Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
is refused
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "is refused" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where something is being denied or not accepted, often in passive constructions. Example: "The application is refused due to incomplete documentation."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Wiki
Alternative expressions(20)
is rejected
is not granted
is declined
is disallowed
is not allowed
is not warranted
is not recognised
is unavailable
is not merited
is not advisable
is not acknowledged
is not recognized
is not justified
is not to be adopted
is not incorporated
is not permissible
is not entitled
is not accommodated
is not admitted
is not indicated
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
59 human-written examples
Nobody is refused admission.
News & Media
"No one is refused.
News & Media
Sometimes insurance is refused to landlords altogether.
News & Media
It now does not want to ask for help, only to find that it is refused.
News & Media
If one is refused insurance & applies to another company, the same report will be used.
News & Media
When his proposal is refused, Mr Collins wastes little time in selecting another bride.
News & Media
The cake is delicious, she begs for the recipe – is refused.
News & Media
Julian Assange is refused bail, and spends the night in Wandsworth prison.
News & Media
If your permit is refused, you can't find out who refused it and why.
News & Media
"If China is refused, it will give encouragement to conservatives here," he said.
News & Media
If this is refused, she thinks the family could face eviction and homelessness.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "is refused" when describing a formal denial or rejection. Ensure the context clearly indicates what is being refused and by whom.
Common error
Avoid using "is refused" with plural subjects. For example, instead of "Requests is refused", use "Requests are refused".
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "is refused" functions as a passive verb construction. It indicates that the subject of the sentence is receiving the action of being denied or rejected. Ludwig AI's examples demonstrate its usage across various domains.
Frequent in
News & Media
50%
Science
30%
Wiki
20%
Less common in
Formal & Business
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "is refused" is a grammatically sound and commonly used passive construction that conveys denial or rejection. It is most frequently found in news, scientific, and wiki content. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase follows standard grammar rules and is suitable for various writing contexts, though attention should be paid to subject-verb agreement. When looking for alternatives, consider "is denied" or "is rejected" for simpler synonyms.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
is denied
Simple synonym; replaces "refused" with "denied".
is rejected
Replaces "refused" with "rejected", conveying a stronger sense of non-acceptance.
is turned down
Uses the phrasal verb "turned down" instead of "refused".
is not granted
Emphasizes the lack of permission or approval.
is declined
A more formal substitute for "is refused".
is withheld
Focuses on the act of holding back something that was requested.
is disallowed
Implies that something is officially not permitted.
is not allowed
Similar to "is disallowed" but less formal.
is vetoed
Suggests a formal rejection by someone in authority.
is rebuffed
Conveys a more abrupt or dismissive rejection.
FAQs
What's a simple synonym for "is refused"?
A simple synonym is "is denied", which conveys a similar meaning of rejection or denial.
When should I use "is declined" instead of "is refused"?
"Is declined" is generally more formal than "is refused" and can be used in business or official contexts.
How can I rephrase a sentence with "is refused" to sound more direct?
Instead of "The request is refused", you could say "They refused the request". This active voice construction is more direct.
What is the difference between "is refused" and "is rejected"?
While similar, "is rejected" often implies a more forceful or definite denial than "is refused".
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested