difficult to turn down

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "difficult to turn down" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing an offer, opportunity, or request that is hard to refuse due to its appealing nature. Example: "The job offer included a generous salary and benefits, making it difficult to turn down."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

It's an invitation difficult to turn down.

The New York Times - Food

Many public officials privately agree, but find it difficult to turn down such a popular program.

The New York Times

The elderflower cheesecake is summery, delicious, and difficult to turn down at £2 a slice.

The Guardian - Travel

It must have been especially difficult to turn down Matz, the trainer of 2006 Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro.

The New York Times - Sports

"The chance to go to one of the biggest clubs of the world was difficult to turn down.

Independent

But he said the approach by the BOA for the part-time role was difficult to turn down.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

'It would be a difficult one to turn down.' There is another long pause.

The Guardian - Books

He told BBC Radio Manchester: "The most difficult thing to turn down was the chance to manage in the Championship.

BBC

It came out of the blue and, when the chance arrived, it was a pretty difficult one to turn down," says Davies.

BBC

Which makes it difficult for journalists to turn down a posting to a war zone – and still convince some macho boss that they are committed to the job.

The Guardian - Opinion

He described $6 a share as "a giveaway," considering the turnaround potential he sees in Circuit City, but he conceded that if a deal were priced at $8, "it would be difficult for shareholders to turn down".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "difficult to turn down", consider the specific reason why something is hard to refuse. Is it the potential benefit, the social pressure, or something else? Tailor your description to reflect the exact circumstances.

Common error

While "difficult to turn down" is widely accepted, it can sound slightly informal in certain professional or academic settings. Consider using alternatives like "highly desirable" or "extremely appealing" for a more formal tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "difficult to turn down" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, typically describing an offer, opportunity, or request. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is usable in written English. Its structure implies a situation where declining something would be challenging.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

13%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "difficult to turn down" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe something appealing or hard to refuse. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. While suitable for general contexts, it may require a more formal alternative in academic or professional writing. Its frequency is high across News & Media, as well as Wiki sources. Consider the subtle nuances in meaning when choosing among alternatives such as "hard to refuse" or "irresistible proposition" to best convey the intended message. When writing, always consider the specific circumstances to make your description as precise and impactful as possible.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hard to refuse

Focuses on the act of refusing, emphasizing the challenge in saying no.

hard to resist

Emphasizes the difficulty in opposing or avoiding something.

tempting offer

Highlights the allure of the offer itself, making it desirable.

irresistible proposition

Emphasizes the compelling nature of the proposal.

too good to pass up

Focuses on the advantageous nature of the opportunity.

highly desirable

Highlights the attractiveness and wish fulfillment aspect.

extremely appealing

Emphasizes the attractive quality of the subject.

inviting opportunity

Stresses the welcoming and attractive aspect of the chance.

alluring prospect

Highlights the enticing and fascinating nature of the future possibility.

attractive option

Focuses on the positive qualities that make the choice appealing.

FAQs

How can I use "difficult to turn down" in a sentence?

You can use "difficult to turn down" to describe an offer, opportunity, or request that is hard to refuse. For example, "The promotion was "difficult to turn down" due to the significant increase in salary and responsibilities."

What are some alternatives to "difficult to turn down"?

Some alternatives include "hard to refuse", "tempting offer", or "irresistible proposition". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "difficult to turn down" formal or informal?

While generally acceptable, "difficult to turn down" leans toward a neutral to slightly informal register. For highly formal contexts, consider alternatives like "highly desirable" or "extremely appealing".

When is it appropriate to use "difficult to turn down"?

It's appropriate when you want to convey that something is appealing or attractive, making it challenging to decline. This phrase works well in both spoken and written communication across various contexts, including news articles, blogs, and everyday conversations.