BE 343: Should You Use the Word Restrain or Refrain?
Business English from All Ears English
Deep Dive
What is the main difference between 'refrain' and 'restrain'?
'Refrain' means to stop oneself from doing something, while 'restrain' involves stopping someone or something else, often with a more forceful or physical action.
How is 'refrain' typically used in a sentence?
'Refrain' is usually followed by 'from' and an ing verb, such as 'refrain from asking questions.'
What is the grammatical difference between 'refrain' and 'restrain'?
'Refrain' is an intransitive verb that doesn't require an object, while 'restrain' is a transitive verb that must have an object.
Can you give an example of 'restrain' in a business context?
A boss might need to restrain herself when she gets angry, or a company dog might need to be restrained from chasing a squirrel during work hours.
Why might 'refrain' be useful in business communication?
It can be used to politely ask someone to stop doing something, such as 'please refrain from eating during the meeting.'
What are some situations where 'restrain' might be used in a business setting?
It could be used when discussing budget control, such as 'she couldn't restrain herself from overspending at conferences.'
How can 'refrain' and 'restrain' be applied in meetings?
You might ask colleagues to refrain from snacking during the meeting or discuss how someone needs to restrain themselves from making unnecessary purchases.
What is the nuance in the intensity of 'refrain' versus 'restrain'?
'Restrain' often implies a stronger, more physical or forceful action compared to 'refrain,' which is more about self-control or stopping oneself.
Why is understanding the difference between 'refrain' and 'restrain' important in business English?
It helps in using the correct grammar and choosing the appropriate word for specific situations, enhancing professional communication.
Can 'refrain' and 'restrain' be used interchangeably?
While they share a similar idea of stopping something, they cannot be used interchangeably due to their grammatical differences and slight variations in meaning.
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