declined to involve themselves

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "declined to involve themselves" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a situation where individuals or groups choose not to participate or engage in a particular matter or issue. Example: "Despite the ongoing discussions, several members of the committee declined to involve themselves in the debate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Thus far, US courts have declined to involve themselves in battlefield military detentions in Afghanistan.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau said he was "disappointed" but declined to involve the federal government in the issue.

The Guardian

Even Stephen A. Smith, who has on many occasions discussed controversial topics, including race, declined to involve himself in what was a conversation with no merit.

Huffington Post

(The officers declined to get involved).

The New York Times

Yet the FBI declined to get involved.

The Guardian

The Supreme Court has declined to get involved.

The Washington Post

Mr. Pastore also wrote to Polo Ralph Lauren, whose lawyers declined to get involved.

The New York Times

Mt. Gox is based in Tokyo, but so far Japanese authorities have declined to get involved.

The New Yorker

Mr. Arad said he had initially declined to get involved in the project.

The New York Times

Remini claims she declined to get involved because she was wearing Jimmy Choo shoes.

Independent

D. e-mailed the school's social worker, who declined to get involved.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "declined to involve themselves" when you want to emphasize a conscious decision made by individuals or entities not to take part in a particular activity or situation, especially when there was an expectation or opportunity for them to do so.

Common error

Avoid using "declined to involve themselves" in casual conversations or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "didn't get involved" or "stayed out of it" are often more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "declined to involve themselves" functions as a verb phrase indicating a deliberate choice to abstain from participation or engagement. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct. It is often followed by a prepositional phrase specifying the activity or situation from which involvement was withheld.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "declined to involve themselves" is a grammatically correct expression used to indicate a deliberate choice not to participate or engage in a specific situation. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is considered appropriate and usable in written English. Though its frequency is relatively rare, its appearance in reputable news sources such as The Guardian and The New York Times suggests a professional, neutral register. When writing, consider the context and audience; simpler alternatives may be more suitable for informal settings. This phrase conveys a conscious decision, emphasizing the reasons and possible implications of that decision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

refused to participate

Indicates a stronger sense of unwillingness compared to simply declining.

chose not to engage

Highlights a deliberate decision to avoid involvement.

opted out of participation

Emphasizes a formal or structured setting where participation was an option.

abstained from taking part

Implies a conscious decision to refrain from active involvement, especially in a group activity.

withdrew from involvement

Suggests a previous state of involvement that has been terminated.

steered clear of involvement

Implies an active avoidance of a potentially problematic or complex situation.

remained aloof from the matter

Highlights a detached or indifferent stance towards the situation.

kept their distance from the issue

Emphasizes maintaining a physical or emotional separation from the matter at hand.

passed on the opportunity to engage

Suggests a missed chance or a deliberate choice to forgo participation.

excused themselves from participation

Implies a formal or polite withdrawal from an activity or discussion.

FAQs

What does "declined to involve themselves" mean?

It means that someone or a group of people consciously chose not to participate or become engaged in a particular situation or activity.

What are some alternatives to saying "declined to involve themselves"?

You can use phrases like "refused to participate", "chose not to engage", or "opted out of participation", depending on the context.

Is "declined to involve themselves" formal or informal?

It leans towards a more formal register. In informal settings, simpler phrases like "didn't get involved" might be more suitable.

How can I use "declined to involve themselves" in a sentence?

For example, "Despite repeated requests, the committee members "declined to involve themselves" in the investigation."