of nineteen-sixties Ipswich.

The New Yorker

Yet prominent political figures from these groups, such as Hazara leaders Karim Khalili and Mohammad Mohaghegh, or the powerful Uzbek leader General Abdul Rashid Dostum, are running mates not presidential candidates, and one of the most important Tajik political players, Atta Muhammad Noor, has refrained from participating.

The Guardian - Opinion

585 persons refrained from participating.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

We ask all artists to refrain from participating in the mounting of any Graham work.

The New York Times - Arts

Just supposing amorous advances have actually been welcomed, it's also worth refraining from participating in more intimate activities.

Independent

Presidential candidates must "refrain from participating in any promotional and/or communications campaign" based on their written pitches.

The New York Times - Sports

As a condition of his confirmation by the Senate, Mr. Griles signed two letters saying that for six years he would refrain from participating in matters involving his former clients.

The New York Times

Hart, who teaches English at the College of William and Mary, refrains from participating in the mythology of his subject, perceiving and investigating even minor distortions of past incidents and moving expertly through the battalions of personas Dickey developed for himself.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "refrained from participating" when you want to emphasize a conscious decision not to engage in an activity, especially when there might have been an expectation or opportunity to do so.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "refrained from participating" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. In informal settings, consider using simpler alternatives like "didn't join in" or "chose not to participate".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "refrained from participating" functions as a verb phrase indicating a deliberate decision to abstain from involvement in an activity or event. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and readily understood. The examples showcase its use across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "refrained from participating" is a grammatically correct and understandable way to express a deliberate choice not to engage in an activity. As Ludwig AI points out, it is widely accepted and applicable in various contexts, especially in formal, scientific and news-related settings. While alternatives such as "chose not to participate" or "declined to take part" exist and may be more suitable for informal conversations, "refrained from participating" is particularly effective when emphasizing a conscious decision to abstain. When incorporating this phrase into your writing, remember it best suits formal tones and situations where the act of abstaining is noteworthy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

chose not to participate

Replaces "refrained" with a more direct expression of choice.

declined to take part

Substitutes "refrained" with "declined" and "participating" with "take part", focusing on the act of refusal.

opted out of participating

Replaces "refrained" with "opted out", emphasizing a voluntary decision to not be involved.

abstained from involvement

Replaces "participating" with "involvement", providing a slightly more formal tone.

stayed away from participating

Replaces "refrained" with "stayed away", highlighting avoidance of the activity.

did not engage in participation

Uses a more formal and somewhat verbose structure.

avoided taking part

Emphasizes the act of actively avoiding involvement.

withdrew from participation

Suggests a previous involvement that was terminated.

kept aloof from participating

Implies a deliberate detachment and distance from the activity.

held back from joining in

Focuses on hesitating and not becoming part of the activity.

FAQs

What does "refrained from participating" mean?

The phrase "refrained from participating" means that someone consciously chose not to take part in a particular activity or event. It implies a deliberate decision to abstain.

What can I say instead of "refrained from participating"?

You can use alternatives like "chose not to participate", "declined to take part", or "opted out of participating", depending on the context.

Is "refrained from participating" formal or informal?

The phrase "refrained from participating" leans towards the formal side. In casual conversations, consider using simpler alternatives. However, in academic or professional writing, it's perfectly appropriate.

How to use "refrained from participating" in a sentence?

You can use "refrained from participating" to describe someone's decision not to engage in an activity. For example: "Despite the invitation, she refrained from participating in the discussion."