I rejected

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I rejected" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing that you have dismissed or turned down something, such as an offer, proposal, or idea. Example: "After careful consideration, I rejected the job offer because it did not align with my career goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I rejected this hypothesis.

The New York Times

I rejected the deal.

The New York Times

"I rejected my presents.

The New Yorker

"I rejected them".

The New York Times

So I rejected the deal.

The New York Times

Ultimately, I rejected this argument.

The New Yorker

I rejected it.

The Guardian

I rejected those answers.

The New York Times - Arts

"I rejected Art," the son insists, "when I rejected him".

The Guardian - Books

I rejected the idea completely.

The Guardian

So I rejected that puzzle.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I rejected" to clearly and directly express your disapproval or refusal of an idea, proposal, or offer. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts where a clear stance is needed.

Common error

Avoid simply stating "I rejected" without explaining why. Providing a brief reason or context enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity. For example, instead of "I rejected it", say "I rejected it because it didn't align with the company's goals".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I rejected" functions as a declarative statement where the speaker is expressing their decision to refuse or dismiss something. Ludwig shows that this phrase is widely used in varied contexts to clearly communicate disagreement or disapproval.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I rejected" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression for conveying refusal or dismissal, as confirmed by Ludwig. Its versatility is evident in various contexts, particularly within news and media. When using this phrase, providing context is crucial for clarity. Alternatives such as "I declined" or "I refused" offer similar meanings with slight variations in formality and emphasis. Ludwig's examples highlight the phrase's wide applicability in expressing disagreement or denial in both formal and informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I declined

Offers a more polite or formal way to say no.

I refused

Emphasizes a firm and determined rejection.

I turned down

Indicates a rejection of an offer or proposal.

I declined to accept

Emphasizes the lack of acceptance.

I dismissed

Suggests a rejection based on a belief that something is not worth considering.

I discarded

Implies a getting rid of something because it's unwanted or useless.

I rebuffed

Conveys a blunt or abrupt rejection.

I vetoed

Indicates a rejection of a decision or proposal, often in a formal setting.

I disapproved of

Shows a formal rejection or disagreement, often with an element of moral judgement.

I opposed

Signifies disagreement and resistance.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to saying "I rejected"?

You can use alternatives like "I declined", "I refused", or "I turned down" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "I rejected" in formal writing?

Yes, "I rejected" is appropriate in formal writing, but ensure the reason for rejection is clearly stated to maintain a professional tone. More formal alternatives like "I declined to accept" can also be used.

How do I provide context when using "I rejected"?

Always follow "I rejected" with a clear explanation of what you rejected and why. For instance, "I rejected the proposal because it exceeded the budget" provides a clear and concise rationale.

What's the difference between "I rejected" and "I refused"?

"I rejected" generally implies a dismissal or non-acceptance after consideration. "I refused" suggests a more firm and determined decision to not accept something, often without needing to consider it extensively.