decline to take

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "decline to take" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a refusal or unwillingness to accept or participate in something. Example: "After careful consideration, I have decided to decline to take the offer presented to me."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We decline to take it today.

Cornell University

Burglars around the world decline to take a Christmas break.

The Guardian

In an open and fair contest, the bullies may well decline to take on Mr Kenny.

The Economist

The brothers decline to take sides in the conflict that is tearing the country apart.

The New York Times - Food

"Our members cannot decline to take patients to the hospital of their choice," he said.

The New York Times

And yet, because Gere brings baggage to the film, some decline to take it seriously.

The Guardian - Film

Millions more voters now regard Ukip negatively than in 2009, and fewer decline to take sides.

The Guardian - Opinion

Therefore, not only may you decline to take him on; you should decline.

The New York Times - Magazine

The law says students can decline to take part in religious observances.

The New York Times

Businesses do not have to notify the state when applicants fail drug tests or decline to take them.

The New York Times

The only actors who relieve the tedium are the ones who decline to take the proceedings seriously.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "decline to take", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being refused or avoided. This prevents ambiguity and strengthens the clarity of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "decline to take" in very informal settings where simpler alternatives like "refuse" or "turn down" might be more appropriate. Consider your audience and the tone you wish to convey.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "decline to take" functions primarily as a verb phrase expressing refusal or unwillingness. As shown in the examples, it indicates a conscious decision not to accept something offered or not to engage in a particular action or activity. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase follows standard grammar rules.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "decline to take" is a versatile phrase employed to express refusal or non-acceptance. As evidenced by Ludwig's analysis, it is grammatically sound and frequently used across various contexts, from news and media to academic research. While its formality ranges from neutral to slightly formal, it remains a valuable tool for clearly communicating a decision to reject an offer or abstain from participation. When writing with this expression, remember to clearly state what is being declined and consider the tone appropriate for your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

refuse to accept

Emphasizes a firm rejection of something offered or presented.

opt out of

Suggests a choice not to participate in something that one is already involved in or offered.

reject the offer

Specifically refers to turning down a proposition or invitation.

turn down

A more informal way of saying refuse or reject.

pass up

Implies missing an opportunity by choice.

forgo

Indicates a voluntary abstention from something desirable.

abstain from

Suggests deliberately refraining from an action or participation.

beg to differ

A polite way to express disagreement and unwillingness to accept a viewpoint.

take a pass on

An informal way of declining an invitation or offer.

not partake in

A formal expression indicating non-participation.

FAQs

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

You can use "decline to take" when you want to express that someone is refusing or unwilling to accept something, for example: "The company chose to "decline to take" the advice of its consultants".

What are some alternatives to "decline to take"?

Alternatives include phrases like "refuse to accept", "opt out of", or "reject the offer", depending on the specific context.

Is it more formal to say "decline to take" than "refuse to take"?

"Decline to take" can be perceived as slightly more formal than "refuse to take", but both are generally appropriate for professional and academic writing.

Which is correct: "decline to take part" or "decline to participate"?

Both "decline to take part" and "decline to participate" are correct, but "decline to take part" might be slightly more common in informal contexts, while "decline to participate" is more suitable for formal settings. The choice depends on the context and desired level of formality.