Versus Flashcards
refrain / restrain
“Restrain” is a transitive verb: it needs an object. Although “refrain” was once a synonym for “restrain” it is now an intransitive verb: it should not have an object. Here are examples of correct modern usage: “When I pass the doughnut shop I have to restrain myself” (“myself” is the object). “When I feel like throwing something at my boss, I usually refrain from doing so.” You can’t refrain yourself or anyone else.
write up / write down
write down is when you’re taking notes / write up is creating, formulating
come in / come on in
You say “come in” if someone knocks on your door, and in that context it means “you may come in (if you really want to)”. Whereas if you want to encourage someone to do something you might well say “Come on!” So “come on in” means “do come in. You are welcome”.
