be refused

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be refused" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to indicate that something is being denied or not accepted. Example: "The application may be refused if it does not meet the necessary criteria."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

If he asks, he may be refused, and a refusal often offends.

The Economist

I won't be refused care.

The New Yorker

Do you imagine I would be refused?

Independent

Medical treatment will be refused.

The Guardian - Opinion

He would not be refused.

The New York Times

-- that favor cannot be refused.

The New York Times

Such a request could hardly be refused.

The New York Times

Her publisher is confident it would be refused.

The Economist

"I painted the picture so that it would be refused.

The New Yorker

I have little doubt that I would be refused.

The New York Times

Nationals of Israel will be refused entry under all circumstances.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be refused", ensure the subject clearly indicates what is being denied and the reason, if known, to provide clarity and context to the reader.

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by clearly stating what is being refused. For example, instead of "Access will be refused", specify "Access to the building will be refused" to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be refused" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that the subject is receiving the action of being denied or rejected. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and frequent occurrence across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Wiki

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be refused" is a versatile and frequently used passive verb phrase that indicates denial or rejection. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its correct usage spans across various contexts, primarily in news, scientific, and formal business settings. While alternatives like "be denied" or "be rejected" exist, "be refused" maintains a neutral register and conveys a clear message of non-acceptance. When writing, ensure the subject of refusal is clearly stated to avoid ambiguity. With its high frequency and authoritative source backing, mastering the use of "be refused" is essential for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be denied

Replaces "refused" with "denied", emphasizing the act of withholding something.

be rejected

Substitutes "refused" with "rejected", focusing on the act of dismissing or turning something down.

be turned down

Replaces "refused" with the phrasal verb "turned down", offering a more informal tone.

be declined

Uses "declined" instead of "refused", which is a more formal synonym.

not be granted

Emphasizes that permission or approval was not given.

be disallowed

Highlights that something was not permitted or allowed.

be vetoed

Implies a formal rejection, often by someone in authority.

be forbidden

Indicates a strong prohibition against something.

be disapproved

Suggests a lack of endorsement or agreement.

be rebuffed

Conveys a blunt or abrupt rejection.

FAQs

How can I use "be refused" in a sentence?

You can use "be refused" to indicate that something is denied or not accepted. For example, "The application may be refused if it does not meet the necessary criteria".

What can I say instead of "be refused"?

Alternatives to "be refused" include "be denied", "be rejected", or "be turned down", depending on the context.

Which is correct, "be refused" or "being refused"?

Both "be refused" and "being refused" are grammatically correct, but they are used in different contexts. "Be refused" is used in passive voice constructions, while "being refused" is used in continuous or progressive tenses.

What's the difference between "be refused" and "be rejected"?

"Be refused" generally means that a request or demand is declined. "Be rejected" implies a stronger sense of dismissal or disapproval.