refuse to conform

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "refuse to conform" is not only grammatically correct, but also commonly used in written English.
It means to consciously resist or reject societal norms or expectations. You can use this phrase in a variety of contexts, such as: - In a persuasive essay arguing for individuality and non-conformity: "We should encourage young people to embrace their unique identities instead of pressuring them to conform to societal norms." - In a news article discussing a controversial decision made by a public figure: "The politician's refusal to conform to the party's beliefs has caused a stir among his colleagues." - In a personal statement for a college application, highlighting your strong sense of self: "Despite pressure from my peers to conform, I have always refused to compromise my values and beliefs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

Both Pakistan and his daughter confound him; they refuse to conform to his notions of reasonableness.

The New York Times

These titans, and those who surround them, overwhelmingly and stubbornly refuse to conform to the simple premise of triumphant good versus vanquished evil.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Archetypes of what women look like are basically inescapable: women either conform to them, refuse to conform to them, or set them.

The New Yorker

An increasing number of cases where service personnel are bullied or denied promotion because they refuse to conform to the religious beliefs of their superiors.

The Economist

Those who refuse to conform can write for the "drawer"—for posterity or, in the case of the younger rebels, for underground publication.

The Economist

Journalists who refuse to conform to the state's editorial policies are charged with "activities against state security" and are arrested and detained arbitrarily.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

It refused to conform to clothing stereotypes.

The New York Times

Those farmers who refused to conform could be justifiably labeled as selfish, willfully ignorant, and destructive.

Stanford University

Britain's feral youths are brutishly and selfishly refusing to conform to stereotype.

Independent

It was a political statement – he refused to conform to social standards of personal appearance.

The Guardian - Books

Norway sparked international controversy in 1992 when it refused to conform to the International Whaling Treaty (see whaling).

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about the reasons behind a "refusal to conform", use active voice to emphasize the agent's agency and intentionality.

Common error

Avoid using "refuse to conform" when a milder expression like "differ" or "vary" would be more appropriate. Overstating the level of resistance can dilute your message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "refuse to conform" functions as a verb phrase expressing a deliberate action of resisting societal norms or expectations. As stated in Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

12%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "refuse to conform" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that signifies a conscious decision to resist or reject societal norms. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread applicability. Predominantly found in News & Media, it carries a neutral tone suitable for diverse contexts. While there are semantically related alternatives like ""reject conformity"" or ""decline to comply"", "refuse to conform" specifically highlights an active choice against adherence. When employing this phrase, clarity in specifying the resisted norms and maintaining appropriate intensity are key to effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reject conformity

Highlights the explicit denial and avoidance of adhering to established norms.

decline to comply

Emphasizes a formal rejection of a rule or request, carrying a slightly more official tone.

resist compliance

Focuses on the active opposition against being compliant or obedient.

go against the grain

Implies acting contrary to the prevailing inclination or trend.

defy expectations

Stresses the act of opposing what is anticipated or predicted.

buck the trend

Similar to "go against the grain", but with a stronger emphasis on reversing a prevailing direction.

disobey conventions

Implies non-adherence to traditional practices and behaviors.

challenge norms

Suggests a more active role of questioning and confronting societal standards.

stand apart

Focuses on the act of distinguishing oneself and maintaining individuality.

not fit in

Indicates a lack of integration within a particular group or society.

FAQs

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

You can use "refuse to conform" to describe someone's conscious decision to not follow established norms, for example: "The artist "refuses to conform" to traditional styles, creating unique and provocative pieces."

What are some alternatives to "refuse to conform"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "refuse to conform" include "reject conformity", "decline to comply", or "resist compliance".

Is it better to say "refuse to conform to" or "refuse to conform with"?

"Refuse to conform to" is generally preferred and more common. While "refuse to conform with" isn't incorrect, it's less frequently used in contemporary English.

What's the difference between "refuse to conform" and "fail to conform"?

"Refuse to conform" implies a deliberate and conscious choice to not follow norms, while "fail to conform" suggests an inability or unintentional failure to meet expectations.