What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
abstain
Example
I decided to abstain from eating junk food to improve my health. [abstain: verb]
Example
He has been abstaining from alcohol for six months now. [abstaining: present participle]
Example
The committee member chose to abstain from voting on the proposal. [abstain: verb]
refrain
Example
Please refrain from talking during the movie. [refrain: verb]
Example
I had to refrain from laughing at the inappropriate joke. [refrain: verb]
Example
She refrained from commenting on her colleague's poor performance. [refrained: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Refrain is more commonly used than abstain in everyday language, due to its versatility and wider range of applications.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between abstain and refrain?
Abstain is typically associated with a more formal tone, especially in the context of voting or decision-making, while refrain can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
