refuse

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'refuse' is correct and usable in written English.
It is an verb meaning to reject or decline an offer or request, or to not comply. For example: "The shopkeeper refused to accept the returned item."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The main opposition party could hardly refuse to support it, or it would be displaying lack of confidence in its ability to win the ensuing general election.

The Guardian

Despite the warnings — House Speaker John Boehner said Obama called him last week to reiterate that there would be no compromise on the debt ceiling — Republican leaders refuse to take Obama at his word.

The Guardian

We absolutely refuse to refer to occupied East Jerusalem.

The Guardian

For weeks, even months, they would refuse shampoo, resulting in hair that emitted cheap cider and bong fumes wherever they went and gradually became lanker, greasier and flatter.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A game where it's possible to "refuse" the basic Jungian call to adventure in an alien world and instead transform the world you live in.

The Guardian - Opinion

"The policy should further consider whether all future funding agreements should contain a clause that stipulates that it is a condition of Australia Council funding that the applicant does not unreasonably refuse private sector funding, or does not unreasonably terminate an existing funding agreement with a private partner," Brandis wrote.

The Guardian

Pressley himself has a grievance with Neil Doncaster, the chief executive of the Scottish Premier League, and the clubs therein who categorically refuse to contemplate a meaningful expansion to the top division.

The Guardian - Sport

Instead of heating wood, these stoves use other plant material even run-of-the-mill farm refuse.

The Guardian

"I shall not refuse the request of the people of my country, but I will ask them to help," he reportedly said.

The Guardian

But it did leave room for Labour to maintain their attack: that the Tories have harsh cuts planned, about which they refuse to come clean.

The Guardian

The story told is of an aunt and uncle who care for their niece and refuse to send her to school with their sons.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider replacing the word "refuse" with synonyms like "decline" or "reject" for a more formal tone, or with "turn down" for an informal tone.

Common error

A common mistake is not clearly specifying what is being refused. Instead of saying "They refuse", specify the object: "They "refuse" the offer" or "They "refuse" to cooperate".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "refuse" is as a verb, indicating the action of declining or rejecting something. As Ludwig AI confirms, this aligns with standard English grammar. Examples from Ludwig show it used to decline requests, offers, or cooperation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "refuse" is a versatile verb used to express the act of declining or rejecting something. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage in English, and examples from Ludwig demonstrate its broad application across various contexts, primarily in News & Media. While maintaining a neutral formality, understanding the specific object of refusal is crucial for clarity. Consider synonyms like "decline" or "reject" for more formal tones, and ensure the context is clear to avoid ambiguity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

decline

A more formal synonym for refusing, often used in polite or official contexts.

decline to

A more formal way of saying "refuse to" do something.

reject

Implies a stronger and more decisive refusal, often associated with something being deemed unacceptable.

turn down

An informal phrasal verb meaning to refuse an offer or request.

say no to

A direct and unambiguous way of expressing refusal.

withhold

To refuse to give something that is expected or due.

rebuff

To reject someone or their advances in an abrupt or unkind way.

spurn

To reject with disdain or contempt.

veto

To reject or prohibit, especially by someone in authority.

beg to differ

A polite way of expressing disagreement or refusal to accept a statement.

FAQs

How to use "refuse" in a sentence?

You can use "refuse" to indicate that someone is declining or rejecting something. For example, "The company may "refuse" the request if it's not aligned with their policies".

What can I say instead of "refuse"?

You can use alternatives like "decline", "reject", or "turn down" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "refuse" or "reject"?

Both "refuse" and "reject" are correct, but they have slightly different connotations. "Refuse" generally means to decline, while "reject" implies a stronger disapproval.

What's the difference between "refuse" and "deny"?

"Refuse" means to decline a request or offer, while "deny" means to state that something is not true. For example, you can "refuse" a gift but "deny" an accusation.