Declined to comment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Declined to comment" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in journalism or formal writing to indicate that a person or organization has chosen not to provide a statement or opinion on a particular issue. Example: "When asked about the allegations, the spokesperson for the company declined to comment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Montefiore declined to comment.

The New York Times - Health

CNBC declined to comment.

The New York Times

Eihab declined to comment.

The New York Times

KCET declined to comment.

The New York Times

Target declined to comment.

The New York Times

Janus declined to comment.

The New York Times

LIC declined to comment.

The New York Times

(Remington declined to comment).

The New Yorker

Brookfield declined to comment.

The New York Times

Ford declined to comment.

The New York Times

Ebersol declined to comment.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "declined to comment" when you want to indicate a deliberate choice not to provide information, often in response to a specific inquiry or situation.

Common error

Avoid using "declined to comment" in casual conversations or informal writing. It's generally more appropriate for formal or journalistic settings where a neutral tone is expected.

Linguistic Context

Declined to comment functions as a statement indicating a refusal to provide information or an opinion. Ludwig AI's examples demonstrate its use when individuals or organizations choose not to respond to inquiries. It's a way of acknowledging a request while avoiding a direct answer.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

3%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "declined to comment" is a common and grammatically sound way to indicate a refusal to provide information, often used in journalistic and formal settings. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread usage. While alternatives like "refused to comment" or "offered no comment" exist, "declined to comment" maintains a neutral tone appropriate for professional communications. Be mindful of overusing it in informal contexts, as it's best suited for situations requiring discretion and a formal register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Refused to comment

Replaces "declined" with "refused", emphasizing a stronger unwillingness to comment.

Declined to respond

Emphasizes the lack of a reply to a specific question or request.

Offered no comment

Focuses on the absence of a statement, rather than the act of declining.

Chose not to comment

Highlights the deliberate decision not to provide information.

Did not wish to comment

Expresses a lack of desire to provide a statement.

Preferred not to comment

Indicates a preference for silence over making a statement.

Remained silent

Indicates a complete absence of response, implying a refusal to engage.

Made no statement

Focuses on the lack of a formal announcement or declaration.

Declined to elaborate

Suggests a refusal to provide further details beyond a basic statement.

Withheld comment

Implies a conscious decision to keep information private.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "declined to comment"?

It's appropriate to use "declined to comment" in formal writing, particularly in journalism, when a person or organization chooses not to provide a statement on a specific issue. It maintains a neutral tone and indicates a deliberate choice not to engage.

What are some alternatives to "declined to comment"?

Some alternatives include "refused to comment", "offered no comment", or "chose not to comment". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "declined to comment" grammatically correct?

Yes, "declined to comment" is grammatically correct. It follows standard English grammar rules, using a past tense verb ("declined") followed by an infinitive phrase ("to comment").

What does it mean when someone "declined to comment"?

When someone "declined to comment", it means they have chosen not to provide any information, opinion, or statement on a particular matter. This might be due to legal reasons, privacy concerns, strategic considerations, or simply a desire not to be involved.