refuse to listen

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "refuse to listen" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone is deliberately not paying attention to what is being said or refusing to consider another person's perspective or advice. Example: Despite my best efforts to explain the situation, she continued to refuse to listen and made the decision without taking my input into account.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Once again Republicans refuse to listen".

The New York Times

"You refuse to listen," Duran replies.

The New York Times - Books

Her classmates refuse to listen to blues.

The New York Times

"If they refuse to listen to us," he added, "we can't force them".

The New York Times

While it's fair to disagree, it's puerile to refuse to listen.

The New York Times

But some of her clients refuse to listen, and some have already died.

The New York Times

Too many coaches refuse to listen to their players once they become established.

The New York Times - Sports

Well, that might only apply to describe those who refuse to listen.

The Guardian - Film

People with lower self-esteem may feel threatened enough to refuse to listen to any criticism, no matter the subject.

The Economist

The town's mayor says local authorities have made a counterproposal for waste management, but that government officials refuse to listen.

Independent

There are constant complaints today that politicians are 'out of touch', that they refuse to listen to the electorate.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "refuse to listen", ensure the context clearly indicates a deliberate choice not to heed or consider information, advice, or a point of view. This strengthens the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "refuse to listen" when describing situations where someone is unable to hear or understand due to external factors (e.g., language barrier, noise). The phrase implies a willful act of non-compliance, not a physical limitation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "refuse to listen" functions as a verb phrase indicating a deliberate action of not paying attention to or heeding what is being said. Ludwig AI confirms this is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Huffington Post

10%

Less common in

The Guardian

5%

The New York Times

5%

Forbes

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "refuse to listen" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that signifies a deliberate act of ignoring or disregarding information. As Ludwig AI confirms, its primary function is to express resistance or a lack of interest in another's perspective. Predominantly found in News & Media, Wiki, and general contexts, this phrase carries a neutral register, making it suitable for diverse communications. When employing this phrase, ensure the context implies a willful act of non-compliance rather than an inability to hear or understand. Alternatives include "decline to hear" and "turn a deaf ear".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

turn a deaf ear

An idiomatic expression signifying ignoring someone or something.

decline to hear

Emphasizes a formal rejection of the act of listening.

pay no attention

Highlights a lack of focus or heed.

won't take advice

Focuses on rejecting guidance or counsel.

not heed warnings

Specifically refers to ignoring cautionary advice.

disregard information

Highlights ignoring or neglecting provided details.

reject input

Implies a dismissal of contributions or feedback.

be unresponsive

Suggests a lack of reaction or acknowledgement.

ignore completely

Indicates a total lack of attention.

dismiss entirely

Implies a full rejection or disregard.

FAQs

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

You can use "refuse to listen" to describe someone deliberately ignoring information or advice. For example, "The board members "refuse to listen" to the expert's warnings about the financial risks."

What are some alternatives to "refuse to listen"?

Alternatives include "decline to hear", "turn a deaf ear", or "ignore completely" depending on the context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "refuse to listen" or "refuse to hear"?

While both are grammatically correct, "refuse to listen" generally implies a rejection of advice or information, whereas "refuse to hear" can refer to avoiding sounds or arguments. The best choice depends on the specific context.

What does it mean when someone "turns a deaf ear" instead of saying they "refuse to listen"?

"Turning a deaf ear" ("turn a deaf ear") is an idiomatic expression that means to ignore or disregard someone's advice or pleas. It's a more figurative way of saying someone "refuse to listen", often implying stubbornness or willful ignorance.