do not accept

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "do not accept" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it in contexts where you want to indicate refusal or rejection of something. Example: "We do not accept returns after 30 days." Alternative expressions include "will not accept" and "cannot accept."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I do not accept that.

The New York Times

Do not accept this invitation.

The New Yorker

"We do not accept this".

The New York Times

"We do not accept anything".

The New York Times

We do not accept cash.

University of California, Berkeley

We do not accept them".

The New York Times

I do not accept this.

The Guardian

Police do not accept this.

The Guardian

I do not accept him".

The New York Times

Most dentists do not accept Medicaid patients.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The eurozone ministers do not accept that.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When expressing disagreement or refusal, consider the context and choose a synonym that reflects the appropriate level of formality and directness. For example, use "decline" in polite situations and "reject" when a stronger term is needed.

Common error

Avoid overuse of the phrase "do not accept" in formal writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "reject", "decline", or "refuse" to maintain a sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "do not accept" functions primarily as a negative declarative, expressing refusal or rejection. Ludwig shows many examples where this phrase is used to deny something offered, proposed, or believed. It's a common way to state a disagreement or an unwillingness to take something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

33%

News & Media

32%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "do not accept" is a versatile and commonly used expression for conveying refusal or disagreement. Ludwig highlights its frequent appearance across diverse contexts, from academic settings to news reports. While grammatically sound and generally neutral in register, as pointed out by Ludwig AI, it is important to consider the context and choose synonyms where appropriate to maintain a sophisticated and engaging tone. Remember to be mindful of formality and consider alternatives like "reject", "decline", or "refuse" based on the specific situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reject

A more concise and direct way of saying "do not accept".

refuse

A stronger term than decline, indicating a firm decision not to accept something.

decline

Suggests a polite refusal, often used for invitations or offers.

not agree to

Similar to "disagree with" but implies a lack of consent to a proposal or agreement.

disagree with

Focuses on disagreement with an idea or statement rather than a direct refusal of something tangible.

oppose

Indicates active resistance or disagreement with something.

take exception to

Indicates a strong objection to something, often something said or done.

disavow

To deny responsibility for or connection with something; a formal rejection.

will not countenance

A formal and strong way to express disapproval and unwillingness to allow something.

cannot tolerate

Implies an inability to endure or accept something, often due to moral or ethical reasons.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "do not accept" that I can use?

You can use alternatives like "reject", "decline", or "refuse" depending on the context.

How formal is the phrase "do not accept"?

The phrase "do not accept" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal settings, consider alternatives like "will not countenance".

What's the difference between "do not accept" and "disagree with"?

"Do not accept" implies a refusal to take something offered or to agree to something proposed. "Disagree with", on the other hand, expresses a difference in opinion or belief. They are not interchangeable, though similar. You may "disagree with" someone's opinion but "do not accept" their terms.

When is it appropriate to use "do not accept"?

It is appropriate to use "do not accept" when you want to express that you are refusing something, whether it's an offer, a proposal, or an idea. Be mindful of the context and choose a more formal or informal alternative if necessary.