a strong refusal

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a strong refusal" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe unambiguously saying no, for example: "He gave a strong refusal to the offer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"My first reaction was a strong refusal," he says.

The Guardian - Music

Beeli also baselessly insists that "Obama shows a deference to align public policy with Islam" and "shows a strong refusal to align public policy with Christian principles".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

In addition, when local excision is inevitable due to patient comorbidity or strong refusal of expected stoma, risk appraisal of residual LN in mesorectum could help determine the follow-up schedule or use of adjuvant chemotherapy.

British Journal of Cancer

She met him with a firm refusal.

Vice

I voted for the Republican challenger to Governor Mario Cuomo, knowing Cuomo would win but not wanting him to feel he had a strong mandate, given his refusal to decisively quash the idea of fracking in the Adirondack watershed upstate.

The Guardian

It's a strong argument about intention: a refusal to separate the artist from the art.

The New Yorker

The issue that had alienated him from his party was its refusal to take a strong stand against illegal immigration.

The New Yorker

"The Bolsheviks understood that culture and music has a strong influence on people, and our refusal to compromise drove them insane".

The New York Times

Buttressed by a strong belief prevailing in Congress that refusal to raise the limit would check growth in government spending, the limit remained at the 1946 level until 1954.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The UN security council today approved a third round of sanctions against Iran with near unanimous support, sending a strong signal to Tehran that its refusal to suspend uranium enrichment is unacceptable and becoming increasingly costly.

The Guardian

Now, at this point, I'm left wondering if the way Ryan is simultaneously a participant and observer, etc., is not just the time in his life but, after all, an indication of a deeper refusal to take a strong position that will make it difficult for him to be a figure of consequence even after he's gained age and experience.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a strong refusal", consider the context and choose synonyms like "firm rejection" or "vehement denial" to add nuance and precision to your writing.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "strong" as an intensifier. Vary your descriptions by using more specific adjectives that capture the unique qualities of the refusal, such as "adamant", "resolute", or "unwavering".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a strong refusal" functions as a noun phrase, with "strong" acting as an adjective modifying the noun "refusal". It is used to describe the nature or quality of the act of refusing.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

34%

Encyclopedias

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a strong refusal" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to express a firm and decisive rejection. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While not very common, it is appropriate for neutral to formal contexts, particularly in News & Media and Scientific writing. Consider alternative phrases such as "a firm rejection" or "a vehement denial" to add nuance to your writing and avoid overuse of the adjective "strong". Avoid common pitfalls, such as over-reliance on "strong" as a general intensifier; strive for more descriptive and precise language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an emphatic no

Focuses on the clarity and forcefulness of the negative response.

a firm rejection

Emphasizes the resoluteness and decisiveness of the refusal, focusing on the act of rejecting.

a definitive declination

Stresses the finality and conclusiveness of the refusal, leaving no room for negotiation.

a point-blank negation

Highlights the directness and bluntness of the refusal, leaving no ambiguity.

a vehement denial

Highlights the intensity and passion behind the refusal, suggesting strong opposition.

a decided unwillingness

Emphasizes the lack of desire or inclination to comply, leading to the refusal.

an absolute turndown

Uses informal language to convey a complete and unwavering rejection.

a vigorous opposition

Shifts the focus to the active resistance or disagreement implied by the refusal.

an unyielding dissent

Focuses on the steadfast and unwavering disagreement that underlies the refusal.

a categorical imperative to decline

Indicates an unconditional duty or requirement to refuse, adding a formal or philosophical tone.

FAQs

What does "a strong refusal" mean?

The phrase "a strong refusal" indicates a clear, firm, and decisive rejection of something. It implies a lack of willingness or intent to comply with a request or accept a proposition.

How can I use "a strong refusal" in a sentence?

You might say, "The company issued "a strong refusal to" the merger proposal", indicating their definitive rejection of the offer.

What are some alternatives to "a strong refusal"?

Alternatives include "a firm rejection", "a vehement denial", or "an emphatic no", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "a strong refusal"?

While grammatically correct, "a strong refusal" might sound somewhat formal. Consider the context and audience. In informal settings, a more direct phrase like "a hard no" may be more suitable.