are denied

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are denied" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where something is being refused or not granted, often in legal, formal, or administrative situations. Example: "The applicants are denied access to the facility due to security concerns."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"They are denied that".

The New York Times

My rights are denied.

The New Yorker

We are denied opportunities.

The Guardian

Businesswomen are denied loans.

The Guardian - Opinion

You are denied.

The Guardian

All allegations are denied.

The Guardian

All the charges are denied.

Independent

All the allegations are denied.

The Guardian

Almost all are denied shoes.

The Guardian - Opinion

Their children are denied education.

The New York Times

In addition, worthy borrowers are denied loans.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "are denied", ensure the subject clearly identifies who is being refused and the object specifies what is being withheld. This clarity enhances the sentence's precision and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "are denied" when the active voice would be more direct and impactful. For example, instead of "They are denied benefits," consider "The company denies them benefits" if the company's action is the focus.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are denied" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that the subject receives the action of being refused or withheld something. Ludwig AI's examples show its usage across various contexts, demonstrating its ability to convey that someone or something is being deprived of a right, opportunity, or resource.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Science

21%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are denied" is a common passive construction used to indicate that someone or something is being refused or deprived of something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent appearance in formal contexts like News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business. When writing, ensure clarity by specifying both the subject being denied and the object being withheld. While widely accepted, be mindful of choosing active voice for greater directness. Consider alternatives like "are refused" or "are not granted" for nuanced emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are refused

Indicates a direct refusal, often implying a conscious decision not to grant something.

are not granted

A more formal way of saying "are denied", emphasizing the lack of permission or approval.

are rejected

Suggests a dismissal or non-acceptance after consideration.

are prohibited

Implies a formal ban or legal restriction.

are disallowed

Indicates that something is not permitted, often due to a rule or regulation.

are excluded

Signifies being left out or prevented from participating.

are withheld

Implies that something is being held back or not given.

are deprived of

Highlights the loss or absence of something essential.

are bereft of

Emphasizes a severe lack or loss, often with emotional undertones.

are prevented from

Focuses on the action of stopping someone from doing something.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "are denied" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "are refused", "are not granted", or "are prohibited", depending on the context. These options often carry a stronger sense of authority or regulation.

What is a common mistake to avoid when using "are denied"?

A common mistake is using "are denied" in situations where the active voice would be clearer and more concise. For example, instead of saying "Access is denied to unauthorized personnel", a more direct approach would be "Unauthorized personnel are not allowed access" or "We deny access to unauthorized personnel".

In what contexts is "are denied" most appropriately used?

The phrase "are denied" is most suitable in formal contexts, such as legal documents, official reports, or news articles, where there is a need to convey a sense of authority and impartiality. It is also appropriate when the focus is on the recipients of the denial rather than the source.

What are some alternatives to "are denied" that are less formal?

Less formal alternatives to "are denied" include phrases like "are not allowed", "can't have", or "don't get". These options are more conversational and suitable for everyday communication.