refuse to comment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "refuse to comment" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to avoid answering a question or discussing a particular topic. For example, "When asked about the future of the company, the CEO refused to comment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Greater Manchester Police refuse to comment.

The Guardian

The agency did not refuse to comment on the fraud cases.

The New York Times

Scottish government refuse to comment on a matter of "national economic security".

Independent

Regulators and prosecutors refuse to comment on whether he remained under investigation.

The New York Times

Knicks officials refuse to comment on their negotiations with free agents.

The New York Times - Sports

"We refuse to comment on these reports," the agency's spokesman, Sergei Ivanov, said.

The Guardian

"I refuse to comment about it because the government has nothing to do with it.

The New York Times

"The government did not interfere, and we refuse to comment about it.

The New York Times

"Local townsfolk refuse to comment on exactly how long or why the rappers were being sheltered," the story read.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

(Lehane refuses to comment).

The New Yorker

(He refused to comment).

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "refuse to comment" when you want to convey a firm decision not to provide information on a specific matter. It's often used in journalistic contexts when an individual or organization declines to answer a question.

Common error

Avoid using "refuse to comment" in casual conversations. It can sound overly formal or defensive in everyday scenarios. Opt for simpler phrases like "I'd rather not say" or "I'm not comfortable discussing that".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "refuse to comment" functions as a declarative statement indicating a decision not to provide information or an opinion on a particular subject. This is supported by Ludwig, which identifies the phrase as correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "refuse to comment" is a common and grammatically correct way to decline providing information. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression serves as a declarative statement with the primary goal of avoiding answering a question, especially in media or formal settings. While highly prevalent in news and media, its formality makes it less suitable for informal conversations. Alternatives such as "decline to comment" or "offer no comment" provide similar meanings with slight differences in tone. When using "refuse to comment", writers should be mindful of the context to ensure it aligns with the intended level of formality and potential implications of remaining silent.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

decline to comment

A more formal and polite way of saying "refuse to comment".

offer no comment

A more direct and concise way of stating a refusal to provide information.

abstain from commenting

Emphasizes a deliberate choice to not participate in the discussion.

withhold comment

Highlights the act of holding back information or opinion.

decline to elaborate

Indicates a refusal to provide further details or explanation.

remain silent

Focuses on the complete absence of a response.

not respond

A neutral term indicating a lack of response.

take a pass on commenting

An informal and colloquial way of declining to comment.

plead the fifth

A legal term indicating the right to remain silent to avoid self-incrimination; applicable in specific contexts.

stonewall the question

Suggests an intentional obstruction of the questioning, often implying deception.

FAQs

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

You can use "refuse to comment" when someone declines to provide information. For example, "The company's spokesperson "refused to comment" on the ongoing investigation".

What are some alternatives to "refuse to comment"?

Alternatives include "decline to comment", "offer no comment", or "remain silent" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "refuse to comment"?

It's appropriate in formal settings, especially when dealing with media inquiries or sensitive topics where providing information could have negative consequences. Be aware that choosing to "refuse to comment" might imply guilt or secrecy.

Is "refuse to comment" considered formal language?

Yes, "refuse to comment" is generally considered more formal than everyday alternatives. It's often used in professional or official communications, particularly when dealing with legal or sensitive matters. In informal settings, consider using phrases like "I'd rather not say" or "no comment".