declined to answer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "declined to answer" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when someone chooses not to respond to a question or request, often in formal contexts such as interviews or surveys. Example: "When asked about the allegations, the spokesperson declined to answer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Roach declined to answer.

The New York Times - Sports

He declined to answer.

Independent

Timchenko declined to answer.

The Guardian

He declined to answer questions.

The New York Times

Amazon declined to answer questions.

The New York Times

They declined to answer.

The Guardian

ElBaradei declined to answer.

The New York Times - Magazine

She declined to answer.

The Guardian - Tech

Pannu declined to answer.

The Guardian - Sport

Allen declined to answer.

The Washington Post

All three declined to answer.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "declined to answer" when you want to clearly and professionally state that someone refused to provide a response to a question, especially in formal or journalistic contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "declined to answer" in very informal conversations. It can sound overly formal or evasive in casual settings. Instead, opt for phrases like "didn't want to say" or "didn't answer".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "declined to answer" functions as a statement indicating a refusal to provide a response to a question. It is often used in journalistic or formal contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "declined to answer" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that someone has refused to respond to a question. Ludwig AI shows that it is most frequently found in news and media contexts, indicating its use in formal reporting and journalistic settings. While alternatives like "refused to answer" or "chose not to respond" exist, "declined to answer" carries a tone of professional neutrality. When writing, consider the formality of the situation and choose the most appropriate phrasing to convey the intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

refused to answer

Direct synonym, indicating a firm unwillingness to answer.

chose not to respond

Indicates a deliberate decision not to provide an answer.

offered no comment

A formal way of declining to answer, often used in journalistic contexts.

remained silent

Implies a refusal to answer by staying quiet.

would not disclose

Indicates a refusal to reveal information.

did not reply

A simple way of saying someone didn't answer.

evaded the question

Implies avoiding a direct answer.

side stepped the question

A colloquial way of saying someone avoided the question.

was unavailable for comment

Indicates that the person could not be reached or was unwilling to comment at that time.

took a pass

To choose not to do or be involved with something.

FAQs

What does "declined to answer" mean?

It means that someone refused to provide an answer to a question.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "declined to answer"?

It's appropriate in formal contexts, such as interviews or news reports, when someone chooses not to respond to a question. It's less suitable for casual conversations.

What are some alternatives to "declined to answer"?

You can use alternatives like "refused to answer", "chose not to respond", or "offered no comment" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "declined to answer" and "refused to answer"?

While both phrases convey a refusal to answer, "declined to answer" can sound slightly more polite or formal than "refused to answer".