declining to answer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "declining 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 or legal contexts. Example: "During the deposition, the witness was declining to answer several questions posed by the attorney."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I didn't say I was declining to answer the question.

Cornell University

Shkreli had been declining to answer the committee's questions, so Gowdy tried a different approach.

The New Yorker

"Well, I'm not making the argument," he said, declining to answer her question.

The New York Times

"I believe this is an isolated incident," the chief said, while declining to answer other questions.

The New York Times

He departed several hours later, escorted by a United States marshal and declining to answer questions.

The New York Times - Sports

"I look forward to being fully vindicated and exonerated," he said, declining to answer any questions.

The New York Times

It is important to note the congressman's insistence on his complete innocence, while declining to answer detailed questions.

The New York Times

"We want to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers," Max Kennedy said, declining to answer questions.

The New York Times

Video showing Mr. Davis declining to answer questions while in custody has been shown on the television channel Express News.

The New York Times

Yesterday, Mr. Nifong, surrounded by supporters including his wife and son, reported to jail, declining to answer questions from reporters.

The New York Times

He appears to have handled it all with relative ease while declining to answer the question everyone asks.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about legal or formal situations, "declining to answer" is a precise and appropriate way to describe a refusal to respond. Use it when you need to convey a neutral or professional tone.

Common error

While "declining to answer" is correct, it can sound overly formal in casual conversation. In everyday situations, consider using simpler alternatives like "not answering" or "refusing to answer" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "declining to answer" functions primarily as a verbal phrase indicating a refusal to provide a response to a question. It's often used in formal contexts, as supported by Ludwig, to describe someone's choice to remain silent.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

12%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "declining to answer" is a common and grammatically correct way to express a refusal to respond to a question, particularly in formal contexts like news reporting, legal settings, and academic discussions. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used and understood. While it is suitable for professional communications, simpler alternatives might be preferable in informal conversations. Remember to consider the tone and context when choosing whether to use "declining to answer" or a more casual synonym. The phrase's frequency in news and media highlights its importance in objective reporting and its potential legal implications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

refusing to respond

Emphasizes the act of actively rejecting a response.

choosing not to answer

Highlights the conscious decision to remain silent.

remaining silent

Focuses on the state of not speaking.

evading the question

Suggests an attempt to avoid answering directly.

not providing an answer

A more formal way of saying someone didn't answer.

withholding a response

Implies a deliberate holding back of information.

begging the question

Focuses on the implications of not answering.

clamming up

An informal term for becoming silent.

taking the fifth

Refers specifically to invoking the Fifth Amendment right.

stonewalling

Suggests obstruction by refusing to cooperate or answer.

FAQs

What does "declining to answer" mean?

It means refusing to respond to a question, often implying a deliberate choice not to provide information.

When is it appropriate to use "declining to answer"?

It is suitable in formal settings, such as legal proceedings, press conferences, or official statements, where a neutral and professional tone is required.

What are some alternative phrases for "declining to answer"?

You can use alternatives like "refusing to respond", "choosing not to answer", or "remaining silent" depending on the context.

Is there a legal implication when someone is "declining to answer"?

In some legal contexts, "declining to answer" might be interpreted as invoking a right, such as the Fifth Amendment in the United States, which protects against self-incrimination.