but he refused

USAGE SUMMARY

"but he refused" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a subordinating conjunction that introduces a clause that provides contrast to an independent clause. For example: I asked him to help me clean, but he refused.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But he refused.

The New York Times

But he refused, and ran.

The New York Times

But he refused to return.

The New York Times

But he refused to confront corrupt underlings.

The Economist

But he refused to convert to Islam.

The Guardian

But he refused to follow this path.

The New York Times

But he refused to say anything.

The Economist

But he refused to moan.

The Guardian

But he refused to crack.

The Guardian - Sport

They did, but he refused.

The New York Times

But he refused to listen.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "but he refused", ensure the preceding clause clearly states what was requested or suggested. This creates a strong contrast and makes the refusal more impactful.

Common error

Avoid using "but he refused" without clearly establishing the initial request or expectation. Without context, the refusal lacks meaning and can confuse the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but he refused" functions as a coordinating conjunction introducing a clause that contrasts with the preceding statement. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. It indicates a deviation from an expected action or request.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Science

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "but he refused" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that serves to introduce a contrasting action or decision. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is perfectly valid and usable in a wide array of written contexts. Its prevalence in news media highlights its neutrality and broad applicability. While alternatives exist to subtly shift the tone or formality, "but he refused" provides a clear and direct way to express non-compliance or denial. When utilizing this phrase, remember to provide adequate context to ensure clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

but he was unwilling

Focuses on his lack of willingness to comply.

however, he declined

A more formal way of saying "but he refused", implying a polite rejection.

yet he wouldn't

A more emphatic way of expressing refusal, conveying determination.

still, he rejected it

Indicates a firm and decisive refusal.

conversely, he abstained

Suggests a deliberate choice to refrain from action.

nonetheless, he demurred

A formal term for objecting or refusing, often used in legal or official contexts.

on the contrary, he balked

Balk means to hesitate or be unwilling to accept an idea or undertaking. Can be used in situations when someone hesitates on something.

even so, he passed

Implies an opportunity was available, but he chose not to take it.

however, he dissented

To differ in sentiment or opinion, especially from the majority; to disagree with the methods, character, or goals

however, he spurned

To reject disdainfully or contemptuously; scorn.

FAQs

How can I use "but he refused" in a sentence?

Use "but he refused" to introduce a contrasting action where someone declined a request or suggestion. For example, "I asked him to help, but he refused".

What are some alternatives to "but he refused"?

You can use alternatives like "however, he declined", "yet he wouldn't", or "still, he rejected it" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "but he refused"?

Yes, "but he refused" is grammatically correct. The conjunction "but" connects two clauses, and "he refused" is a simple past tense clause.

What's the difference between "but he refused" and "but he declined"?

"But he refused" is more direct and can sometimes sound less polite than "but he declined". "Declined" implies a more formal or polite refusal.