refraining from doing so

USAGE SUMMARY

'refraining from doing so' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to make a statement about avoiding something or not performing an action. Example: After considering the risks, I decided to refrain from doing so.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Creating new headache-care services would certainly demand investment of additional financial and human resources in the health sector; on the other hand, refraining from doing so will leave undiminished the burden of these highly prevalent but cost-effectively treatable brain disorders [36].

The Journal of Headache and Pain

The person who is experiencing the problem may be too embarrassed to get professional help, and may feel guilty for refraining from doing so.

Huffington Post

But I hope that you're refraining from doing so because you really don't want to -- not because you're scared or because you think there's something dirty or immoral or -- sweet Jesus help me -- slutty about it.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The son said he would refrain from doing so.

The New York Times

For fear of ridicule, your columnist has refrained from doing so.

The Economist

That subsequent generations refrained from doing so was, Freud suggested, due to a collective bad conscience.

Encyclopedia Britannica

(Gazprom has said it will try to refrain from doing so again this time).

The New York Times

Ms. Megawati had refrained from doing so, apparently out of fear of upsetting Islamic groups.

The New York Times

Many people do not mind being asked either to pop a capsule regularly, or to refrain from doing so.

The Economist

Which does not mean that anyone curious — and deep-pocketed — enough to take the test should refrain from doing so.

The New York Times

This obligation may be to pay a sum of money, to perform some act, or to refrain from doing so.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "refraining from doing so", ensure the context clearly defines the action being avoided to maintain clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

While grammatically correct, using "refraining from doing so" in casual conversation can sound overly formal or stilted. Opt for simpler alternatives like "deciding against it" or "not doing it" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "refraining from doing so" functions as a gerund phrase, often acting as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes the act of abstaining from a specific action. Ludwig AI confirms it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

17%

Encyclopedias

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "refraining from doing so" is a grammatically correct phrase used to express a deliberate choice not to perform a specific action. While Ludwig AI validates its correctness, it's important to consider the context: this phrase is more suited to formal writing or speech. For more casual settings, alternatives like "deciding against it" may be more appropriate. Predominantly found in news and media sources, it maintains a neutral to formal register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deciding against it

Simple, direct alternative highlighting the element of decision.

not proceeding with it

Directly indicates the lack of advancement or continuation of an action.

abstaining from such action

Uses formal language and emphasizes deliberate choice of inaction.

avoiding doing it

Indicates an active effort to keep away from performing the action.

choosing not to act accordingly

Highlights the decision-making aspect of not taking action.

opting out of that course of action

Emphasizes the selection of an alternative, non-active path.

skipping that action

Suggests a deliberate omission or oversight of a particular action.

holding back from that

Implies a degree of hesitation or restraint in not acting.

desisting from that activity

A more formal term for ceasing or abstaining from an activity.

forbearing to proceed

Suggests a patient or tolerant restraint from taking action.

FAQs

How to use "refraining from doing so" in a sentence?

You can use "refraining from doing so" to indicate a deliberate choice not to perform a certain action. For example: "After considering the risks, I am refraining from doing so."

What can I say instead of "refraining from doing so"?

You can use alternatives like "deciding against it", "choosing not to act", or "opting out" depending on the context.

Is "refraining from doing so" formal or informal?

"Refraining from doing so" tends to be more formal. In informal contexts, simpler phrases like "not doing it" or "skipping that" might be more appropriate.

Which is correct, "refraining from doing so" or "refrain from doing so"?

"Refraining from doing so" is the gerund form, often used after prepositions or as a subject. "Refrain from doing so" is the imperative or infinitive form, used to give a command or express a general inclination. The choice depends on the grammatical context.