refuse him

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "refuse him" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
For example, "My parents refused him when he asked for their blessing on our marriage."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

She can't refuse him.

The New Yorker

I couldn't refuse him".

The New York Times - Magazine

She willed herself not to refuse him.

The New York Times - Magazine

She did not refuse him.

The New York Times

"You don't want to refuse him anything".

The New York Times

Mr Rajoy will continue to refuse him one.

The Economist

But Sky knew she wouldn't refuse him his unusual request.

The Guardian

I shall refuse him, however, unless he promises to give away his white Coat.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

(She refused him).

The New York Times - Books

The Eurogroup refused him.

The New Yorker

Bush refused him.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "refuse him", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being refused. Providing specific details enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by explicitly stating what is being refused. Instead of just "they refused him", specify "they refused him the loan".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "refuse him" functions as a verb phrase with a direct object. Ludwig AI indicates that it's grammatically correct and widely used. It typically describes the act of denying someone something requested or offered.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

4%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "refuse him" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to indicate the act of denying a request or offer to someone. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous real-world examples from reputable sources. Its versatility allows it to be used across various contexts, with a primary presence in news and media. While alternatives like "deny him" or "reject him" exist, "refuse him" remains a straightforward and widely understood way to convey denial.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deny him

Replaces "refuse" with a synonym emphasizing the act of withholding something.

reject him

Emphasizes a stronger sense of disapproval or non-acceptance.

turn him down

An idiomatic expression for rejecting an offer or request.

decline his request

More formal and specific, focusing on a particular request.

withhold from him

Highlights the act of keeping something back.

rebuff him

Suggests a blunt or abrupt rejection.

not grant him

Focuses on the failure to give permission or approval.

veto his proposal

Indicates a rejection of a formal plan or suggestion, particularly from a position of authority.

disallow him

Indicates formal rejection.

impede him

Conveys the act of obstructing him.

FAQs

What does "refuse him" mean?

The phrase "refuse him" means to deny someone a request, offer, or something they are seeking. It implies a rejection or denial.

How can I use "refuse him" in a sentence?

You can use "refuse him" in a sentence like this: "The bank decided to "refuse him" the loan due to his poor credit history."

What are some alternatives to "refuse him"?

Some alternatives to "refuse him" include "deny him", "reject him", or "turn him down".

When is it appropriate to use "refuse him" versus "deny him"?

"Refuse him" is generally used for requests or offers, while "deny him" can also apply to rights or opportunities. The choice depends on the specific context of what is being withheld.