I decline to comment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'I decline to comment' is a correct and usable statement in written English.
You can use it when you are asked to give an opinion on something or when you are asked to divulge information you do not want to share. For example: Q: "What do you think about the new policy?" A: "I decline to comment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

("I decline to comment on the Mayor's private schedule, personal life, or personal property," Loeser said).

The New Yorker

Reached on vacation yesterday, Ms. Burton said, "I guess I decline to comment".

The New York Times

"I decline to comment on the Mayor's private schedule, personal life or personal property," he said, citing longstanding City Hall policy.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

"He asked what news organisation I worked for and I declined to comment".

Independent

I was contacted by several reporters and asked to give my thoughts on the subject but I declined to comment.

Huffington Post

White House lawyer Ty Cobb said, "I respectfully decline to comment on anonymous information which impacts the Special Counsel investigation". He was referring to the ongoing inquiry on Russian interference in the 2016 presidential campaign.

The Washington Post

In keeping with this spirit, I should decline to comment on this question.

HuffPost

M & I Bank declined to comment on this, citing privacy laws and its corporate policy.

The New York Times

Virtually every prominent Republican in the industry whom I called declined to comment or was willing to speak only anonymously about the strained connection between the tech industry and the Republican Party.

The New York Times - Tech

The company — with whom I confirmed the $100 million number as a run-rate figure and not a trailing revenue sum, declined to share information on its cash flow status — i.e. declined to comment on its gross margins, or profitability.

TechCrunch

"We achieved much of what I set out to accomplish when I joined". He declined to comment on the circumstances of his departure.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I decline to comment" when you want to politely refuse to answer a question, especially in formal settings or when dealing with sensitive information.

Common error

Avoid using "I decline to comment" in casual conversations as it can sound overly formal or evasive. Opt for simpler phrases like "I'd rather not say" or "I don't want to talk about it" in informal contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I decline to comment" functions as a declarative statement. It's used to explicitly refuse to provide an answer or opinion on a particular topic. As supported by Ludwig, this statement is a direct and usable way to avoid further discussion.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I decline to comment" is a formal and direct way of refusing to answer a question or offer an opinion. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a grammatically correct and usable statement, predominantly found in news and media contexts. While polite, it should be used judiciously, especially in casual settings where it may come across as overly evasive. Alternatives like "no comment" or "I prefer not to say" might be more appropriate in informal conversations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

No comment

A shorter, more direct way of refusing to comment.

I prefer not to say

Indicates a choice to withhold information, often implying sensitivity.

I'm not at liberty to say

Suggests a restriction preventing disclosure, often due to confidentiality.

I'm unable to disclose that information

Highlights an inability to share data, typically due to policy or legal reasons.

That's confidential

Emphasizes the private nature of the information being requested.

I'm not going to answer that

A more assertive refusal to respond.

My lips are sealed

An informal, emphatic way of saying one will not reveal a secret or information.

I'd rather not discuss it

Indicates a personal preference against discussing the topic.

I'm not prepared to comment on that

Suggests a lack of readiness or authorization to speak about the issue.

I have no comment at this time

Indicates a current unwillingness to comment, possibly implying a future opportunity.

FAQs

What does "I decline to comment" mean?

The phrase "I decline to comment" means that the speaker is choosing not to provide any information or opinion on a particular subject. It's a polite way of refusing to answer a question.

When is it appropriate to use "I decline to comment"?

It's appropriate to use "I decline to comment" in situations where you prefer not to disclose information, such as during a legal matter, a business negotiation, or when the topic is sensitive or personal. It's often used when speaking to the media.

What are some alternative phrases to "I decline to comment"?

Alternatives include "no comment", "I prefer not to say", or "I'm not at liberty to say". The best choice depends on the context and the level of formality.

Is "I decline to comment" rude?

While it can seem evasive, "I decline to comment" is generally considered a polite way to avoid answering a question. However, it can sometimes be perceived as rude if the situation calls for transparency or if a direct answer is expected. Tone and context are crucial.