can be declined

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be declined" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are discussing the possibility of refusing or rejecting something, such as an offer or invitation. Example: "The invitation to the event can be declined if you have prior commitments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Part B can be declined or deferred.

The New York Times

"If the sender is your long-lost brother," he said, the payment can be declined, costing the sender nothing.

The New York Times

It is therefore important to analyze the way in which traditional security and privacy requirements can be declined in this new environment.

Managing the Web of Things Linking the Real World to the Web

My own preference is the addition of a specified service charge to the bill, payment of which can be declined if the service wasn't up to par.

The New York Times

As the diagnostic and therapeutic pathway for cholangiocarcinoma can be declined in different modalities, patients should be promptly referred to a multidisciplinary team in a tertiary centre, familiar with this rare but lethal disease.

Digestive and Liver Disease

She said people can be declined cover for a range of reasons including health, travel, residency and occupation; essentially if the insurer believes the chances of claiming on the policy are too high.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Ultimately, social networking security rests with each user of the service (those friend invitations can always be declined).

Forbes

"We have a waitlist," we said, "how can our enrollment be declining?" Short answer: enrollment is down district-wide and waitlists are not perfect proxies for demand.

Harvard University

"What you can do is decline to share it with anybody without your consent.

The Guardian

The only trouble is that it can be pleasantly declined by 7... cd.

The New York Times

Ventilator-associated pneumonia, caused by bacteria in breathing tubes and which also can be fatal, declined by 78percentt.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can be declined", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being declined and the reason for potential refusal. This adds clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "can be declined" excessively in highly formal documents. While grammatically sound, consider stronger verbs like "rejected" or "refused" for a more impactful tone. The choice depends on the specific nuance you aim to convey.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be declined" functions as a passive construction indicating possibility or permissibility of refusal. Ludwig AI confirms this, showcasing examples where the phrase highlights optional acceptance or participation. Its grammatical role is to modify a noun or action, specifying that it is not obligatory.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be declined" is a grammatically sound and neutrally-toned expression indicating the option to refuse something. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage, with examples spanning news, scientific, and academic contexts. While "can be declined" is correct, remember to use context clues to determine when to use other alternatives to convey your message more effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may be refused

Changes the verb to 'refused', emphasizing the act of rejecting something offered.

could be rejected

Uses 'rejected' to highlight a more forceful refusal, suggesting unsuitability.

is open to refusal

Highlights the availability of the option to refuse.

is subject to rejection

Frames the possibility of being rejected as a condition or inherent risk.

is liable to be turned down

Implies a high probability of refusal, often due to specific criteria.

is deniable

Focuses on the right or possibility to deny or refute something.

can be opted out of

Emphasizes the choice to withdraw or not participate in something.

can be vetoed

Suggests a formal or authoritative rejection, often in a political context.

is not mandatory

Indicates that participation or acceptance is optional.

can be waived

Implies the possibility of forgoing a right or requirement.

FAQs

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

You can use "can be declined" to indicate that something is optional or that someone has the right to refuse something. For example, "The invitation "can be declined" if you have other commitments".

What can I say instead of "can be declined"?

You can use alternatives such as "may be refused", "could be rejected", or "is not mandatory" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "can be declined" or "can decline"?

"Can be declined" is passive and indicates something is capable of being refused. "Can decline" is active and suggests someone has the ability to refuse something themselves. For example, "The offer "can be declined"" vs "You "can decline" the offer".

What is the difference between "can be declined" and "must be declined"?

"Can be declined" implies an option, while "must be declined" implies an obligation or requirement to refuse. The former suggests choice; the latter suggests necessity.