a firm denial

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a firm denial" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when someone is categorically rejecting an accusation or claim with strong conviction. Example: "The politician issued a firm denial of the allegations against him, insisting that he had done nothing wrong."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

He was roundly criticised and later issued a firm denial that he had said it.

The Guardian

But apparently in the face of a firm denial from Huhne, the Mail on Sunday held off publishing the story.

Independent

On his Twitter account this morning, Clarkson issued a firm denial: "I did not use the n word.

Independent

The response included a firm denial that Snyder's former top assistant, Tony Harvey, gave $250 to a player, Ricky Clemons.

The New York Times - Sports

AIBA issued a firm denial of the charges, and many people assumed that, in light of the BBC investigation, the scheme — if there had been a scheme — was dead.

The New Yorker

[ image: /photos/59095308ebe912338a372f53] AIBA issued a firm denial of the charges, and many people assumed that, in light of the BBC investigation, the scheme — if there had been a scheme — was dead.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Later, he issued a firmer denial.

The Guardian

The newspaper article prompted Mr. Putin, in a response to a reporter's question, to issue a rare, and firm, denial that his marriage was in any sort of trouble.

The New York Times

(Buffy is worried that Angel read her diary!) It's one of the first serious showcases for Joyce Summers, allowing her to be threatened by a vampire while maintaining her firm denial about her daughter's life.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The samples contrast his firm denial in November 1986 with his humiliating apology four months later, exposing the dishonesty behind his folksy charm.

The Guardian - Music

Newton is a great reporter, and I suspect the screenshots he saw were real, but I think Instagram should have given him the firm denial right away.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a firm denial" when you want to emphasize the strength and certainty of someone's rejection of an accusation or claim. It conveys conviction and leaves little room for doubt.

Common error

Avoid using "firm" repeatedly with other words like "commitment" or "resolve" in the same piece of writing. Vary your language to maintain reader engagement and avoid sounding repetitive. Consider alternatives like "strong", "unwavering", or "determined".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a firm denial" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as the object of a verb such as "issue", "make", or "offer". It describes the act of strongly and definitively rejecting an accusation or claim, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a firm denial" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to convey a strong rejection of an accusation or claim. Ludwig's AI confirms its correct usage, and the examples highlight its prevalence in news and media, alongside formal and business contexts. While alternatives like "a strong disavowal" or "an adamant rejection" exist, "a firm denial" provides a clear and concise way to express conviction and certainty. When using this phrase, focus on maintaining variety in your writing and avoid overusing the word "firm" in similar contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an emphatic denial

Focuses on the forceful expression of denial.

a categorical refutation

Stresses the completeness and lack of ambiguity in the denial.

a flat-out denial

Implies a direct and unambiguous rejection.

a strong disavowal

Highlights the act of publicly rejecting or disowning something.

a definitive repudiation

Highlights the conclusive and decisive nature of the rejection.

an adamant rejection

Emphasizes the unwavering nature of the refusal.

a staunch rebuttal

Emphasizes the firmness and unwavering nature of the response.

a resolute negation

Focuses on the determined and unwavering aspect of the denial.

a point-blank refusal

Implies a direct and unapologetic rejection.

a vehement contradiction

Indicates a forceful and passionate opposition.

FAQs

How to use "a firm denial" in a sentence?

You can use "a firm denial" when someone strongly rejects an accusation or claim. For example, "The suspect issued "a firm denial" of all charges."

What can I say instead of "a firm denial"?

You can use alternatives like "a strong disavowal", "an adamant rejection", or "a categorical refutation" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "a firm denial" or "a strong denial"?

Both "a firm denial" and "a strong denial" are correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice depends on personal preference, although "firm" might imply slightly more conviction.

What's the difference between "a firm denial" and "a tepid denial"?

"A firm denial" indicates a strong and decisive rejection, whereas "a tepid denial" implies a weak or unenthusiastic rejection. The key difference is the level of conviction conveyed.