Refraining from an action
To express holding back or refraining from an action, use låta bli. When specifying the action, use låta bli att followed by a bare infinitive.
Only låta changes to match the tense (such as the present tense låter), while bli remains unchanged.
| I refrain from commenting on the picture. | Jag låter bli att kommentera bilden. |
| The temptation is great, but he refrains from buying the candy. | Frestelsen är stor, men han låter bli att köpa godiset. |
When you can't help yourself
Combine this phrase with kan inte (cannot) to say you "can't help" or "can't keep from" doing something.
| I can't help eating the candy. | Jag kan inte låta bli att äta godiset. |
| It is the dad who can't help gossiping. | Det är pappan som inte kan låta bli att skvallra. |
Breaking bad habits
Pair the phrase with auxiliary verbs like måste (must) to talk about breaking a bad habit (en ovana).
| You must refrain from biting your nails. | Du måste låta bli att bita på naglarna. |
To command someone to stop doing something, use the imperative form låt bli att (refrain from / stop!).
| Refrain from swearing when the child is listening! | Låt bli att svära när barnet lyssnar! |
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