decline to appear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "decline to appear" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in legal contexts or formal situations where someone is refusing or choosing not to attend an event or meeting. Example: "The defendant chose to decline to appear at the hearing, citing personal reasons."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

But that is also open to some question because it is uncertain whether some Hollywood stars might decline to appear.

The New York Times

Any other band might make a selling point of the fact that Sim is male-model handsome, but the xx decline to appear on their own record sleeves.

The Guardian - Music

But when we invite them to come and sit with us and talk about these issues and engage in a dialogue, they suddenly become very timid and very shy, and they decline to appear.

The Washington Post

Although in the case of Madison Hillary Clinton was willing to represent her and her husband's business partner before a state commissioner appointed by him, it was a type of conflict she was capable of recognizing in at least one other instance: after Ellen Brantley was appointed a state judge by Bill Clinton, Hillary told Brantley that she would decline to appear before her.

The New Yorker

The same committee gave serving and retired Metropolitan Police bosses a roasting earlier today (while they accused News International of trying to thwart their investigations), and the initial assumption was that the News Corp bosses would decline to appear before MPs, citing the need to deal with police questions and possible court cases first.

The Economist

Alphabet CEO Larry Page was also called before the committee, though he is the only one of the three to decline to appear on Wednesday.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Meanwhile, she appears to be running a bit scared and making many appearances, though declining to appear with Mr. Walsh.

The New York Times

Anthony Perkins declined to appear in the pilot, so Norman's cameo appearance was played by Kurt Paul, who was Perkins' stunt double on Psycho II and III.

Wikipedia

They declined to appear.

The Washington Post

"He has declined to appear".

The New York Times

Green declines to appear on Newsnight.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When clarity is paramount, use "decline to appear" instead of more ambiguous phrases like "not show up".

Common error

Avoid using "decline to appear" in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "won't be there" or "can't make it" are more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "decline to appear" functions as a verb phrase. It indicates a deliberate choice to not be present or participate in a specific event, often a formal or official proceeding. Ludwig shows its common usage across varied sources.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

16%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "decline to appear" is a verb phrase used to express a deliberate decision not to be present, commonly found in news and media contexts. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and suitable for formal situations. While not overly common, the phrase is widely understood and carries a neutral tone, making it appropriate for reporting on official proceedings. Alternatives such as "refuse to attend" or "opt out of appearing" offer similar meanings, though "decline to appear" maintains a level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not make an appearance

States simply that someone will not be present.

not be present

Directly indicates absence.

refuse to attend

Emphasizes a direct refusal to be present.

opt out of appearing

Highlights a voluntary choice not to be involved.

abstain from attending

Suggests a more formal or principled decision not to participate.

beg off from showing up

Implies a polite or apologetic excuse for not attending.

pass on the appearance

Indicates a decision to forgo an opportunity to appear.

withdraw from participation

Focuses on the act of removing oneself from an event.

recuse oneself from the event

Suggests a formal withdrawal, often due to a conflict of interest.

stay away from the event

Emphasizes avoiding the event altogether.

FAQs

How to use "decline to appear" in a sentence?

You can use "decline to appear" when someone chooses not to be present at a scheduled event or meeting. For example, "The witness chose to "decline to appear" at the hearing."

What can I say instead of "decline to appear"?

You can use alternatives like "refuse to attend", "opt out of appearing", or "not be present depending on the context.

Which is correct, "decline to appear" or "declined to appear"?

"Decline to appear" is the infinitive form, used when referring to a general action or future possibility. "Declined to appear" is the past tense, used when referring to a specific past event. For example: "He may "decline to appear" in the future" versus "He "declined to appear" yesterday."

What does it mean when someone "declines to appear" before a committee?

When someone "declines to appear" before a committee, it means they have chosen not to attend or participate in a scheduled hearing or meeting with that committee, often indicating a refusal to provide testimony or answer questions.