should we refrain from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "should we refrain from" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing whether to avoid or abstain from a particular action or behavior. Example: "In light of the recent events, should we refrain from making any public statements until we have more information?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Or should we refrain from thinking that we can always sort the world so neatly?

The New York Times

Or should we refrain from offending any religious creed?

Huffington Post

Two intriguing questions may therefore be asked: should we refrain from selecting participants for a cross-sectional study on the basis of disease status?

Clinical Epidemiology

Should we refrain from the routine use of supplemental oxygen in cardiac emergencies, or are the considerations outlined above sufficiently outweighed by an intuitive impetus that supplemental oxygen is beneficial?

Critical Care

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

But I refuse to accept that one price worth paying to protect our way of life should be that we refrain from making tasteless jokes on the internet from the comfort of our own homes and offices.

The Guardian - Opinion

However, as the assessment is very time consuming and the interview time should be minimized we refrained from assessing informal care time.

BMC Geriatrics

Just as we should not harm others, we should refrain from harming ourselves.

Huffington Post

Until we have the right apparatus for doing nation-building, we should refrain from doing it; but if we did have it, we could do a lot of good with it.

Forbes

Pyrrho said that we should refrain from making judgment as we can never know the true reality.

Wikipedia

But we need to remember that that little corner of the world is always going to mean more, much more, to Putin than to us, and we should refrain from making threats on which we're not going to deliver.

The New York Times

If this is right, then we could not simply revise our everyday moral judgments in accordance with a more diligent application of the Control Principle; at best, if we adhere to the Control Principle, we should refrain from making any moral judgments.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "should we refrain from" when contemplating the potential consequences of an action and the desirability of avoiding them. It suggests a thoughtful and considered approach to decision-making.

Common error

While grammatically correct, using "should we refrain from" in very casual conversation can sound overly formal. Consider using simpler alternatives like "should we avoid" or "should we just not" for everyday interactions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "should we refrain from" functions as an interrogative expression used to propose or question the advisability of abstaining from a particular action. It initiates a discussion about whether or not to avoid something, often considering ethical or practical implications. Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "should we refrain from" serves as a valuable tool for initiating discussions about the advisability of abstaining from specific actions. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, and while versatile, its use is most appropriate in neutral to formal contexts like news, academic writing or professional discussions. Remember to consider simpler alternatives for casual conversations. By understanding these nuances, you can effectively use this phrase to promote thoughtful decision-making.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ought we to abstain from

More formal and emphasizes a moral obligation to avoid.

should we avoid

More direct and general, focusing on the act of avoidance.

is it advisable to avoid

Presents the action as a matter of advisability rather than obligation.

should we hold back from

Implies a temporary pause or hesitation before acting.

should we abstain from

Focuses on deliberate self-restraint from something desirable.

is it necessary to forgo

Highlights the potential sacrifice involved in avoiding something.

should we steer clear of

Suggests avoiding something potentially dangerous or problematic.

must we forgo

Suggests a stronger necessity to avoid.

do we need to evade

implies trying to elude something perceived as unpleasant

should we keep away from

Suggests a more cautious and deliberate avoidance.

FAQs

How can I use "should we refrain from" in a sentence?

Use "should we refrain from" when you want to ask if avoiding a certain action is the best course. For example, "Should we refrain from commenting until all the facts are clear?"

What's a more casual alternative to "should we refrain from"?

If you're looking for something less formal, consider using phrases like "should we avoid" or "should we just not" depending on the situation.

Is there a stronger, more formal way to say "should we refrain from"?

Yes, you could use phrases like "ought we to abstain from" or "is it imperative that we avoid" to convey a stronger sense of obligation.

When is it appropriate to use "should we refrain from" versus "should we avoid"?

"Should we refrain from" often implies a more deliberate and thoughtful consideration of the potential consequences, whereas "should we avoid" is a more general inquiry about evasion or prevention.