an emphatic no

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an emphatic no" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a strong and clear refusal or disagreement. Example: "When asked if he would support the proposal, his response was an emphatic no."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

-- with an emphatic no.

The New York Times - Sports

(His answer was an emphatic "no").

The Economist

The answer was an emphatic "no".

The Guardian

Afghanistan's legal experts lined up to say an emphatic no.

The Economist

His answer to that question is an emphatic no.

The New York Times - Books

The answer to that is an emphatic no.

The Economist

The answer, of course, is an emphatic no.

The Guardian - Sport

Mr. van Zyl leans forward, responding with an emphatic "No".

The New York Times

My answer, still, would be an emphatic no.

The Guardian - Sport

But the answer is an emphatic no in both cases.

The Guardian - Sport

But still she replies with an emphatic no.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an emphatic no" to convey a strong sense of disagreement or refusal, particularly when you want to leave no room for ambiguity.

Common error

While "an emphatic no" is perfectly acceptable in formal and neutral writing, avoid using it too frequently in casual conversation, as it can sound overly formal or even theatrical.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an emphatic no" functions as a strong interjection or a noun phrase that conveys emphatic disagreement or refusal. Ludwig shows it is often used as a direct answer or response to a question.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an emphatic no" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to express strong disagreement or refusal. Ludwig highlights its common appearance in news and media, making it a versatile choice for formal and professional contexts. While it's effective for making a point, overuse in informal settings should be avoided. Consider alternatives like "a resounding no" or "a firm no" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a resounding no

Replaces "emphatic" with "resounding", indicating a strong and clear negative response.

a firm no

Substitutes "emphatic" with "firm", suggesting a resolute and unwavering refusal.

a definite no

Replaces "emphatic" with "definite", implying a clear and unambiguous rejection.

an absolute no

Uses "absolute" instead of "emphatic", highlighting the completeness and finality of the refusal.

a categorical no

Replaces "emphatic" with "categorical", emphasizing the lack of any conditions or exceptions.

a flat no

Uses "flat" instead of "emphatic", conveying a direct and straightforward refusal without hesitation.

a strong no

Replaces "emphatic" with "strong", simply highlighting the forcefulness of the denial.

a decided no

Substitutes "emphatic" with "decided", indicating a clear and resolute decision of refusal.

a clear no

Replaces "emphatic" with "clear", conveying that the answer is easy to understand and not ambiguous.

a straight no

Uses "straight" instead of "emphatic", meaning that the refusal is honest and direct.

FAQs

How can I use "an emphatic no" in a sentence?

You can use "an emphatic no" to express a strong disagreement or refusal. For example, "When asked if he would reconsider his decision, he gave "an emphatic no"".

What are some alternatives to "an emphatic no"?

Some alternatives include "a resounding no", "a firm no", or "a definite no", depending on the context and the desired level of emphasis.

Is "an emphatic no" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "an emphatic no" is suitable for formal writing, as it clearly conveys a strong refusal or disagreement without being overly casual.

What is the difference between "an emphatic no" and "a simple no"?

"An emphatic no" implies a stronger and more decisive refusal than "a simple no". It suggests a firm conviction or a strong objection to something.