refuse to agree

USAGE SUMMARY

'refuse to agree' is a valid phrase in written English.
You can use it when you are expressing that someone or something is not willing to accept something. For example: "The two sides refused to agree on which plan would work best for them."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

The Obama administration and most Democrats will refuse to agree.

The New York Times

But interior ministers, fearful of organised crime and drug- and people-trafficking, refuse to agree.

The Economist

Asked whether Labour would refuse to agree to a currency pact, Miliband said "correct".

The Guardian

But developed countries currently refuse to agree to this because "it will open up the agreement".

The Guardian

Or we can refuse to agree and get blamed for it.

The New York Times

But I refuse to agree to any settlement that would send the wrong message.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

But the Football Association refused to agree.

The Guardian - Sport

Democrats refused to agree to more cuts without additional revenue from taxes, and Republicans refused to agree to tax increases.

The New York Times

They have refused to agree on a WEO.

The Guardian

We would have to finance the production, and therefore I refused to agree with the proposal.

Yale University

But the Republicans refused to agree to put the revenue question to voters.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "refuse to agree" to express a deliberate decision not to accept a proposal, condition, or idea, particularly when there is an expectation or pressure to do so.

Common error

While grammatically sound, "refuse to agree" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "disagree" or "won't accept" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "refuse to agree" functions as a verb phrase, expressing a subject's unwillingness or rejection of an idea, proposal, or condition. Ludwig examples confirm that it is commonly used to describe disagreements in negotiations, political standoffs, and personal decisions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "refuse to agree" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to convey a firm rejection or unwillingness to accept something. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and Ludwig's examples demonstrate that it is most frequently used in news and media, followed by academic writing. While suitable for neutral and objective reporting, it is wise to consider context and choose simpler alternatives like "disagree" in informal settings. Related phrases such as "decline to consent" or "withhold agreement" offer varied levels of formality and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

withhold agreement

Highlights the act of holding back approval or concurrence.

decline to consent

Emphasizes a formal rejection of permission or approval.

not give assent

Stresses the formal lack of affirmation or permission.

not be amenable to

Indicates a lack of willingness to consider or accept something.

reject the proposal

Specifically targets the act of turning down a suggestion or plan.

disagree

A straightforward expression of differing opinions.

object to

Expresses opposition or disapproval of something.

dissent

Suggests a more formal or principled opposition.

be in opposition

Highlights a state of being against or contrary to something.

not see eye to eye

Indicates a fundamental difference in perspective or opinion.

FAQs

How can I use "refuse to agree" in a sentence?

You can use "refuse to agree" to indicate a firm decision not to accept something. For instance, "The committee members refused to agree to the proposed changes".

What are some alternatives to "refuse to agree"?

Alternatives include "decline to consent", "withhold agreement", or simply "disagree", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "refuse to agree" or "disagree"?

The choice depends on the context. "Refuse to agree" emphasizes a deliberate and firm rejection, while "disagree" is a more general term for having a different opinion.

What's the difference between "refuse to agree" and "unwilling to agree"?

"Refuse to agree" indicates a conscious decision against agreement, while "unwilling to agree" suggests a lack of desire or inclination to agree, which may not be a firm decision.