is refusing to allow

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is refusing to allow" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing someone or something that is actively denying permission or access to something. Example: "The committee is refusing to allow any changes to the proposed budget."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

And that is what Judge Rakoff is refusing to allow.

The New York Times

The Coventry-born Geraghty, though, is refusing to allow his hat size to expand.

The Guardian - Sport

But what is refusing to allow a person back with no other nationality, but an assertion of just such statelessness?

The Guardian - Opinion

North Korea is refusing to allow nuclear samples to be taken out of the country for testing.

The New York Times

Gazprom, for example, is refusing to allow wider access to its pipelines, which could be used to transport other companies' gas to the European Union.

The Economist

He's a Muslim, but not officially the president yet because the current Christian president, who has his own share of issues, is refusing to allow a power change".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

The Russians were refusing to allow Georgian officials into the area, Mr. Utiashvili said.

The New York Times

The Israeli Army was refusing to allow ambulances to approach the camp.

The New York Times

The family told her the bank was refusing to allow them to borrow against their home equity.

The New York Times

Yet, increasingly, doctors are refusing to allow transparency and objectivity to be trumped by eminence and vested interests.

The Guardian - Opinion

Last Thursday, his lawyer said that the authorities are refusing to allow him to travel abroad for medical treatment.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the level of formality required for your writing. While "is refusing to allow" is generally acceptable, more formal alternatives like "is denying permission" might be preferable in academic or professional contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "is refusing to allow" when a simple lack of ability or resources is the reason. Refusal implies a deliberate choice to deny something, not merely an inability to provide it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is refusing to allow" functions as a verb phrase expressing active denial or prohibition. It indicates a deliberate choice not to permit something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Opinion

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is refusing to allow" is a commonly used and grammatically correct verb phrase that indicates active denial or prohibition. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's versatile and appears frequently in news and media contexts to report on denials and rejections. While it's generally neutral, more formal alternatives like "is denying permission" might be preferred in specific academic or professional settings. Ensure clear context and avoid using it when a simple lack of ability, rather than a deliberate choice, is the reason for the denial.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is denying permission

More formal and directly states the denial of permission.

is not permitting

A more neutral and formal way of saying something is not allowed.

is prohibiting

Implies a more formal and authoritative ban.

is blocking

Suggests actively preventing something from happening or accessing something.

is preventing

Highlights the action of stopping something from occurring.

is rejecting

Focuses on the refusal to accept or approve something.

is withholding

Implies holding back something that might otherwise be given.

is declining to permit

A more elaborate and formal way of expressing refusal.

is not giving access

Specifically addresses the denial of access to something.

is turning down

A more informal way of rejecting a request or offer.

FAQs

How can I use "is refusing to allow" in a sentence?

You can use "is refusing to allow" to indicate a deliberate denial of permission or access. For example, "The government "is refusing to allow" international observers into the region."

What are some alternatives to "is refusing to allow"?

Some alternatives include "is denying permission", "is not permitting", or "is prohibiting" depending on the context.

Is "is refusing to allow" formal or informal?

"Is refusing to allow" is generally considered neutral. For more formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "is denying permission".

What's the difference between "is refusing to allow" and "is unable to allow"?

"Is refusing to allow" implies a deliberate choice to deny something, while "is unable to allow" suggests a lack of capacity or means. For example, "The company "is refusing to allow" remote work" indicates a policy decision, whereas "The company "is unable to allow" remote work due to technical limitations" indicates a logistical constraint.