emphatic no

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "emphatic no" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a strong and clear refusal or disagreement. Example: "When asked if he would support the proposal, his response was an emphatic no."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

-- with an emphatic no.

The New York Times - Sports

Another emphatic no.

The New York Times

(His answer was an emphatic "no").

The Economist

The answer was an emphatic "no".

The Guardian

My emphatic "no" seemed to surprise her.

The Guardian - Opinion

Afghanistan's legal experts lined up to say an emphatic no.

The Economist

His answer to that question is an emphatic no.

The New York Times - Books

The answer to that is an emphatic no.

The Economist

The answer, of course, is an emphatic no.

The Guardian - Sport

The answer from commenters was a fairly emphatic no.

The Guardian

Mr. van Zyl leans forward, responding with an emphatic "No".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To amplify the effect of "emphatic no", consider pairing it with actions or explanations that underscore the strength of your position. For instance, "The answer is an emphatic no, and we will not consider this proposal again."

Common error

Avoid using "emphatic no" in casual conversations or informal writing. Its formal tone may sound overly aggressive or stilted in everyday situations. Opt for simpler expressions of disagreement in those cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "emphatic no" functions as an interjectional phrase or a noun phrase serving as a direct, strong negative response. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It's commonly used to express strong disagreement or refusal.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "emphatic no" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to convey strong disagreement or refusal. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely present in news media and other reputable sources. While effective for clear communication, it should be used judiciously in informal settings where a more casual tone is appropriate. Alternatives like "resounding no" or "decisive no" can provide similar meaning with slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

resounding no

Similar in conveying a strong refusal, but emphasizes the widespread or publicly acknowledged nature of the rejection.

decisive no

Indicates a clear and final rejection, focusing on the lack of ambiguity.

categorical no

Highlights the unconditional nature of the rejection, leaving no room for exceptions.

unequivocal no

Emphasizes the clarity and lack of doubt in the refusal.

firm refusal

Focuses on the resolute nature of the rejection.

flat denial

Highlights the direct and straightforward rejection, without any hesitation.

vigorous rejection

Emphasizes the energy and forcefulness behind the refusal.

forceful denial

Highlights the strength and power in the rejection.

adamant refusal

Stresses the unwavering and stubborn nature of the rejection.

absolute negation

Emphasizes the complete and total rejection of something.

FAQs

How can I use "emphatic no" in a sentence?

You can use "emphatic no" as a direct response to a question, or within a sentence to describe someone's strong refusal. For example, "His answer was an emphatic no" or "She responded with an emphatic no to the proposal".

What are some alternatives to "emphatic no"?

Some alternatives include "resounding no", "decisive no", or "firm refusal". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "emphatic no" suitable for formal writing?

Yes, "emphatic no" is appropriate for formal writing when you want to express a strong and clear refusal. It is often found in news articles, reports, and other professional documents.

What makes "emphatic no" different from a simple "no"?

"Emphatic no" adds a layer of intensity and conviction to a simple "no". It signifies a stronger, more decisive rejection, indicating that there is no room for negotiation or doubt.