decline to indicate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "decline to indicate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when someone is choosing not to provide specific information or details about a subject. Example: "The spokesperson declined to indicate the reasons behind the company's decision to restructure."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

WEAPON "I decline to indicate what weapon or weapons I have".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Coughlin declined to indicate who would start the next preseason game, at Carolina on Thursday.

The New York Times - Sports

Hunt has declined to indicate whether the baselines would have to be tightened after the 2017 review.

The Guardian

Asked about that statement, Mr. Sullivan declined to indicate whether investigators believe Mr. Reid was acting at the behest of Al Qaeda.

The New York Times

Though the company has declined to indicate which medical centers have such experience, it recently compiled such a list.

The New York Times

A spokesman for the FTC has declined to indicate if it is investigating Facebook's arrangements with device makers.

The Washington Post

Mourinho declined to indicate whether he had seen the incident again on television after the game, preferring instead to suggest bias in the punditry.

The Guardian - Sport

Officials declined to indicate the overall cost of the program but said it was significantly less than what it would cost the military to undertake the same operation.

The Washington Post

Superintendent Johnson declined to indicate why investigators now believe that Mr. Smollett had also played the chief role in mailing himself a threatening letter.

The New York Times - Arts

But administration officials have steadfastly declined to indicate what that time horizon might be, saying only that it will be based on security conditions on the ground.

The Washington Post

But the executive declined to indicate how else the company would try to narrow the labor cost gap in the next contract.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "decline to indicate" when you want to convey a formal refusal to provide specific details without being overly aggressive or secretive.

Common error

Avoid using "decline to indicate" excessively as a way to soften negative news or avoid direct answers. Directness can often be more appreciated than evasiveness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "decline to indicate" functions as a declarative expression used to formally refuse to provide specific information. As Ludwig AI clarifies, it is usable in written English. Examples in Ludwig show it is often used in news reporting when individuals or organizations are unwilling to disclose particular details.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Academia

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "decline to indicate" is a common phrase used to formally express a refusal to provide specific information. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and frequently found in news and formal contexts. While it is a useful phrase for signaling a withholding of details, it's important to avoid overusing it to maintain transparency. Alternatives such as "refuse to specify" or "choose not to reveal" can offer nuanced ways of conveying a similar meaning. The register is generally neutral to professional, reflecting the phrase's usage in news reporting and business communications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

refuse to specify

Uses "refuse" instead of "decline" and "specify" instead of "indicate", implying a stronger refusal.

choose not to reveal

Emphasizes the act of choosing not to disclose information, rather than a formal decline.

remain silent on

Focuses on the act of staying quiet about a topic, suggesting discretion or avoidance.

withhold comment on

Implies a temporary holding back of information, potentially suggesting future disclosure.

opt not to disclose

Highlights the choice to not make something known, framing it as a deliberate decision.

decline to comment

A more general refusal to provide any statement at all.

keep confidential

Focuses on the act of maintaining secrecy about a topic.

refrain from disclosing

A more formal way of saying not to reveal something.

not elaborate on

Suggests that some information has been given, but further details will not be provided.

avoid specifying

Indicates a deliberate attempt to not be precise or detailed.

FAQs

What does "decline to indicate" mean?

It means to refuse to provide specific information or details about something. It's a more formal way of saying someone is choosing not to reveal something.

When is it appropriate to use "decline to indicate"?

It's appropriate in formal situations where you want to express a refusal to disclose information without being confrontational. It's commonly used by officials, spokespersons, or in legal contexts.

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

You can use alternatives like "refuse to specify", "choose not to reveal", or "remain silent on" depending on the context.

Is "decline to indicate" the same as "decline to comment"?

Not exactly. "Decline to comment" is a general refusal to say anything. "Decline to indicate" specifically means refusing to provide details or be specific about something, implying some awareness or information exists but won't be shared.