decline to adopt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "decline to adopt" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a refusal or decision not to accept or implement something, such as a proposal or policy. Example: "After careful consideration, the committee decided to decline to adopt the new regulations proposed by the board."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

We decline to adopt any such rule.

Cornell University

We decline to adopt such an approach.

Cornell University

We decline to adopt such a rule now.

The New York Times

This is too sweeping a statement of the law and we decline to adopt it.

Harvard University

We decline to adopt any such rule". Id., at 21-22, 87 S.Ct., at 826-827 (emphaddedadded).

Cornell University

Because that interpretation is inconsistent with the text and structure of the statutes, we decline to adopt it.

Cornell University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

(The Obama Administration has declined to adopt the phrase).

The New Yorker

The United States declined to adopt the measure, but agreed to consider it again before July 2002.

The New York Times

(To his credit, General Petraeus declined to adopt that bit of propaganda).

The New York Times

The European Union has chosen another path by declining to adopt a stimulus approach.

The New York Times

State had organised a pre-invasion Future of Iraq project, but the Pentagon declined to adopt its ideas.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context when choosing "decline to adopt". It suggests a formal rejection after consideration, which may not be appropriate for every situation.

Common error

Avoid using "decline to adopt" in very informal contexts. Opt for simpler alternatives like "reject" or "turn down" when speaking casually with friends.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "decline to adopt" functions as a verb phrase expressing a deliberate refusal to accept or implement something. It indicates a conscious decision against embracing a particular course of action, as illustrated by Ludwig AI examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Academia

30%

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "decline to adopt" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb phrase for formally rejecting a proposal or policy. As Ludwig AI explains, it commonly appears in academic, news, and scientific contexts. When writing, it's best to ensure the context is suitable for the phrase's formality. Alternatives such as "refuse to accept", "reject", or "opt out of" can be employed depending on the specific nuance and register required. The phrase is well-supported by authoritative sources, making it a reliable choice for formal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Choose not to implement

Focuses on the practical action of not putting something into effect.

Refuse to accept

Emphasizes unwillingness to take on or agree to something.

Decide against

Focuses on the decision-making process leading to a negative outcome.

Determine not to pursue

Highlights the decision to abandon a course of action.

Reject

A direct and concise alternative, lacking the nuance of considering and then declining.

Opt out of

Suggests a choice not to participate or engage.

Turn down

An informal way of saying "decline", suitable for less formal situations.

Not embrace

Implies a lack of enthusiasm or willingness to support something.

Dismiss

Suggests a quick rejection, often without much consideration.

Pass on

A colloquial expression for declining an offer or opportunity.

FAQs

What does "decline to adopt" mean?

"Decline to adopt" means to refuse to accept or implement something, such as a proposal, policy, or idea. It implies a deliberate decision not to take on or embrace a particular course of action.

How can I use "decline to adopt" in a sentence?

You can use "decline to adopt" to indicate a formal refusal. For example: "The board of directors "declined to adopt" the new marketing strategy".

Are there synonyms for "decline to adopt"?

Yes, alternatives include "refuse to accept", "reject", "opt out of", or "decide against" depending on the context.

What is the difference between "decline to adopt" and "refuse to adopt"?

While similar, "decline to adopt" often implies a more formal or considered rejection, whereas "refuse to adopt" can suggest a stronger unwillingness or opposition. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.