decline to show

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "decline to show" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when someone is refusing or choosing not to display or reveal something, often in a formal context. Example: "The company decided to decline to show their financial records during the audit."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

If you decline to show up, like the excellent Sebastian Faulks, they harangue you for years.

The Guardian - Books

Evening news shows can decline to show the video because not all their viewers might be comfortable seeing it.

The Economist

"Could it be," he asks, "that many women who leave Wall Street — or decline to show up there in the first place — are simply doing other things because they want to?" LATE TO THE BANDWAGON Taco Bell's latest online marketing campaign is not going over well with some bloggers.

The New York Times - Tech

As for Winston Churchill, he is slippery on the subject – though if I have a quarrel here, it is that Asante and Hibbert decline to show Winston on screen, perhaps out of sentimental superstition that Churchill can only be depicted in a positive context.

The Guardian - Film

When their relationship crosses over from idealistic fantasy into sex (something the filmmakers, for all their daring, decline to show), everyone is outraged and horrified, including Kent, Pumpkin's protective mother (Brenda Blethyn) and the president of Alpha Omega Pi (Marisa Coughlan), who informs Carolyn that "it's not appropriate to fraternize with the objects of our charity".

The New York Times

Ziff also added that models could be pressured into feeling like lesser performers or outcasts if they decline to show more skin than intended -- which could hinder their careers.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

He declined to show how those journals corroborated his stories.

The New York Times - Sports

Fox News declined to show any of the tape.

The New York Times

If Waugh was shaken, he declined to show it publicly.

The Guardian - Sport

Baumbach, and others, declined to show me the pilot.

The New Yorker

He declined to show me his living quarters.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "decline to show" when you want to convey a formal or deliberate refusal to display something, often with a specific reason or justification.

Common error

Avoid using "decline to show" in very casual contexts. It's more suitable for formal reports, news articles, or official statements. In casual settings, consider using simpler alternatives like "didn't want to show" or "refused to show".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "decline to show" functions as a verb phrase expressing a refusal or unwillingness to display, reveal, or present something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's usable in written English. The examples illustrate contexts where entities or individuals deliberately choose not to make information or visuals available.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "decline to show" is a grammatically correct verb phrase used to express a deliberate refusal to display or reveal something. Ludwig AI validates its usability, primarily in news and media contexts. While considered uncommon in overall frequency, its formal tone makes it appropriate for professional and neutral settings. When writing, be mindful of the context and formality level; simpler alternatives may be suitable for casual conversations. Remember to use this phrase when emphasizing a purposeful withholding of information or visuals.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

refuse to display

Emphasizes a firm refusal to make something visible.

opt not to reveal

Suggests a choice against disclosing information.

choose not to exhibit

Focuses on the deliberate selection against showing something.

abstain from presenting

Implies a formal or official decision not to present.

demur from disclosing

Suggests hesitation or reluctance in revealing information.

withhold from view

Highlights the act of keeping something hidden or unseen.

decline to unveil

Focuses on the refusal to reveal something new or previously hidden.

refrain from showcasing

Emphasizes the deliberate avoidance of featuring or promoting something.

beg off from exhibiting

Suggests a polite or indirect refusal to display.

refuse to make available

Highlights the denial of access or visibility to something.

FAQs

What does "decline to show" mean?

The phrase "decline to show" means to refuse to display, reveal, or present something. It implies a deliberate choice not to make something visible or known.

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

You can use "decline to show" when you want to express a refusal to reveal or display something. For example: "The company "declined to show" their financial records to the public."

What are some alternatives to "decline to show"?

Alternatives to "decline to show" include "refuse to display", "opt not to reveal", or "choose not to exhibit", depending on the specific context.

Is "decline to show" formal or informal?

"Decline to show" is generally considered a formal phrase. Simpler alternatives might be more appropriate in informal contexts.