we should refrain from

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the sentence "we should refrain from" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that you are suggesting someone should avoid taking an action, or to express that something should be avoided in general. Example: We should refrain from using single-use plastics to help reduce pollution.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

Maybe, to ensure that people keep being attracted to one another, we should refrain from representing our complexions in the points, dots and samples that make up a high-definition image.

The New York Times - Magazine

"They are the true terrorists, and therefore we should refrain from dealing in the U.S. dollar and should try to get rid of this currency as early as possible".

The New York Times

"We should refrain from demonizing individuals or organizations for positions that may not align directly with either our views or our opinions on the best method for resolving these important matters," the center wrote in a statement Thursday.

The New York Times

We should refrain from such neo-imperialist intrusions into other countries' affairs; we are, after all, based in London, not Delhi.An equally pertinent objection might be that we are a newspaper, not a person, and have no right to vote anywhere, including Britain.

The Economist

Though the consensus was that we should refrain from using atomic bombs in Indo-China, the experts often hedged on their assertions, making the point that we were in an "unusual" war and that there was no telling how it would end.

The New Yorker

Because he eventually repudiated the "right to ignore the state," we should refrain from uncritically regarding him as anticipating Nozick.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

Author Eric Metaxas, whose recent biography of Dietrich Bonhoeffer has been a best-seller, had harsh words to say about LifeWay's decision and its broader impact on how others view evangelical culture, saying that "If we Christians can't get [what makes 'The Blind Side' redeemable], then maybe we really should refrain from commenting on culture in the first place".

Huffington Post

We acknowledge the seeming dilemma inherited in the study; phenomenological studies are by definition data-driven whereby one should refrain from projecting own theories.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

The Government, however, should refrain from swaggering.

Independent

The court should refrain from the ban.

The New York Times

They should refrain from arrogant neo-colonial attitudes.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we should refrain from", ensure the context clearly indicates what action is to be avoided to prevent ambiguity. For example, "we should refrain from making assumptions without sufficient evidence".

Common error

While grammatically correct, "we should refrain from" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "we should avoid" or "let's not" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we should refrain from" functions as a recommendation or suggestion to avoid a specific action. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. It introduces a cautionary approach, advising against certain behaviors or practices, as illustrated in the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

59%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we should refrain from" is a grammatically sound phrase used to suggest avoiding a specific action. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use in formal contexts, specifically within news, scientific, and encyclopedic domains. When considering alternatives, phrases like "we ought to avoid" or "we should avoid" offer similar meanings but may vary in formality. Remember that while widely applicable, using simpler terms like "we should avoid" may be more appropriate in less formal settings. Proper usage of this phrase, as highlighted, helps to convey advice with precision and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we ought to avoid

Replaces "should refrain from" with "ought to avoid", maintaining a similar level of formality and suggestion.

we should avoid

Simplifies the phrase by removing "refrain from", resulting in a more direct suggestion to avoid something.

it would be best to abstain from

Emphasizes abstention with a slightly more formal tone, using "abstain from" instead of "refrain from".

it is preferable to not

Highlights the preferential nature of avoiding something, indicating a suggested course of action.

it is advisable to not

Replaces "should refrain from" with a more descriptive and cautious recommendation.

we must not

Uses a stronger, more assertive tone to prohibit an action.

we'd be wise to avoid

Implies that avoiding something is a smart or prudent decision.

we are advised against

Shifts the focus to external advice, suggesting that an action is discouraged by others.

we are better off without

Focuses on the benefits of avoiding something, rather than simply suggesting to refrain.

we're better off not

Similar to "we are better off without", but slightly more informal.

FAQs

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

The phrase "we should refrain from" is used to suggest avoiding a particular action. For example, "We should refrain from making personal comments during professional meetings".

What's a simpler way to say "we should refrain from"?

Instead of "we should refrain from", you can use phrases like "we should avoid", "we must not", or "it is advisable to not", depending on the desired tone.

Is "we should refrain from" formal or informal?

"We should refrain from" is generally considered more formal. In informal contexts, consider using alternatives like "we should avoid" or "let's not".

What's the difference between "we should refrain from" and "we must not"?

"We should refrain from" is a suggestion to avoid something, while "we must not" is a stronger command indicating something is prohibited.