declines to comment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "declines to comment" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in journalism or formal writing to indicate that someone has chosen not to provide a statement or opinion on a particular issue. Example: "When asked about the allegations, the spokesperson for the company declines to comment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Mr. Andreessen declines to comment.

The New York Times

Tranter declines to comment.

The Guardian

The company declines to comment, of course.

The New York Times

Then he declines to comment.

The New York Times - Arts

Ben declines to comment on his status.

The Guardian - Business

Road-tested, Mrs. Lazio declines to comment.

The New York Times

Nomura, not surprisingly, declines to comment on the case.

The Economist

On most occasions, Young declines to comment about his situation.

The New York Times - Sports

Microsoft declines to comment on its archrival's efforts.

The New York Times - Tech

Fox later declines to comment on the criminal charge.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

For a moment, Cole and his minder pause, before he again declines to comment.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "declines to comment" when you want to convey a neutral tone, indicating that a person or entity has chosen not to provide information or an opinion. It's frequently used in journalism and formal reporting.

Common error

Avoid using "declines to comment" in casual conversations or informal writing. It sounds overly formal and may come across as unnatural or evasive. Opt for simpler phrases like "didn't want to say" or "didn't answer" in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "declines to comment" functions as a verbal expression indicating a refusal to provide information or an opinion. Ludwig confirms its standard use in formal contexts. It serves to inform the audience that a statement was requested but not provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "declines to comment" is a common and grammatically correct way to indicate a refusal to provide information. As shown in Ludwig, this phrase is predominantly used in news and media, as well as in formal business contexts. Ludwig AI affirms that this phrase fulfills a crucial role in objective reporting and professional communication, where documenting the absence of a statement is as important as the statement itself. When opting to use this phrase, it's important to consider the context and ensure that it aligns with the overall tone and formality of the writing. While alternatives exist, "declines to comment" maintains a level of neutrality and professionalism valued in certain settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

no comment

The most concise and direct way of refusing to comment.

refuses to comment

Uses a more direct synonym for "decline", maintaining the core meaning of refusing to provide a statement.

opts not to comment

Indicates a choice not to comment, emphasizing the deliberate nature of the decision.

declined to respond

Focuses on the lack of a response, highlighting the absence of communication.

did not wish to comment

Expresses a lack of desire to comment, indicating personal preference.

offered no statement

Highlights the absence of an official statement, often used in formal reporting.

withheld comment

Implies a conscious decision to keep information private or not to disclose it.

remained silent

Emphasizes the complete lack of any statement, suggesting a more passive refusal.

would not elaborate

Suggests a refusal to provide further details or expand on a previous statement.

passed on the opportunity to comment

Emphasizes that the subject was given a chance to speak but decided not to.

FAQs

How is "declines to comment" typically used in journalism?

In journalism, "declines to comment" is used to indicate that a person or organization has been asked for a statement but has chosen not to provide one. This informs the reader that an attempt was made to get their perspective, even if they "remained silent".

What are some alternatives to "declines to comment" that I can use?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "refuses to comment", "opts not to comment", or simply "no comment". The choice depends on the level of formality and the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "declines to comment" more formal than "no comment"?

Yes, "declines to comment" is generally considered more formal than "no comment". "No comment" is a direct and concise refusal, while "declines to comment" is a more elaborate and professional way of expressing the same thing, often used in written reports.

When is it appropriate to use "declines to comment" instead of other similar phrases?

Use "declines to comment" when you want to maintain a neutral and objective tone, particularly in journalistic or professional contexts. It's appropriate when you need to document that a request for information was made but not fulfilled, without implying judgment or bias. If the person gave any reason for not commenting, it is appropriate to include it after the phrase.