refuse to allow

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "refuse to allow" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a decision not to permit something or someone to happen or take place. Example: "The committee decided to refuse to allow any further changes to the proposal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

March 15 After soldiers refuse to allow Georgian Pres.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"But you have to refuse to allow that.

Independent

My siblings refuse to allow it in the car.

The New Yorker

We refuse to allow this future to unfold".

The Guardian

As president, I refuse to allow this problem to fester.

The Guardian

But they have the right to refuse to allow those same refugees to cross those borders.

University of California, Berkeley

The Commission has the power under § 1(18) to refuse to allow abandonment of the operations.

Cornell University

"We should refuse to allow hateful speakers on campus," a campus faculty member said.

University of California, Berkeley

At what point do parents refuse to allow their children to play football?

The New York Times - Sports

For their own reasons, the authorities refuse to allow her to go outside.

Independent

Even when the two sides agree, judges may refuse to allow them.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "refuse to allow", ensure the context clearly indicates who is refusing and what is being refused to avoid ambiguity. For clarity, specify the actor and object of the action explicitly.

Common error

While "refuse to allow" is grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal in casual conversation. In informal settings, consider using simpler alternatives like "won't let" or "not going to allow" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "refuse to allow" functions as a declarative expression of denial or prohibition. It is used to explicitly state that someone or something is not permitted. Ludwig AI indicates this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "refuse to allow" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase for expressing a denial of permission. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid and effective expression across numerous contexts. While applicable in multiple settings, be mindful of your audience; it might sound slightly formal in very casual conversations. Consider more straightforward options such as "won't let" if informality is desired. The most frequent sources for this phrase are news and media, followed by academia and wiki sources, indicating a broad applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

decline to permit

This alternative offers a slightly more formal tone compared to "refuse to allow".

deny permission

Focuses on the act of withholding permission, suitable when emphasizing authority.

withhold consent

Emphasizes the lack of agreement or approval.

reject the notion of permitting

A more emphatic and formal way of expressing refusal.

not consent to

Directly indicates a lack of agreement or willingness.

disallow

A simpler, more direct synonym suitable for concise writing.

veto

Implies an authoritative rejection, often used in legal or political contexts.

prohibit

Suggests a more formal and absolute ban.

ban

Indicates a strong and often official prohibition.

rule out

Indicates that something is not a possibility or an option.

FAQs

What does "refuse to allow" mean?

The phrase "refuse to allow" means to deny permission for something to happen or for someone to do something. It indicates a deliberate decision to not permit an action or event.

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

You can use "refuse to allow" to express a firm decision against permitting something. For example, "The manager decided to refuse to allow any further changes to the project proposal".

What are some alternatives to "refuse to allow"?

Alternatives include "decline to permit", "deny permission", or "withhold consent" depending on the context.

Is "refuse to allow" formal or informal?

The phrase "refuse to allow" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. In very informal contexts, simpler phrases like "won't let" might be more appropriate.