Absolutely not

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Absolutely not" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express strong disagreement or refusal to a question or suggestion. Example: "Do you think we should change our plans? Absolutely not, I believe we should stick to our original schedule."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Absolutely not, Rojas answered.

The New Yorker

Absolutely not, experts agree.

The New York Times - Health

Absolutely not," he said.

The New York Times

Absolutely not true.

The New York Times - Sports

"Absolutely not," Franks replied.

The New Yorker

Absolutely not a clue.

The New Yorker

"Absolutely not," Abby said.

The New Yorker

"Absolutely not," he sniffs.

The Economist

Absolutely not," Tebow said.

The New York Times - Sports

"Absolutely not," Rubio said.

The New York Times - Sports

"Absolutely not," she said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Absolutely not" to convey a strong and unequivocal denial or disagreement. It's suitable for situations where you want to make your stance very clear.

Common error

While effective, "Absolutely not" can sound too blunt in certain formal or professional settings. Consider softening your response with a more nuanced phrase like "I respectfully disagree" or "That's not something we can consider at this time".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "Absolutely not" is as an interjection expressing strong disagreement or denial. It is often used as a standalone response to a question or statement, as demonstrated in the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Absolutely not" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase for expressing strong disagreement or denial. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is effective in conveying a clear stance, particularly in news and media contexts. However, it's crucial to consider the tone and adjust the phrasing for more formal situations to avoid sounding too blunt. While very common, its appropriateness hinges on the context and audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Definitely not

Emphasizes negation but might be perceived as slightly less forceful than the original phrase.

Certainly not

Similar in meaning, indicating a firm and confident negation, but carries a slightly more formal tone.

Of course not

Implies the idea is obviously wrong or unacceptable.

By no means

A more formal way of expressing disagreement or denial, suitable for professional contexts.

Under no circumstances

Highlights the impossibility of something happening, adding emphasis and often a sense of warning.

Far from it

Used to strongly deny a preceding statement, suggesting the opposite is true.

Not at all

A milder way to express disagreement, often used in response to suggestions or offers.

Not in the slightest

Indicates a complete absence of something, like interest or concern.

No way

An informal and emphatic way to refuse or deny something, common in casual conversations.

Not on your life

An emphatic and informal refusal, often used to express unwillingness to do something.

FAQs

How can I use "Absolutely not" in a sentence?

"Absolutely not" is typically used as a direct and emphatic response to a question or suggestion. For example, "Do you think we should cut the budget? Absolutely not!"

What's a more formal alternative to "Absolutely not"?

In more formal situations, you could use phrases like "certainly not", "by no means", or "I disagree."

When is it appropriate to use "Absolutely not"?

It's best used when you want to express strong disagreement or refusal. However, be mindful of the context and your audience, as it can come across as blunt.

Is "Absolutely not" grammatically correct?

Yes, "Absolutely not" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression in English to indicate a firm negative response.