refraining from that action

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "refraining from that action" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the act of intentionally avoiding or abstaining from a specific behavior or action. Example: "In order to maintain a positive environment, it is important to focus on refraining from that action during discussions."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Action: Refraining from actions that cause harm to self or others (i.e., the precepts against killing, stealing, sexual misconduct, false speech, and intoxication), and engaging only in wholesome actions that are beneficial to all living beings.

Yale University

It appears that Boxer and the other initiators of the letter decided that rather than emphasize the importance of both sides refraining from taking actions that would undermine the credibility of the negotiations, they were determined to put the U.S. Senate on record putting all the blame for the possible collapse of the talks on the Palestinians and none on the Israelis.

Huffington Post

Morris recognizes, apparently, that the primary sense in which an agent is free in performing an action requires that the agent either (a) could have refrained from performing that action or, at least, (b) could have refrained from causing his decision to perform that action.

SEP

China's foreign ministry, meanwhile, called on all relevant parties to "refrain from action that might escalate the situation in the region".

BBC

Current House rules only ambiguously require that lawmakers refrain from taking action that might bring them direct personal financial benefit, particularly if such action assists an individual company instead of a broad class of companies.

The New York Times

Further condemnation came from German Justice Minister Sabine Leutheusser-Schnarrenberger: "The German government demands that Ukraine refrain from any action that harms Ms Tymoshenko's rights.

BBC

[ 17] More specifically, it is a negative duty that requires actors to intentionally refrain from actions that cause harm.

BMC Medical Ethics

On the survival guide's table of contents ― a version of which can be found online ― the code of conduct explicitly outlines that "participants must refrain from actions that would limit or threaten another individual's safe enjoyment of the event by another person or societal standards".

Huffington Post

And when should taxpayers refrain from actions that will cut their bills, even if their actions are legal?

The New York Times

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton intimated as much soon before the vote when she warned, "We've urged both parties to refrain from actions that might in any way make a return to meaningful negotiations that focus on getting to a resolution more difficult".

The New York Times

Nevertheless, Article 18 of the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties, which many commentators regard as reflecting customary international law, provides that when a nation signs a treaty it is obligated to refrain from actions that would defeat the “object and purpose” of the treaty until such time as it makes clear its intent not to become a party to the treaty.

Duke University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use this phrase in formal writing where a neutral, objective tone is required, especially when discussing rules, guidelines, or consequences.

Common error

Avoid using "refraining from that action" in casual conversations or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "avoiding it" or "not doing it" often sound more natural and less stilted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "refraining from that action" primarily functions as a directive or recommendation, typically found in formal contexts. Based on Ludwig AI, this phrase denotes a deliberate decision to abstain from a specific course of behavior.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "refraining from that action" is grammatically correct and usable, primarily functioning as a formal directive to abstain from specific behaviors. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase often conveys a deliberate decision to avoid certain actions, typically to prevent negative outcomes or maintain compliance. While suitable for formal and professional contexts, simpler alternatives are more appropriate for informal settings. Common alternatives include "avoiding that action" and "abstaining from that action".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

abstaining from that action

Replaces "refraining" with "abstaining", which carries a similar connotation of voluntary self-restraint.

avoiding that action

Substitutes "refraining" with "avoiding", which implies preventing something from happening or evading it.

desisting from that action

Uses "desisting" instead of "refraining", suggesting a more formal or legalistic tone of ceasing from a particular action.

forbearing that action

Replaces "refraining" with "forbearing", which implies patience and tolerance in abstaining from an action.

holding back from that action

Employs "holding back" to convey the idea of suppressing or restraining oneself from performing a specific action.

not engaging in that action

Uses a more descriptive and literal approach to convey the non-performance of a certain action.

staying away from that action

Suggests keeping oneself distant from the action, emphasizing avoidance or prevention.

shunning that action

Implies deliberately avoiding or rejecting a specific action due to ethical or moral considerations.

eschewing that action

Replaces "refraining" with "eschewing", denoting a conscious and deliberate avoidance of a particular action, often for moral or aesthetic reasons.

keeping clear of that action

Indicates maintaining a safe distance from the action to avoid involvement or negative consequences.

FAQs

What does "refraining from that action" mean?

It means to abstain from doing something or to deliberately avoid performing a specific action. It often implies a conscious decision to hold back from a certain behavior or course of conduct.

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

You might use it like this: "The treaty requires all parties "to refrain from any action" that could escalate the conflict."

What are some alternatives to "refraining from that action"?

You can use alternatives like "avoiding that action", "abstaining from that action", or "desisting from that action", depending on the context.

Is "refraining from that action" formal or informal?

It tends to be more formal. In informal contexts, consider using simpler phrases like "avoiding it" or "not doing it".