having been rebuffed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "having been rebuffed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone has been rejected or dismissed after making an attempt or request. Example: "After having been rebuffed multiple times, she decided to pursue a different approach to her proposal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

Having been rebuffed, TCI now wants to double its bet.

The Economist

Other cinemas seeking to book it report having been rebuffed.

The Guardian - Film

But having been rebuffed in that effort, they decided to get the materials published elsewhere.

The New York Times

Having been rebuffed when he backed candidates in Peru, Mexico and Ecuador, Mr Chávez kept quiet about Nicaragua.

The Economist

And the trustee, having been rebuffed at the negotiating table, would probably have fewer incentives to settle for less than the full amount he originally sought.

The New York Times - Sports

Air Products and Chemicals, a producer of industrial gases, made an unsolicited $5.1 billion offer on Friday for a rival, Airgas, after having been rebuffed for months.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

(So far, they have been rebuffed).

The New York Times

Each time, he has been rebuffed.

The New York Times

Other potential RIM suitors have been rebuffed.

The New York Times

This has been rebuffed by No 10.

The Guardian

So far, the requests have been rebuffed.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a series of attempts, "having been rebuffed" can effectively convey repeated rejections, emphasizing persistence or the need for a change in strategy.

Common error

Avoid using "having been rebuffed" when you simply mean 'being rebuffed'. The 'having been' construction is used to show that the rebuffal happened before the next event or action you are describing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "having been rebuffed" functions as a past perfect passive participle phrase. It typically modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating a state resulting from a prior action of rejection. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this grammatical construct is deemed correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "having been rebuffed" is a grammatically correct and commonly used way to describe a past rejection. It functions as a past perfect passive participle phrase, setting the context for subsequent actions. While suitable for neutral and formal registers, it's most frequently found in news and media sources, as confirmed by Ludwig. When using the phrase, ensure you understand the passive perfect construction and the sequence of events it implies. While alternatives like "after being rejected" exist, "having been rebuffed" carries a slightly more formal tone, making it a suitable choice for professional and journalistic writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

after being rejected

Uses a simpler verb form to indicate the act of rejection.

following a rejection

Highlights the sequence of events, emphasizing the rejection as a prior event.

after being turned down

Uses a more informal phrasal verb to express rejection.

despite facing resistance

Focuses on the opposition encountered rather than the specific act of rebuffing.

having met with refusal

Emphasizes the encounter with a refusal, highlighting the direct confrontation.

following an unsuccessful attempt

Focuses on the attempt and its lack of success.

though their advances were declined

Specifies that an advance or proposal was declined, implying a formal rejection.

being unsuccessful in the attempt

Shifts the focus to the lack of success rather than the rejection itself.

not having succeeded

A more general statement of failure, without specifying the cause.

after facing a setback

A softer way of saying that someone was rejected.

FAQs

What does "having been rebuffed" mean?

The phrase "having been rebuffed" means that someone or something has been rejected or turned down, typically after making an attempt or request.

How can I use "having been rebuffed" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe a situation where someone experienced rejection before taking another action. For example: "Having been rebuffed in their initial proposal, they revised their strategy."

What are some alternatives to "having been rebuffed"?

Alternatives include "after being rejected", "despite facing resistance", or "after being turned down". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "having been refused" instead of "having been rebuffed"?

Yes, "having been refused" is a valid alternative. Both phrases convey a similar meaning, but "having been rebuffed" might suggest a more forceful or direct rejection.