completely refused

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "completely refused" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize that someone has entirely declined or rejected something without any reservations. Example: "After much consideration, she completely refused the offer to join the committee."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Until last Wednesday the UK completely refused to participate in that scheme.

Independent

One thing I loved about Me and Earl was the way it completely refused to live up to stereotypes.

The Guardian

"I'm not one to shy away from healthy debate, but my parents completely refused to see things from any point of view but their own, and would deliberately misunderstand my view or rubbish it completely.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The poster was completely refused entry.

TechCrunch

He [Badie] completely refused to think of alternatives.

BBC

Among schools who took part in the boycott, some schools completely refused to carry out the tests and carried out other activities instead.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

The answer is no: I completely refuse to.

Independent

Not only does she refuse to wear the prosthesis home from the hospital, she shirks it completely, refusing to be cowed even when a previously decent nurse accuses her of damaging the morale of other patients.

The Guardian - Books

Mr. Deeb was not immediately available to comment on the MENA report, which quoted Mr. Fathallah as saying the former president "is completely refusing to eat food but consumes some liquids and juice only".

The New York Times

Although he singled After Dark out as one of the few London commitments he kept after moving back to Ireland, he ultimately turned his back on the media completely, refusing even the shortest book review.

The Guardian

In a speech at Walthamstow Academy in east London, he added: "It baffles me that we can have private schools loaning a sports pitch to the local comprehensive once or twice a year, yet completely refusing to play them at football or opening up their halls and amphitheatres, yet unwilling to engage in a debating competition.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "completely refused" to emphasize the resolute nature of a rejection. This phrase effectively conveys a firm decision with no room for negotiation.

Common error

Avoid using "completely refused" in contexts where a simple "refused" suffices. Overusing intensifiers can weaken your writing, so reserve "completely refused" for situations where the emphatic nature is truly warranted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "completely refused" functions as a verb phrase, where 'completely' serves as an adverb intensifying the verb 'refused'. It signifies a definitive and unconditional rejection. As Ludwig AI indicates, this expression is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "completely refused" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that emphasizes a strong and unwavering rejection. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, science, and business communication. While versatile, it's important to reserve it for situations where the emphatic nature is truly warranted to avoid weakening your writing. Alternatives like "utterly rejected" or "totally declined" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. The phrase is a reliable choice for expressing outright rejection, particularly when a definitive and unconditional tone is desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

utterly rejected

Emphasizes the finality and decisiveness of the rejection.

totally declined

Focuses on the act of refusing or turning down an offer or request completely.

flatly rejected

Highlights the direct and unequivocal nature of the refusal.

absolutely declined

Stresses the certainty and lack of hesitation in the refusal.

point-blank refused

Implies a direct and blunt refusal, often in response to a specific request.

categorically refused

Indicates a refusal without any conditions or exceptions.

emphatically rejected

Shows a strong feeling or expression accompanying the rejection.

resolutely refused

Conveys a firm and determined refusal, often in the face of pressure.

summarily dismissed

Implies a swift and immediate rejection, often without much consideration.

turned down without hesitation

Focuses on the speed and decisiveness of the refusal.

FAQs

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

You can use "completely refused" to emphasize a strong rejection or unwillingness. For example, "The suspect "completely refused" to answer any questions without a lawyer present."

What are some alternatives to "completely refused"?

Alternatives include "utterly rejected", "totally declined", or "flatly rejected". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is it redundant to say "completely refused"?

While "refused" already implies a rejection, adding "completely" emphasizes the strength and finality of that rejection. Use it when you want to highlight the resolute nature of the refusal.

What's the difference between "completely refused" and "partially refused"?

"Completely refused" means a total rejection, while "partially refused" suggests that only some aspects were rejected, and others may have been accepted or are still under consideration.