refuse to consider

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "refuse to consider" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a decision not to take something into account or to dismiss an idea or proposal. Example: "Despite the evidence presented, the committee chose to refuse to consider the alternative solutions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They both indignantly refuse to consider such a plebeian union.

The Guardian - Music

The Chabad people refuse to consider any alternative.

The New York Times

"Many Palestinians till today refuse to consider such a process.

The New York Times

And until Republicans budge on revenue, Democrats refuse to consider entitlement cuts.

The New York Times

Republicans in the House of Representatives, however, refuse to consider any tax increase.

The Economist

Most of his clients, Mr. Weigert said, refuse to consider the option.

The New York Times

State employee union leaders currently refuse to consider the sacrifices the governor has proposed.

The New York Times

Most Republicans refuse to consider returning tax rates even to their 1990s levels.

The New York Times

It's just as possible that individual states might refuse to consider it for the same reason.

Yale University

He also continues to refuse to consider merging with a rival.

The New York Times

But he also ruled that she could not arbitrarily refuse to consider later returns.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "refuse to consider", ensure the context clearly indicates the reason for the refusal. Providing a justification, even if brief, can enhance clarity and avoid misinterpretations.

Common error

While acceptable, repeatedly using "refuse to consider" can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "decline to entertain" or "reject outright" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "refuse to consider" functions as a verb phrase, specifically an infinitive phrase, where "refuse" is the main verb and "to consider" acts as its infinitive complement. Ludwig AI validates this usage, demonstrating its grammatical correctness and common occurrence in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Academia

21%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "refuse to consider" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to denote a firm unwillingness to engage with a particular idea or suggestion. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely accepted in various contexts, ranging from news and media to academic writing. While versatile, it's essential to ensure clarity in your writing by providing context for the refusal and considering synonyms like "decline to entertain" or "reject outright" to avoid repetition. It can be adapted to many contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

refuse to acknowledge

Highlights the refusal to recognize or admit something. It substitutes "acknowledge" for "consider".

rule out

Suggests a definitive exclusion of something as a possibility. It changes the structure and implies a decision.

decline to entertain

Implies a formal rejection of an idea or suggestion, often in a discussion or debate. It changes the verb and noun.

disregard completely

Underlines that something is being ignored or treated as unimportant. It replaces "consider" with "regard" and adds an adverb.

reject outright

Highlights the decisiveness and finality of the rejection. It changes the structure and adds an intensifier.

brush aside

Indicates a quick and dismissive rejection of something. It's more casual.

dismiss from mind

Emphasizes the mental act of discarding something from one's thoughts. It uses different vocabulary.

will not countenance

Suggests a strong disapproval and refusal to allow something to happen. It's more formal and forceful.

turn a deaf ear to

Indicates a deliberate ignoring of something, often a plea or request. It's more idiomatic.

won't give credence to

Focuses on the lack of belief or trust in something. It is a more verbose construction.

FAQs

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

The phrase "refuse to consider" is used to express a firm unwillingness to entertain or accept an idea, suggestion, or possibility. For example: "The committee members "refuse to consider" the proposed changes to the policy".

What are some alternatives to "refuse to consider"?

Some alternatives to "refuse to consider" include "decline to entertain", "reject outright", "dismiss from mind", or "rule out", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more formal to say "refuse to consider" or "decline to consider"?

"Decline to consider" is generally perceived as more formal than "refuse to consider". "Refuse" implies a stronger, more assertive rejection, while "decline" suggests a more polite or diplomatic refusal.

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

"Refuse to consider" implies a deliberate choice not to engage with something. "Fail to consider" suggests an oversight or unintentional neglect. For example, "They "refuse to consider" his proposal because they disagree with his methods", while "They "fail to consider" the long-term consequences of their decision".