declining to go

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "declining to go" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a refusal or unwillingness to attend an event or participate in an activity. Example: "After much consideration, she is declining to go to the party this weekend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

"We Democrats are strategizing," Davis said in a phone interview, declining to go into details.

The New York Times

Still, Mr. Seban, while declining to go into details, said adequate precautions had been taken.

The New York Times - Arts

But the company, he says, is declining to go that route.

The New York Times

But in December, with Clemens named by Mitchell, Canseco was suddenly more restrained, declining to go on the air.

The New York Times

The security changes involve what Ms. Henderson called "things both seen and unseen," declining to go into details.

The New York Times

"It was one of the most incredible experiences," Franklin says, declining to go into the details of the weekend.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

But he declines to go there gracefully.

The New York Times - Sports

But he declined to go into details.

The New York Times

She declined to go into details.

The New York Times

But he declined to go into detail.

The New York Times

Rudd declines to go there.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "declining to go" when you want to politely and professionally express that someone is choosing not to participate in a specific event or action. It conveys a sense of consideration in the decision.

Common error

Avoid using "declining to go" in very casual or informal settings. It may sound overly formal or stilted. Instead, use simpler alternatives like "not going" or "can't make it" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "declining to go" functions as a verbal phrase indicating a deliberate decision not to participate or attend. This expression is often used to convey a polite refusal or to avoid specifying details, as exemplified in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "declining to go" is a versatile phrase used to politely express a refusal or lack of intention to participate in an activity or attend an event. As Ludwig AI's analysis shows, it is grammatically correct and commonly found in news and media, as well as formal business contexts. While generally neutral in tone, it leans towards formality and should be used judiciously in casual settings. Consider using simpler alternatives like "not going" or "can't make it" for a more relaxed tone. The frequency of examples indicates it's a common phrase, making it reliable for professional communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

refusing to attend

Focuses on the act of refusing and specifies that it's about attendance.

choosing not to go

Emphasizes the element of choice in deciding not to participate.

opting out of attending

Highlights the action of actively choosing to exclude oneself from attending.

not planning to attend

Indicates a lack of intention to be present.

deciding against going

Focuses on the decision-making process, settling on the choice not to go.

begging off from attending

Suggests a polite way of excusing oneself from attending.

taking a pass on attending

An informal expression of declining to attend.

recusing oneself from attending

Implies a formal withdrawal, often due to a conflict of interest.

demurring from attending

A more formal and polite way of declining to attend.

abstaining from attending

Highlights a deliberate choice not to participate, especially in voting or formal events.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "declining to go" to sound more casual?

For a more casual tone, you can use phrases like "not going", "can't make it", or "won't be there depending on the context.

What does it mean when someone is "declining to go" into detail?

When someone is "declining to go" into detail, it means they are choosing not to provide more specific or elaborate information about a particular topic. This could be for reasons of privacy, confidentiality, or simply a desire to avoid further discussion.

Which is more formal, "declining to go" or "refusing to go"?

"Declining to go" generally sounds more polite and formal, while "refusing to go" can sound more direct or even confrontational. The best choice depends on the specific context and the relationship between the individuals involved.

In what situations is it appropriate to use "declining to go"?

It's appropriate to use "declining to go" in professional communications, formal invitations, or any situation where a polite and respectful tone is desired. It's often used when discussing decisions made by individuals or organizations.