refrained from trying

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "refrained from trying" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that someone chose not to attempt something or to hold back from making an effort. Example: "Despite the challenges, she refrained from trying to intervene in the situation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

In the most recent Republican debate, the other candidates not only refrained from trying to hurt Carson but seemed eager to help him.

The New Yorker

Though hybridizers have obviously worked on campanulas, they have refrained from trying to make them into something else.

The New York Times

Jones argues that Nadir Shah and his successors were able to achieve such stability "because they understood the importance of local power" and refrained from trying to displace it.

The New York Times - Magazine

The government has gradually pushed up interest rates and raised the percentage of assets that banks must keep as reserves with the central bank, but it has refrained from trying to shock the economy into a slower pace of growth through sharp interest rate increases or severe administrative controls.

The New York Times

Pork it was, and while some people certainly refrained from trying the brat-topped latkes, plenty of people in the crowd were coming back for seconds.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Subjects refrained from physical activity 2 days prior to the test days.

Basic Research in Cardiology

We have thus, in this report, refrained from using inferential statistics and have only reported our results on this sample.

Journal of Software Engineering Research and Development

The president, in fact, pointedly refrained from repeating that formula.

The Economist

Until then, the government had conspicuously refrained from cracking down.

The Guardian

The demonstrators, in turn, mostly refrained from hitting officers.

The New York Times

The public refrained from holding protests during the elections.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "refrained from trying" when you want to emphasize a conscious decision to avoid making an attempt, often due to potential negative consequences or a lack of confidence in success.

Common error

Avoid using reflexive pronouns incorrectly. For example, instead of saying "He refrained himself from trying", use "He refrained from trying". The reflexive pronoun is unnecessary in this context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "refrained from trying" functions as a verb phrase indicating a deliberate decision to abstain from attempting something. It conveys a sense of conscious avoidance. Ludwig examples show its use in describing situations where individuals or entities chose not to make an effort.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "refrained from trying" denotes a conscious decision to avoid making an attempt. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It's often employed in news and media, reflecting strategic avoidance or caution. While grammatically sound, it is relatively rare. Alternatives include "chose not to try" and "held back from attempting", offering nuanced options depending on the context. Avoid misusing reflexive pronouns like "himself" in conjunction with the phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

chose not to try

A straightforward way of saying that a decision was made against trying.

refused to attempt

Indicates a firm decision against attempting something.

held back from attempting

Highlights the act of restraining oneself from making an attempt.

avoided attempting

Emphasizes the act of actively steering clear of an attempt.

desisted from trying

A more formal way to express stopping oneself from attempting something.

abstained from attempting

Implies a deliberate and often moral decision not to attempt.

shied away from trying

Suggests a reluctance or timidity in approaching an attempt.

forbore to try

A somewhat archaic way to say that someone restrained themselves from trying.

passed on the attempt

An idiomatic way to express declining to make an attempt.

dodged the attempt

Suggests cleverly avoiding an attempt.

FAQs

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

You can use "refrained from trying" to indicate that someone consciously avoided attempting something. For example, "Despite the opportunity, she "refrained from trying" to interfere."

What are some alternatives to "refrained from trying"?

Alternatives include "chose not to try", "avoided attempting", or "held back from attempting", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "refrained from trying" or "refrained from doing"?

The choice depends on the context. "Refrained from doing" is more general, while "refrained from trying" specifically refers to abstaining from an attempt. If the action involves effort or a test of ability, "refrained from trying" is more suitable.

What does "refrained from trying" imply about the situation?

It suggests a deliberate decision to avoid an action, often implying caution, lack of confidence, or awareness of potential negative consequences. It highlights a conscious choice not to engage.