declining to share

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "declining to share" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when someone is choosing not to provide information or disclose something. Example: "After much consideration, she decided on declining to share her personal experiences during the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Chambers tore off his GB vest and threw down his shoes in disgust as he left the track, declining to share his thoughts as he exited the arena.

Independent

"I had a down-looking sensor," Ms. Montague said, during a recent interview, declining to share more information about the nature of this sensor or what it observed.

The New York Times

"We found a lot of common ground today," Mr. Feltman said in a conference call with reporters, declining to share details.

The New York Times

Du Plessis was more discreet about the nature of the playing surface in Port Elizabeth, saying it would be different to Bloemfontein but declining to share any more details until receiving his final question.

The Guardian - Sport

Despite requests for assistance by the Iraqis, the United Nations has prohibited its personnel from assisting the tribunal, and many key N.G.O.'s have refused to help, in some cases even declining to share evidence provided by Iraqi victims with tribunal investigators.

The New York Times

"Look at white converts, they are often former prisoners with drug and crime backgrounds who have no prospects, and becoming an extremist gives them an identity, it's the same for young people across Britain," he adds, declining to share his name.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

"We got into the profit-sharing discussion afterward, and Marcin declined to share profit.

The New Yorker

He declined to share specific financial results.

The New York Times

He declined to share more details.

The Guardian

Executives declined to share the cost of the campaign.

The New York Times

Mr. Putin declined to share the other two names.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "declining to share", ensure that the context clearly indicates the reason for the refusal, whether it's privacy, strategy, or confidentiality. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the message.

Common error

Avoid using "declining to share" excessively in formal reports or academic papers. Opt for more formal alternatives like "refusing to disclose" or "withholding information" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "declining to share" functions as a verbal phrase indicating a conscious decision to withhold information. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's a grammatically sound expression used across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Formal & Business

13%

Science

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "declining to share" is a common and grammatically correct way to express a refusal to divulge information. Ludwig AI analysis reveals that it's frequently used in news and business contexts, maintaining a neutral tone. While versatile, formal alternatives may be more appropriate for highly formal settings. Example sentences show its consistent application across various topics, reinforcing its reliability. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is appropriate for use in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

refusing to disclose

Focuses on the act of withholding information, similar to declining but more direct.

choosing not to reveal

Highlights the decision to keep something secret, emphasizing the element of choice.

opting to withhold

Emphasizes the selection of withholding information over sharing it.

keeping confidential

Stresses the maintenance of secrecy, framing the information as private.

remaining silent about

Indicates a deliberate choice not to speak about a particular matter.

not willing to divulge

Highlights a lack of willingness to reveal details.

holding back information

Focuses on the action of retaining information rather than sharing it.

evading disclosure

Suggests an attempt to avoid revealing information.

unwilling to unveil

Indicates a reluctance to make something known or public.

rejecting to impart

Emphasizes the refusal to communicate or disclose information.

FAQs

How can I use "declining to share" in a sentence?

You can use "declining to share" when someone chooses not to provide specific information. For example: "The company is "declining to share" details about the new product launch".

What are some alternatives to "declining to share"?

Alternatives include "refusing to disclose", "choosing not to reveal", or "opting to withhold", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "declining to share" in formal writing?

While "declining to share" is generally acceptable, more formal alternatives like "refusing to disclose" or "withholding information" may be more suitable for academic or business contexts.

What's the difference between "declining to share" and "refusing to share"?

Both phrases indicate a lack of willingness to provide information, but "declining to share" can sometimes imply a more polite or strategic choice, whereas "refusing to share" can sound more assertive or resistant.