decline to exercise

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "decline to exercise" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating a refusal or decision not to engage in a particular action, such as exercising a right or option. Example: "After careful consideration, I have decided to decline to exercise my option to purchase the shares."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

I think, therefore, the case is one in which the Court may properly, and should, decline to exercise its jurisdiction.

Cornell University

With that reservation we think the only course consistent, upon this record, at once with preservation of appellants' rights and with adherence to our long-observed policy, is to decline to exercise jurisdiction in this cause.

Cornell University

(a) A federal district court may decline to exercise its jurisdiction because of parallel state-court litigation only in exceptional circumstances; only the clearest of justifications will warrant dismissal.

Cornell University

When so many Americans decline to exercise their right to be cynical, particularly nowadays, it can only be because there's something huge at stake -- a myth we sense we can't afford to tamper with.

The New York Times - Magazine

Since Viña has a $5 million team option for the 2004 season, the Cardinals could decline to exercise it and employ Hart as an inexpensive and reliable second baseman.

The New York Times - Sports

The District Court's order is also indistinguishable from the stay order we considered in Moses H. Cone in that it conclusively determines an issue that is separate from the merits, namely the question whether the federal court should decline to exercise its jurisdiction in the interest of comity and federalism.

Cornell University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Declined to exercise the 2005-06 coptiont ontion on G Kareem Rush.

The New York Times

Declined to exercise the option on OF Ron Gant.

The New York Times - Sports

Declined to exercise their 2005 option on RHP Ramon Ortiz.

The New York Times

National League PITTSBURGH -- Declined to exercise their option on 2B Pokey Reese.

The New York Times - Sports

Declined to exercise their 2003 option on RF Reggie Sanders.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "decline to exercise", ensure that the subject clearly has the right or ability to perform the action being declined. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the statement's impact.

Common error

Avoid using "decline to exercise" when the action in question isn't a formal right or explicitly granted ability. For general refusals, use simpler alternatives like "refuse to do" or "choose not to do" for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "decline to exercise" functions as an infinitive phrase, typically serving as part of a verb phrase. It indicates a deliberate choice not to utilize a particular right, option, or power. Ludwig confirms the phrase’s correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Sports

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "decline to exercise" is a grammatically correct infinitive phrase used to express a deliberate decision not to utilize a right, option, or power. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it appears most frequently in News & Media, Academia and Sports contexts. While not extremely common, the phrase is suitable for formal and professional settings, conveying a sense of intentionality. Related phrases include alternatives such as "opt not to use" or "waive the right to", each carrying subtly different connotations. When using "decline to exercise", ensure the subject possesses a clear right or ability to perform the declined action for clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

opt not to use

This alternative emphasizes a deliberate choice not to make use of something.

decline to invoke

Implies a refusal to call upon a law, principle, or authority.

choose not to utilize

Replaces "exercise" with "utilize", implying a more formal and considered decision.

refrain from employing

This option focuses on abstaining from the use of a particular method or strategy.

abstain from applying

Highlights the act of withholding from putting something into effect.

waive the right to

Specifically refers to relinquishing a legal or formal entitlement.

forgo the opportunity to

Emphasizes the loss of a chance or occasion to do something.

pass up the chance to

A more informal way of saying "forgo the opportunity to".

not take advantage of

Focuses on missing out on a potential benefit or resource.

eschew the practice of

A more formal and somewhat stronger way of saying "avoid" a certain practice.

FAQs

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

You can use "decline to exercise" when someone has the option to use a right or ability, but they choose not to. For example, "The company may "decline to exercise" its option to renew the lease."

What's a formal alternative to "decline to exercise"?

A more formal alternative to "decline to exercise" is "opt not to use". For example, instead of saying "They declined to exercise their right to appeal" you can say "They opted not to use their right to appeal".

Is it appropriate to use "decline to exercise" in everyday conversation?

While grammatically correct, "decline to exercise" is more suited for formal contexts or when discussing rights and options. In everyday conversation, simpler phrases like "choose not to" or "refuse to" are often more natural.

What is the difference between "waive" and "decline to exercise"?

"Waive" implies a voluntary relinquishment of a known right or privilege. "Decline to exercise" simply means choosing not to use a right or option, without necessarily giving it up permanently. You can "decline to exercise" your option this time, and use it next time. But after you "waive" it, it's gone.