is refusing to cooperate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is refusing to cooperate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is not willing to work together or assist in a situation. Example: "Despite multiple attempts to engage him in the project, he is refusing to cooperate with the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Now, he is refusing to cooperate.

The New York Times

"We cannot accept that Iran is refusing to cooperate with the I.A.E.A".

The New York Times

Her father is refusing to cooperate with the consul in Jeddah.

The Guardian

Her father is refusing to cooperate with the consul in Jeddah.

The Guardian

TR: The Department of Justice has subpoenaed some of Google's data, and the company is refusing to cooperate.

MIT Technology Review

Iran rejected accusations on Monday that it is refusing to cooperate with United Nations inspectors seeking to determine whether it is developing nuclear weapons.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Civil liberties lawyers said a number of protesters were refusing to cooperate and withholding their identities.

The New York Times

They were refusing to cooperate with the director and staging an impromptu sit-in.

The New York Times - Arts

But privately owned banks are refusing to cooperate because they want the taxpayer to take more of the risk.

The New York Times

Many detainees are refusing to cooperate with them because they see the lawyers as agents of their captors.

The New York Times

Investigators identified the gunman as Jared Lee Loughner, 22, and said that he was refusing to cooperate with the authorities and had invoked his Fifth Amendment rights.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider your audience when selecting "is refusing to cooperate". In formal contexts, opt for similar alternatives such as "is unwilling to collaborate" or "is failing to comply" to maintain professionalism.

Common error

Avoid using "is refusing to cooperate" in informal settings where simpler terms like "not helping" or "not going along with it" might be more appropriate and natural. Overly formal language can sound stilted or unnatural in casual conversation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is refusing to cooperate" functions as a verb phrase indicating a subject's unwillingness to collaborate or assist. Ludwig's AI confirms its grammatical correctness. The phrase typically appears in declarative sentences to describe a current state of non-cooperation.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is refusing to cooperate" is a grammatically sound and direct way to express a lack of willingness to collaborate. Ludwig confirms its correctness, and it is most commonly found in news and media contexts. While generally neutral in register, it can sound overly formal in casual settings. Consider using alternatives like "is not cooperating" or "is declining to assist" to better suit the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember to provide clear context regarding what the subject is refusing to cooperate with to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is not cooperating

Uses a simpler verb form and avoids repetition of "cooperate".

is declining to assist

Replaces "cooperate" with "assist", indicating a more general lack of help.

is unwilling to collaborate

Emphasizes unwillingness and uses the more formal "collaborate".

is failing to comply

Highlights a failure to meet expectations or requirements.

is resisting collaboration

Emphasizes active resistance to working together.

is stonewalling

Uses an idiom to suggest obstruction and unwillingness to provide information.

is digging in their heels

Uses an idiom to convey stubborn resistance.

is taking a defiant stance

Highlights a rebellious or challenging attitude.

is being obstructive

Focuses on the act of hindering progress.

is proving unhelpful

Emphasizes the lack of assistance provided.

FAQs

What does it mean when someone "is refusing to cooperate"?

When someone "is refusing to cooperate", it means they are unwilling to work together or assist in a particular situation. This can involve withholding information, declining to participate, or actively hindering progress.

What can I say instead of "is refusing to cooperate"?

You can use alternatives like "is not cooperating", "is declining to assist", or "is unwilling to collaborate" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "is refusing to cooperate"?

The phrase "is refusing to cooperate" is appropriate in formal contexts such as news reports, legal documents, and professional communications where a clear and direct statement of non-cooperation is needed. It is less suitable for informal conversations.

Is there a difference between "is refusing to cooperate" and "is not cooperating"?

While both phrases convey a lack of cooperation, "is refusing to cooperate" implies a more active and deliberate decision not to cooperate. "Is not cooperating" can be a more neutral statement indicating a lack of cooperation without necessarily implying intent. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.