decline to identify

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "decline to identify" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It means to choose not to reveal or disclose one's identity. One can use this phrase in a variety of situations, such as in a formal letter or legal document, when a person or organization does not want to disclose their identity for privacy reasons or to protect their anonymity. Example: The witness declined to identify themselves during the court proceedings, citing fear of retaliation from the defendant.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

*Ticket brokers are prepared to sell thousands of tickets for the inauguration, balls and parade that they have obtained from sources they decline to identify.

The New York Times

To recap: C12 will be managing these assets on behalf of Cayman Islands-based Protium, whose backers decline to identify themselves.

The Guardian - Business

July 18 Kelly reported missing, body found 9.20am: Police find a body at Harrowdown Hill, close to Dr Kelly's home in Southmoor, near Abingdon, but decline to identify it as that of the missing scientist.

The Guardian

In those instances, the marketers or agencies decline to identify to reporters who the voice-over talent is — but often drop hints so the articles can say who the star is (without attribution).

The New York Times

Many companies are studying contingency plans to move high-paid executives outside of France, according to consultants, lawyers, accountants and real estate agents — who are highly protective of their clients and decline to identify them by name.

The New York Times

Anthony Kennedy, the court's swing voter, is conservative on most issues.For better or worse, there will be no truceTo judge by the fast-growing proportion of voters who decline to identify with either party, Americans are repelled by the bitter partisanship that has gripped their political institutions.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

H.P. declined to identify them.

The New York Times

He declined to identify them.

The New York Times

They declined to identify him.

The New York Times

He declined to identify suitors.

The New York Times

He declined to identify it.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "decline to identify" when you want to formally state that a person or entity is choosing not to reveal specific information about a subject's identity. It's suitable for journalistic or formal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "decline to identify" in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "didn't want to say" or "wouldn't tell me" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "decline to identify" functions as a verb phrase indicating a deliberate choice not to disclose the identity of a person, entity, or piece of information. Ludwig AI confirms this usage with examples from various sources, showing its consistent application in contexts requiring discretion or anonymity.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Formal & Business

17%

Science

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "decline to identify" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that indicates a deliberate choice to withhold identifying information. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's most frequently found in news and media contexts, but also appears in formal business and scientific writing. While versatile, it's best reserved for situations where a neutral to professional tone is appropriate. For more informal settings, consider alternative phrases such as "refused to say" or "wouldn't reveal". Always use "decline to identify" when you want to formally state that a person or entity is choosing not to reveal specific information about a subject's identity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

decline to name

A more direct synonym, specifying the refusal to provide a name.

refuse to disclose

Focuses on the act of withholding information rather than the specific act of identification.

opt not to reveal

Emphasizes the choice to keep something hidden, adding a layer of intentionality.

remain unnamed

Highlights the state of being without a specified identity.

keep confidential

Focuses on maintaining secrecy about identity.

withhold the name

Specifically refers to not providing a name.

choose to conceal

Highlights the intention to hide or prevent discovery of identity.

not willing to divulge

Indicates a reluctance to share identity.

prefer to keep secret

Emphasizes personal preference for maintaining confidentiality.

refrain from specifying

Indicates avoidance of being specific about the identity.

FAQs

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

You can use "decline to identify" when someone chooses not to reveal a specific identity. For example, "The source "declined to identify" the company involved in the scandal."

What's a less formal way to say "decline to identify"?

Less formal alternatives include "refused to say", "wouldn't reveal", or "didn't want to name". For example, "The witness "refused to say" who they saw."

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

While grammatically correct, "decline to identify" is better suited for formal writing or reporting. In everyday conversation, simpler phrases like "didn't want to say" or "wouldn't tell me" are more natural.

What's the difference between "decline to identify" and "refuse to identify"?

"Decline to identify" and "refuse to identify" are very similar, but "decline" can suggest a more polite or formal choice not to reveal something, while "refuse" may imply a stronger, more resistant stance.