decline to answer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "decline to answer" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to politely refuse to answer a question or make a comment. For example, "When asked about the financial details of the company, the CEO declined to answer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I'm going to decline to answer that.

The New York Times - Magazine

Ellis: So you decline to answer that.

The Guardian

And for those reasons decline to answer the question further?

Cornell University

I say, do you decline to answer it further?

Cornell University

What you may do is decline to answer such questions.

The New York Times - Magazine

That the nominees decline to answer is perfectly sensible.

The New York Times

If you don't like a question, decline to answer.

The Guardian

That court's practice is to decline to answer questions not reserved.

Cornell University

And for those reasons do you decline to answer that question?

Cornell University

And for that reason do you decline to answer the question?

Cornell University

They politely decline to answer questions about their matching Sputnik tattoos.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "decline to answer" when you want to politely refuse to answer a question, particularly in formal settings or when facing sensitive inquiries.

Common error

Avoid using "decline to answer" in casual conversations. It can sound overly formal or evasive in everyday contexts. Simpler phrases like "I'd rather not say" or "I'm not comfortable answering that" are often more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "decline to answer" functions as a verbal phrase used to politely refuse to provide a response. As Ludwig highlights, it's a way to avoid answering, often in formal settings or when the question is sensitive.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Academia

30%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "decline to answer" is a common and grammatically correct way to politely refuse to respond to a question. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is particularly suitable for formal settings and situations where the question may be sensitive or inappropriate. Its frequency is high across various domains, including News & Media, Academia, and Science. While "refuse to answer" is a direct synonym, variations like "I'd rather not say" may be more suitable for informal conversations. Overusing "decline to answer" in casual settings can sound overly formal or evasive.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

refuse to answer

This is a direct synonym, simply using "refuse" instead of "decline".

no comment

A standard phrase used to avoid answering a question, often by public figures.

choose not to respond

This phrase is a slightly more formal and polite way of saying "decline to answer".

I'd rather not say

A polite way to decline answering, implying it's a personal preference.

will not answer

A straightforward declaration of not answering, lacking the politeness of "decline".

I'm going to have to pass

Similar to "pass on that question", offering a courteous way to avoid the topic.

pass on that question

An informal way to refuse to answer, often used in interviews or discussions.

I'm not at liberty to say

Indicates that the speaker is unable to answer due to some restriction or obligation.

beg to differ

This suggests a disagreement and unwillingness to elaborate further, slightly more confrontational.

remain silent

This phrase describes a more general unwillingness to speak, not necessarily in response to a direct question.

FAQs

What does it mean to "decline to answer" a question?

To "decline to answer" means to politely refuse to provide an answer to a question. It suggests a conscious decision not to respond, often due to privacy, relevance, or potential legal implications.

When is it appropriate to "decline to answer" a question?

It is appropriate to "decline to answer" when the question is too personal, irrelevant, potentially incriminating, or if you are not authorized to disclose the information. It's commonly used in legal settings, press conferences, and formal interviews.

What are some alternative ways to say "decline to answer"?

You can use alternatives like "refuse to answer", "no comment", or "I'd rather not say" depending on the context.

Is it better to "decline to answer" or lie?

In many situations, it is preferable to "decline to answer" rather than provide false information. Lying can have serious consequences, whereas declining to answer allows you to avoid the question without being dishonest. However, always consider the context and potential implications of your choice.