refrains from speaking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "refrains from speaking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who chooses not to speak or hold back from expressing their thoughts or opinions in a particular situation. Example: "During the meeting, she refrains from speaking, allowing others to share their ideas first."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"There is the general view that all Kurds are criminals, that a Kurd has a gun or a bomb," said Mehmet Aktar, a lawyer who says he still refrains from speaking Kurdish in public when he visits Istanbul.

The New York Times

At the same time the Polish Government implicitly renounces its claim for an indemnity for the damage done and refrains from speaking of the "new guarantees" for its officials, and for the Polish population of Danzig, which had been demanded in a previous letter immediately after the incident.

Yale University

Yet, even if he cognitively refrains from speaking such language nowadays, countless other whites do engage in racially charged discourse -- of course, most only do so behind closed doors.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Young executives with good ideas refrain from speaking up.

The Economist

Even with good questions, many people refrain from speaking up.

Harvard Business Review

They refrained from speaking to plaintiff or others and committed no breach of the peace.

Cornell University

She ordered both sides to refrain from speaking about the case in the interim.

The New York Times - Sports

In the 1930s, German Jewish refugees were urged to learn English and refrain from speaking German.

The Guardian

No one should want Mr. Lieberman to refrain from speaking from his heart about his faith.

The New York Times

Federal authorities asked Radomski to refrain from speaking about his case.

The New York Times - Sports

As for the Opposition, Mendes-France, who leads it, refrained from speaking or voting.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "refrains from speaking" to indicate a deliberate and conscious choice to remain silent, especially when the context suggests there might be an expectation or opportunity to speak.

Common error

Avoid using "refrains from speaking" when simply describing someone who is quiet by nature. This phrase implies a conscious withholding of speech, not just a general lack of talkativeness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "refrains from speaking" functions as a verb phrase indicating a deliberate action of withholding speech. As stated by Ludwig AI, it describes someone choosing not to speak or holding back from expressing thoughts. Examples in Ludwig show its use in contexts where someone is expected to speak but consciously chooses not to.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "refrains from speaking" denotes a deliberate choice to remain silent, often in situations where one might expect or have the opportunity to speak. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically sound and usable in written English. Usage is relatively rare, primarily appearing in news and academic contexts. The phrase carries a neutral tone and serves to highlight the intentional nature of the silence. Related phrases include "abstains from talking" and "chooses not to speak", offering alternative ways to express the same concept.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

chooses not to speak

Directly states a conscious decision to not verbalize thoughts.

refrains from commenting

Similar to "declines to comment", suggesting avoidance of expressing opinions.

abstains from talking

Emphasizes a conscious decision to not engage in conversation, similar to refraining.

refuses to talk

Highlights a firm unwillingness to engage in conversation.

avoids speaking

Highlights the act of actively steering clear of verbal communication.

keeps silent

Focuses on maintaining silence, without necessarily implying a previous intention to speak.

declines to comment

Specifically indicates a refusal to give an official statement or opinion.

remains mute

Implies a complete lack of speech, possibly due to choice or circumstance.

withholds comment

Suggests a deliberate holding back of information or opinion.

shies away from speaking

Suggests reluctance or timidity in expressing oneself.

FAQs

How can I use "refrains from speaking" in a sentence?

Use "refrains from speaking" to indicate a conscious decision not to express oneself verbally. For instance, "The witness "refrains from speaking" about the incident on the advice of their lawyer."

What are some alternatives to "refrains from speaking"?

You can use alternatives such as "abstains from talking", "chooses not to speak", or "declines to comment" depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "refrains from speaking" and "keeps silent"?

"Refrains from speaking" implies a deliberate choice to withhold speech, often against an expectation or opportunity to speak. "Keeps silent" simply describes the state of being quiet, without necessarily implying a prior intention or expectation to speak.

Is it appropriate to use "refrains from speaking" in formal writing?

Yes, "refrains from speaking" is appropriate for formal writing. It accurately and professionally describes a deliberate decision to remain silent. It is often seen in news, academic, and formal business contexts.