a decisive no

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a decisive no" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a firm and clear rejection or refusal to a proposal or request. Example: "After careful consideration, the committee delivered a decisive no to the funding request."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

I thought this debate – about which categories of human beings are free to write novels about which other categories of human beings – had peaked about a decade ago, ending in a decisive "no boundaries" vote.

The Guardian - Books

The answer is a decisive no.

The Guardian - Opinion

Whatever their differences, Basque voters gave a decisive no to terrorism.

The Economist

Last June Ireland held a referendum on the Lisbon treaty, and the voters returned a decisive No.

The Economist

Following confirmation of a decisive "No" vote (around 55%-45%), we expect a broad-based relief rally this morning, to include the three UK banks with actual or perceived Scottish exposure.

The Guardian - Business

Its result was a decisive no.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Like that director Mr. Noonan has a reputation for being a decisive, no-nonsense fellow.

The New York Times - Arts

When I asked them if they'd feel safe leaving their phones there, all five of them gave an immediate and decisive no.

TechCrunch

His call to arms is a decisive one, with no ifs but plenty of butts.

The Guardian

Decisive "no" to bailout could lead to a rupture with Europe and endanger key funding.

Science Magazine

When asked whether these results demonstrate the success of acupuncture his response was decisive: "No, this cannot be.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a decisive no" when you want to convey a clear, unambiguous, and firm rejection of a proposal, idea, or request. It indicates that the decision has been made with certainty and finality.

Common error

While effective, "a decisive no" can sound overly formal or harsh in casual conversations. Consider softening the language with alternatives like "no, that won't work" or "I don't think so" in less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a decisive no" functions as a noun phrase, where 'decisive' modifies 'no', indicating the quality of the rejection. It's a way of expressing a firm and clear refusal, as illustrated by the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Wiki

13%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a decisive no" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to express a firm and clear rejection. According to Ludwig, it is generally considered acceptable in written English. Its primary function is to convey a strong sense of denial, often in neutral to formal contexts such as news and media. While alternatives like "a definite no" or "a firm no" exist, the choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality. When writing, be mindful of the tone, as overusing it can come across as overly harsh. Overall, "a decisive no" is a useful phrase for clear and unambiguous communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a definite no

Emphasizes clarity and lack of ambiguity in the rejection.

a firm no

Highlights the resolute and unwavering nature of the refusal.

an emphatic no

Indicates a strong and forceful denial or rejection.

a strong no

Stresses the power and conviction behind the negative response.

a resounding no

Suggests a widely supported or overwhelming rejection.

a categorical no

Implies an absolute and unconditional rejection.

a conclusive no

Highlights the finality and decisiveness of the rejection.

a vigorous no

Suggests an energetic and forceful rejection.

a resolute no

Emphasizes the determined and unwavering nature of the refusal.

an absolute no

Conveys that the rejection is total and without exception.

FAQs

What does "a decisive no" mean?

The phrase "a decisive no" indicates a clear, firm, and unambiguous rejection or refusal. It suggests that a decision has been made with certainty and there is no room for negotiation.

When is it appropriate to use "a decisive no"?

Use "a decisive no" when you need to convey a strong and final rejection, particularly in formal situations where clarity and firmness are important. It is appropriate in business negotiations, policy decisions, or when addressing serious requests.

What are some alternatives to "a decisive no"?

You can use alternatives like "a definite no", "a firm no", or "an emphatic no" depending on the context and the level of formality required.

Is there a difference between "a decisive no" and "just no"?

"A decisive no" implies careful consideration and a firm conclusion, while "just no" can sound abrupt or dismissive. The former is more suitable for formal settings, while the latter is more appropriate in casual conversations.