a hardline no

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a hardline no" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a firm and uncompromising refusal or rejection of something. Example: "After much discussion, the committee reached a hardline no on the proposed changes to the policy."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Given that, a hardline no-tax position actually does help them politically.

The New Yorker

Unless the new legislature and cabinet produce a radically different PA to the one that Mr Abbas has presided over until now, public support in Israel will grow for a hardline, no-peace-talks approach.

The Economist

"Republicans have taken an extreme, hardline, no-new-taxes, never-compromise approach to governing.

The New York Times

The sentence against them is hanging," declared Ahmad Khatami, a hardline ayatollah (no relation of the president's).

The Economist

Boris Johnson, a hardline Brexiter who has made no secret of his prime ministerial ambitions, resigned as foreign secretary at the same time.

Vice

Ferguson says he has no regrets about taking a hardline approach with his players, but admits the policy may have cost him silverware.

The Guardian - Sport

No other country, however, takes such a hardline position as the UK.

BBC

Diplo took a hardline on the NRA in a recent tweet endorsing "No Guns Allowed," another "Reincarnated" song that features Drake and Snoop's daughter.

Huffington Post

These days, when it attacks him as a hardline right-winger, Labour often seems to be fighting a foe that no longer really exists.Of course, there is time for the Tories to fluff it.

The Economist

He campaigned on a hardline policy toward drugs, declaring that he would not pardon death row inmates for drug trafficking, no matter their nationality.

Vice

Goldsmith, meanwhile, is a hardline Brexiter.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider stronger or more common alternatives like "an absolute no" or "a firm denial" for broader clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "a hardline no" in casual conversation or informal writing. Its formality and somewhat rigid tone can sound out of place. Opt for simpler expressions like "absolutely not" or "no way" for a more natural feel.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a hardline no" functions as a noun phrase that describes a particular type of refusal or denial. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness but indicates that its usage is not widespread. It specifies the quality of the refusal, emphasizing its inflexibility and lack of compromise.

Expression frequency: Missing

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a hardline no" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a firm and uncompromising refusal. However, according to Ludwig AI, it is not a frequently used expression. The phrase functions as a noun phrase, aiming to emphatically reject an idea or proposal. Its register is more professional and formal, making it less suitable for casual communication. For increased clarity and impact, consider using alternatives such as "an absolute no" or "a firm denial". Although grammatically acceptable, its infrequent usage suggests that other options might serve better depending on context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an absolute rejection

Replaces "hardline" with "absolute" to stress the completeness of the rejection.

an emphatic no

Focuses on the strength and clarity of the refusal using "emphatic".

a strict refusal

Replaces "hardline no" with a more general term for refusal, maintaining the sense of firmness.

a resolute refusal

Stresses the determination behind the refusal, similar to "unwavering rejection".

an unwavering rejection

Substitutes "hardline no" with terms that highlight the steadfast nature of the refusal.

an inflexible denial

Highlights the rigidity of the denial, suggesting a lack of willingness to compromise.

a firm denial

Emphasizes the decisiveness of the refusal, using "denial" as a synonym for "no".

a stern refusal

Replaces "hardline" with "stern" to convey the serious and uncompromising nature of the refusal.

a categorical refusal

Highlights the lack of exceptions in the rejection, making it all-encompassing.

a definitive negative

Uses "definitive negative" to replace "hardline no" indicating a clear and final rejection.

FAQs

How can I use "a hardline no" in a sentence?

While "a hardline no" is grammatically correct, it's not frequently used. You might say, "The committee issued "a hardline no" on the proposed budget changes", but consider alternatives for better clarity.

What's a more common alternative to "a hardline no"?

More common alternatives include "an absolute no", "a firm denial", or "a strict refusal", depending on the context and the degree of emphasis you wish to convey.

Is "a hardline no" suitable for informal communication?

No, "a hardline no" leans towards formal usage. In informal contexts, phrases like "absolutely not", "no way", or simply "no" are more appropriate.

What does "a hardline no" emphasize compared to a simple "no"?

"A hardline no" emphasizes the unwavering and uncompromising nature of the refusal, suggesting a firm stance and a lack of willingness to negotiate or reconsider. A simple "no" is less emphatic.