a resounding no

USAGE SUMMARY

"a resounding no" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize an emphatic negative response. For example, "When asked if he would be attending the meeting, Joe gave a resounding no."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

A resounding no.

The New York Times

A resounding "no".

The Guardian - Opinion

But the answer was a resounding no.

The New York Times

His answer is a resounding no.

The Economist

And the answer is a resounding no.

Independent

My answer is a resounding no.

The New York Times

The answer is a resounding no.

The New York Times

I'd say a resounding no.

The Guardian

However, he received a resounding "no".

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

A resounding 'no' to all of the above.

Independent

And they all replied with a resounding 'no'no

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a resounding no" when you want to emphasize a strong and clear rejection, leaving no room for doubt or ambiguity. This phrase is especially effective in formal writing or when addressing controversial topics.

Common error

Avoid using "a resounding no" in casual conversations or informal settings, as it can sound overly formal or even aggressive. Choose a less emphatic expression of disagreement for everyday situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a resounding no" functions as a strong and emphatic interjection or response, used to convey a definitive and unambiguous rejection or denial. Ludwig shows many examples of its usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a resounding no" is a powerful phrase used to express a strong and unambiguous rejection. As Ludwig highlights, it appears most frequently in news and media contexts, and is also common in formal and business communications. The phrase is grammatically correct and effective for conveying a definitive negative response. When deciding to use this phrase, consider your audience and the context of your message to ensure it aligns with the desired tone. The examples provided by Ludwig underscore the phrase's versatility and impact in conveying firm disagreement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

absolutely not

A direct and forceful expression of disagreement or denial.

an absolute denial

Emphasizes the completeness and lack of ambiguity in the denial.

a definitive rejection

Highlights the finality and decisiveness of the negative response.

a categorical denial

Stresses the lack of conditions or exceptions in the denial.

an emphatic refusal

Focuses on the act of refusing rather than the quality of the denial.

a firm negative

Conveys a sense of resolution and unwavering opposition.

by no means

Emphasizes that something is certainly not the case.

out of the question

Indicates that something is not a possibility or option.

not in the slightest

Indicates a complete lack of agreement or possibility.

no way

An informal expression of strong disagreement or impossibility.

FAQs

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

You can use "a resounding no" to express a strong disagreement or rejection. For instance: "When asked if they would support the proposal, the committee gave "a resounding no"."

What phrases are similar to "a resounding no"?

Alternatives to "a resounding no" include "an emphatic refusal", "an absolute denial", or "absolutely not". Each carries a slightly different nuance of strong disagreement.

Is "a resounding no" appropriate for all types of writing?

"A resounding no" is suitable for formal and neutral contexts. In very informal situations, less emphatic phrases like "no way" might be more fitting.

What's the difference between "a resounding no" and "a simple no"?

"A resounding no" emphasizes the strength and clarity of the disagreement, suggesting it was unambiguous and forceful. In contrast, "a simple no" is a neutral, less emphatic refusal.