we refrained from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we refrained from" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that someone chose not to do something or held back from an action. Example: "During the meeting, we refrained from discussing sensitive topics to maintain a positive atmosphere."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We studied the present generation of electric car, we refrained from making predictions.

The Guardian

But we refrained from rash action," calling the demonstrators "purely patriotic youths and sincere citizens".

The New York Times

This is why we refrained from sharing this information with the reporter; it's a shame that it was obtained anyway.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Just as we refrained from whistling beneath the hemp ropes and sandbags, we were not eager to challenge theatrical superstitions.

The New York Times - Travel

We told him funny family stories that were only mildly embarrassing, and we refrained from telling any humiliating anecdotes about Jeanie's childhood.

The New York Times

If there was justice in the Middle East, if we refrained from supporting wars and invading other countries, surely these people would not be here.

Independent

We refrained from calculation of summary scores.

Sports Medicine - Open

Since the number of the identified studies was too small and too diverse for meta-analysis, we refrained from a statistical analysis.

International Journal of Bipolar Disorders

In this paper, we refrained from reporting quotes as the authors could potentially be identified from these, and strongly encourage other researchers to follow suit.

Journal of Patient-Reported Outcomes

Because headache on ≥15 days/month could be assessed reliably only in the second study, we refrained from including it in statistical significance analyses.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

We refrained from using ad hoc sampling methods for r ≥ 6 as they do not guarantee a uniform distribution, and the inherent biases might invalidate the results.

Advances in Difference Equations

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we refrained from" to indicate a deliberate decision to avoid a specific action, often due to ethical, practical, or strategic considerations. Ensure the context clearly explains the reasoning behind the restraint.

Common error

Avoid using "we refrained from" in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "we didn't" or "we avoided" are often more appropriate and sound less stilted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we refrained from" functions as a verb phrase indicating a deliberate decision to abstain from a particular action. This is supported by Ludwig AI's assessment of its grammatical correctness. Examples from Ludwig show this phrase used in both formal and scientific contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

69%

News & Media

25%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we refrained from" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb phrase that indicates a deliberate decision to abstain from a particular action. As Ludwig AI confirms, its use is correct in written English. It's most common in formal and scientific contexts, suggesting a conscious and reasoned choice. When writing, remember that simpler alternatives may be more suitable for informal settings. The high number of examples available through Ludwig highlights its relevance in academic, scientific, and news-related discussions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we abstained from

Uses a more formal word choice for 'refrained'.

we avoided

Indicates a conscious effort to keep away from something.

we desisted from

Emphasizes stopping oneself from doing something, often after starting.

we held back from

Implies restraining oneself or others from an action.

we chose not to

A more direct and simple way of saying 'we refrained'.

we declined to

Suggests a polite refusal to do something.

we resisted the urge to

Highlights the internal struggle to avoid something.

we forbore to

A more archaic and formal alternative.

we passed on

Informal way of saying we didn't engage in something.

we skipped

Informal term indicating omission of a step or action.

FAQs

How can I use "we refrained from" in a sentence?

Use "we refrained from" to indicate a conscious decision to avoid a particular action. For example, "We refrained from discussing sensitive topics during the meeting" or "We refrained from publishing the data until it was fully verified."

What phrases are similar to "we refrained from"?

Similar phrases include "we avoided", "we chose not to", and "we abstained from". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "we refrained from" or "we didn't"?

"We refrained from" is more formal and suggests a deliberate choice based on principle or strategy. "We didn't" is more informal and simply indicates that an action was not taken. Choose the option that best fits the tone and context of your writing.

What is the difference between "we refrained from" and "we avoided"?

"We refrained from" implies a conscious holding back from an action, often due to a specific reason. "We avoided" suggests taking steps to prevent something from happening or encountering something undesirable. For example, "We refrained from commenting on the ongoing investigation" suggests a deliberate silence, while "We avoided the area due to the ongoing construction" indicates a detour to prevent an inconvenience.