refraining from

USAGE SUMMARY

"refraining from" is a perfectly acceptable and frequently used phrase in written English.
You can use it to indicate that someone is not engaging in an activity. For example: "He refrained from speaking in order to avoid saying something he would later regret."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Refraining from food is symbolic, of course.

The New York Times

But she's refraining from making assumptions about who it was.

The Guardian

You're not helping people by refraining from criticism.

The New York Times - Magazine

0900-0905: Honor troops overseas by refraining from cynicism.

The New York Times

Refraining from such battles would ultimately be more effective.

The New York Times

Laguens said: "Police are refraining from listing a motive.

The Guardian

All speakers agreed the importance of refraining from personal attacks.

The Guardian - Opinion

He is now refraining from more pointed language.

The New York Times

"So for now we are refraining from sending them.

The New York Times - Arts

So is queuing, courtesy and refraining from spitting.

The Economist

As it was, he was in four hearts, and East was cautious in refraining from doubling.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "refraining from", ensure that the context clearly indicates the action being avoided and the reason for doing so. This adds clarity and strengthens your message.

Common error

Avoid using "refraining from" when a complete cessation is intended; use stronger verbs like 'stopping' or 'ceasing' when you want to indicate the end of a particular activity, not just its temporary suspension.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "refraining from" functions as a verbal phrase acting as a gerund phrase, often used as a complement to a verb or preposition. Ludwig AI showcases its usage in expressing deliberate avoidance or restraint from a particular action. For example, "refraining from shouting slogans" or "refraining from personal attacks."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

31%

Wiki

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "refraining from" is a frequently used and grammatically sound phrase that indicates the act of deliberately avoiding a particular action. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is versatile and appears in various contexts, including news, science, and general writing. While alternatives like "abstaining from" or "avoiding" exist, "refraining from" often conveys a more conscious and intentional sense of restraint.

When employing this phrase, ensure clarity regarding the action being avoided and the underlying reason. Though neutral in tone, it can subtly elevate the formality of your writing. Avoiding overusing it in contexts demanding strong verbs like 'stopping' or 'ceasing' is crucial to maintain precision. Overall, "refraining from" serves as a valuable tool for expressing intentional avoidance in a wide array of communicative scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

abstaining from

This alternative is slightly more formal and emphasizes a deliberate choice to avoid something.

avoiding

This alternative is a general term for keeping away from something, lacking the emphasis on deliberate restraint.

not engaging in

This alternative is a more descriptive way of saying "refraining from", suitable for formal contexts.

desisting from

This alternative is a more formal and somewhat archaic term for ceasing or abstaining from an action.

holding back from

This alternative implies a conscious effort to restrain oneself from doing something.

forbearing from

This alternative is a formal term suggesting patience and tolerance in avoiding something.

keeping from

This alternative suggests preventing oneself or others from doing something.

shunning

This alternative implies deliberate avoidance, often due to disapproval or dislike.

eschewing

This alternative means deliberately avoiding something, often for moral or aesthetic reasons.

doing without

This alternative focuses on managing without something, highlighting the absence rather than the restraint.

FAQs

How can I use "refraining from" in a sentence?

You can use "refraining from" to indicate that someone is deliberately avoiding doing something. For example, "He is "refraining from commenting" on the issue to avoid further controversy."

What are some alternatives to "refraining from"?

Some alternatives to "refraining from" include "abstaining from", "avoiding", or "desisting from", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more formal to say "refraining from" or "avoiding"?

"Refraining from" tends to be slightly more formal than "avoiding", as it implies a more conscious and deliberate act of restraint. However, both are acceptable in most contexts.

What's the difference between "refraining from" and "preventing from"?

"Refraining from" indicates a voluntary act of stopping oneself, whereas "preventing from" implies stopping someone or something else. For example, "He is "refraining from eating dessert"" (self-control) versus "The fence is "preventing him from leaving"" (external barrier).