decline to make

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "decline to make" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a refusal to create or produce something, often in formal contexts. Example: "The committee decided to decline to make any further comments on the matter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

Will traditional university campuses decline to make way for e-learning?

The Guardian

"Accordingly, I decline to make the expression of the view I otherwise would".

The Guardian

And the prices included an "embedded contribution" to Lincoln Center that it wasn't possible to politely decline to make.

The New York Times

It has become fashionable since Spain's economy began to decline to make comparisons to Germany, which is rebounding strongly.

The Guardian - Opinion

Department officials said today that they could decline to make such reimbursements, but they could not cite a case where they had done so.

The New York Times

In the process, they decline to make any proposal of their own that would cover hundreds of thousands of the state's working poor.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

Bonilla declined to make a statement.

The New Yorker

She declined to make any statement.

The New York Times

Hoover declined to make a recommendation.

The New Yorker

Hampshire Police declined to make any comment.

Independent

Company A declined to make a bid.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When brevity is preferred, consider using "refuse to make" as a more concise alternative.

Common error

Avoid using "decline to make" in casual conversations or informal writing. It can sound overly formal or stilted in those settings. Opt for simpler phrasing like "won't make" or "choose not to make" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "decline to make" functions as an infinitive phrase typically used to indicate a deliberate refusal or choice not to perform an action, specifically related to creating, producing, or offering something. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in formal contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "decline to make" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression suitable for formal contexts. It conveys a deliberate refusal or choice not to create, produce, or offer something. While simpler alternatives exist, "decline to make" adds a tone of authority and finality, making it ideal for official statements, reports, and academic papers. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its frequent use in News & Media and Academic sources, highlighting its appropriateness for professional communications. When used correctly, as shown in Ludwig's examples, the phrase clearly communicates a conscious decision to abstain from a specific action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

refuse to create

Emphasizes the act of refusing to bring something into existence.

opt not to produce

Highlights the choice of not bringing forth or generating something.

reject the creation of

Focuses on the rejection aspect, specifying that it's the creation being rejected.

choose not to form

Highlights the selection against shaping or constructing something.

abstain from producing

Implies a voluntary restraint from bringing something into existence.

pass up the opportunity to make

Highlights the act of foregoing a chance to create something.

desist from forming

Emphasizes ceasing or refraining from constructing.

not undertake the production of

A formal way of saying one will not begin or engage in creating something.

beg to differ from creating

Suggests disagreement which leads to not producing.

shrink from undertaking

Implies reluctance and avoidance of starting something new.

FAQs

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

The phrase "decline to make" is used to express a formal refusal or decision not to create or produce something. For example, "The company decided to decline to make any further statements on the issue".

What are some alternatives to "decline to make"?

You can use alternatives such as "refuse to create", "opt not to produce", or "reject the creation of" depending on the specific context.

Is "decline to make" the same as "refuse to make"?

While similar, "decline to make" often carries a slightly more formal tone than "refuse to make". The choice depends on the desired level of formality in your writing.

When is it appropriate to use "decline to make" instead of simpler alternatives?

Use "decline to make" in formal reports, official statements, or when you want to convey a sense of authority or finality in the decision not to create or produce something.