emphatically deny

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "emphatically deny" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when someone wants to strongly assert that something is not true or to reject an accusation with great emphasis. Example: "The politician chose to emphatically deny the allegations made against him during the press conference."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

The inference I emphatically deny.

Cornell University

I emphatically deny that I have done anything wrong.

The Guardian

It also helps Chinese officials, who consistently and emphatically deny allegations of state-sponsored hacking.

The Economist

Both parties emphatically deny that they have any desire to roll back the clock.

The New York Times

A Delaware lawsuit accuses him and Mr. Buckmaster of boardroom chicanery, an assertion they emphatically deny.

The New York Times - Tech

The four main political parties emphatically deny that the deal up for approval is a stepping-stone to EU membership.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

MVS Radio emphatically denies any link.

The Economist

Mr. Banier emphatically denies this.

The New York Times

But TMZ emphatically denied that on Sunday.

The New York Times

(Couric emphatically denied that this was so).

The New Yorker

The panel has emphatically denied the criticism.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "emphatically deny" when you want to convey a strong and unambiguous rejection of an accusation or statement. It adds weight to your denial.

Common error

Avoid using "emphatically deny" in contexts where a simple denial would suffice. Overusing strong language can make you sound defensive or insincere. Consider the impact of your word choice and opt for more neutral language when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "emphatically deny" functions as a declarative speech act, used to strenuously negate a statement or accusation. As demonstrated by Ludwig, this usage is commonly found in journalistic and legal contexts to convey the firmness of a denial.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Academia

9%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Science

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "emphatically deny" is a phrase used to convey a strong and unambiguous rejection of an accusation or statement. According to Ludwig, its grammatical status is correct, and it is commonly found in news and media, as well as in academic contexts. While the phrase is appropriate for formal settings, overuse should be avoided to prevent sounding defensive. Consider using alternative phrases, such as "categorically deny" or "strongly refute", depending on the specific context. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's validity and common usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

categorically deny

Indicates a complete and unambiguous denial, similar in strength but more formal.

unequivocally deny

Similar to categorically deny, emphasizing the lack of ambiguity or reservation in the denial.

flatly deny

Suggests a direct and unequivocal denial, leaving no room for ambiguity.

vehemently deny

Implies a passionate and forceful denial, often with emotional undertones.

adamantly deny

Indicates a stubborn and unyielding denial, suggesting a strong conviction.

strongly refute

Focuses on disproving or challenging a statement rather than simply denying it, implying evidence against the claim.

vigorously deny

Emphasizes the energy and forcefulness with which the denial is made.

expressly deny

Highlights that the denial is explicitly stated, leaving no room for implication.

firmly reject

Emphasizes a strong refusal or dismissal of something, often an idea or proposal.

wholeheartedly deny

Indicates a complete and sincere denial, leaving no room for doubt.

FAQs

How can I use "emphatically deny" in a sentence?

You can use "emphatically deny" when someone wants to strongly assert that something is not true or to reject an accusation with great emphasis. Example: "The politician chose to emphatically deny the allegations made against him during the press conference."

What are some alternatives to "emphatically deny"?

You can use alternatives like "categorically deny", "strongly refute", or "firmly reject" depending on the context.

Is it better to "emphatically deny" or "strongly deny"?

"Emphatically deny" and "strongly deny" are similar, but "emphatically deny" suggests even more force and conviction. The best choice depends on the specific context and the level of emphasis you want to convey.

Can "emphatically deny" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "emphatically deny" can be used in formal writing, particularly when addressing serious allegations or accusations. However, consider the tone and audience to ensure it's appropriate. More formal alternatives like "categorically deny" might be preferred in some cases.