refraining from making

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "refraining from making" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of intentionally avoiding or abstaining from doing something. Example: "The committee is refraining from making any decisions until all members have had a chance to voice their opinions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

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

The Guardian

Livni said the prisoner release was contingent on the Palestinians refraining from making unilateral moves.

The Guardian

Chinese leaders have repeatedly expressed confidence that Europe will find solutions to the crisis, while refraining from making firm financial commitments of support.

The New York Times

He may not officially be cleared until Monday morning, however, so the team is refraining from making any public pronouncement until then.

The New York Times - Sports

Nicola Sturgeon, the Scottish First Minister, previously suggested that ministers might be refraining from making an aid claim for fear of antagonising eurosceptics ahead of the UK's referendum.

Independent

They have chided governments for doing little more than impose austerity to balance their budgets while refraining from making strategic decisions to develop more sustainable growth.

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

Sometimes I had to refrain from making portraits.

The New York Times - Arts

To refrain from making assumptions or judgments about my fellow community members.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

He has refrained from making such remarks again to avoid another fine from Commissioner David Stern.

The New York Times - Sports

Therefore, we will refrain from making any public comment at this time.

The New York Times - Sports

Apple and the publishers also agreed to refrain from making "most favored nation" arrangements.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "refraining from making" to indicate a conscious and deliberate choice to avoid a particular action, especially when tact or diplomacy is required.

Common error

Avoid using "refraining from making" when the avoidance is not deliberate. "Failed to make" is more appropriate when referring to an inability or oversight, rather than a conscious decision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "refraining from making" functions as a gerund phrase, acting as a noun. It often serves as the object of a verb or preposition, indicating the action of abstaining from a specific act. Ludwig shows how it is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "refraining from making" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express a deliberate choice to avoid a particular action. Ludwig indicates that this phrase is suitable for formal contexts, especially in news, scientific, and academic writing. While not the most common phrase, it effectively conveys self-restraint and intentional avoidance. When writing, ensure that "refraining from making" accurately reflects a conscious decision, rather than a mere inability to act. For alternatives, consider "abstaining from creating" or "avoiding the production of" to convey a similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

abstaining from creating

This alternative emphasizes the act of voluntarily choosing not to create something, highlighting a deliberate decision.

avoiding the production of

This phrase focuses on the action of dodging or preventing the production of something.

choosing not to formulate

This option underlines a conscious decision against formulating or developing something.

declining to develop

This suggests a refusal to develop or elaborate on something, indicating a deliberate choice to halt progress.

eschewing the creation of

This alternative implies a deliberate avoidance of creating something, often for ethical or strategic reasons.

forgoing the making of

This suggests a voluntary sacrifice of the opportunity to make something, often due to circumstance or principle.

holding back from constructing

This phrase highlights the act of restraining oneself from building or constructing something.

opting out of devising

This indicates a choice to withdraw from the process of devising or planning something.

preventing the formation of

This focuses on stopping something from being formed or created, often due to concerns about its outcome.

withholding the generation of

This suggests a deliberate act of holding back or suppressing the generation of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "refraining from making" to describe someone deliberately avoiding a particular action. For example, "The company is "refraining from making" any public statements until the investigation is complete."

What are some alternatives to "refraining from making"?

Alternatives include "abstaining from creating", "avoiding the production of", or "choosing not to formulate" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "refraining from making"?

It is appropriate when you want to emphasize a conscious decision to avoid doing something, often due to strategic, ethical, or diplomatic considerations.

Is there a difference between "refraining from making" and "failing to make"?

Yes, "refraining from making" implies a deliberate choice to avoid an action, while "failing to make" suggests an inability or oversight. The former is intentional, the latter is not.