I am refused

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I am refused" is not correct in standard English usage.
It is typically used in contexts where someone is expressing that they have been denied something, but the construction is awkward and not commonly used. Example: "I am refused entry to the club despite having a ticket."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The next two days are decidedly not plastic-free, although I am refused a straw for environmental reasons when I order a Coke, which meant that *Carrie Bradshaw voice* I couldn't help but wonder: are straws the new cigarettes?

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

I am refusing to let go.

The New Yorker

But you want me to do what I've already done before and I am refusing.

Independent

The passive constructionist uses the object of a sentence to pose as the subject: the forthright "I am refusing permission" becomes "Permission is refused".

The New York Times - Magazine

As a candidate, I am refusing the unlimited corporate monies the Court has mistakenly allowed.

Huffington Post

Yet, those times don't seem to matter when it's the one time I am refusing to be there.

Huffington Post

But I was refused an American visa".

The New Yorker

I was refused because of my age.

The Guardian - Opinion

For three years, I was refused a grant".

The Guardian

I was refused on the grounds of confidentiality.

The New York Times

I was refused by UKBA and I was thinking 'Now they are going to send me back'.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using "I am refused" in formal writing. Opt for more common and clearer alternatives like "I was denied" or "I am not allowed".

Common error

Using "I am refused" can sound unnatural. Instead of phrasing sentences in this passive way, identify who is refusing and make them the subject of the sentence for clearer communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I am refused" functions as a passive construction where the subject (I) receives the action of being refused. Although grammatically understandable, Ludwig AI indicates this phrasing is not standard and suggests clearer alternatives.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while grammatically comprehensible, the phrase "I am refused" is an uncommon and often awkward way to express that one has been denied something. As Ludwig AI points out, it's best to opt for clearer and more standard alternatives such as "I was denied" or "I am not allowed". While the phrase does appear in some news and business contexts, its rarity suggests it's best avoided in favor of more direct phrasing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I am denied

Uses a more direct and common verb to express being turned down.

I was denied

Shifts to the past tense, a common construction when speaking of being refused in the past.

I am not allowed

Expresses the lack of permission in a clearer way.

My request was denied

Rephrases the sentence to focus on the request being denied rather than the person.

I was rejected

Similar meaning, implying a stronger negative response.

My application was rejected

Focuses on the application rather than the person, in situations when you apply for something.

They refused my request

Restructures the sentence to highlight who is doing the refusing.

I did not receive approval

Formal way of saying that something was not approved.

Permission was refused to me

Uses a passive construction but in a more standard manner.

I am prohibited

Indicates a formal ban or restriction.

FAQs

What's a better way to say "I am refused"?

More common alternatives include "I am denied", "I was refused", or "I am not allowed", depending on the context.

Is "I am refused" grammatically correct?

While not strictly incorrect, "I am refused" is considered awkward and less common than alternatives like "I was denied" or "I am not allowed".

When should I use "I am denied" instead of "I am refused"?

"I am denied" is generally preferred as it is more direct and commonly used. "I am refused" can sound overly formal or unnatural.

What does it mean when someone says "I am refused"?

It means that a request or permission was denied to the speaker. However, it's better to use other expressions that are more common and better sounding such as "I was denied".