refuse to receive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "refuse to receive" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating a decision not to accept something, such as an offer, gift, or information. Example: "Despite the generous offer, she chose to refuse to receive any assistance from her colleagues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

To reject something means to refuse to receive, accept or even recognize it.

The New York Times

If they refuse to receive us, I want everyone to get on their knees.

The New Yorker

"I was afraid that some of them might attack the coming force, or even refuse to receive them.

The New York Times

Suppose cattle are presented to a carrier in Texas for shipment to Kansas, can it properly refuse to receive and transmit?

Cornell University

Western pressure has produced a deadline of sorts — on Oct. 20, Mr. Yanukovich is set to attend a long-planned meeting in Brussels, and some European Union officials have suggested that they may refuse to receive him there.

The New York Times

Upon the assumption that this legislation effectively prohibited both state and interstate transportation of such commodities within the state, the railroad company notified all of its agents, in and out of the state, to refuse to receive such liquors when consigned to any local-option point.

Cornell University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

De Gaulle refused to receive the envoy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Abraham Lincoln refused to receive his commission.

Britannica

But the U.N. refused to receive their petitions.

The Washington Post

Prime Minister Ecevit, however, has refused to receive them.

The New York Times

Almost all cities that have refused to receive him officially have been crossed off his list.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "refuse to receive" when you want to emphasize a deliberate and conscious decision not to accept something, be it physical objects, information, or even people. It carries a stronger sense of agency than simply 'reject'.

Common error

Be careful not to use "refuse to receive" interchangeably with words like 'reject' or 'decline' without considering the nuance. "Refuse to receive" implies a more direct and personal act of declining something that is being offered or given.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "refuse to receive" functions as a verb phrase indicating a decision not to accept something. It demonstrates agency in declining an offer, piece of information, or even a person. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a grammatically correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

37%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "refuse to receive" is a commonly used and grammatically correct verb phrase that indicates a deliberate decision not to accept something offered or presented. As confirmed by Ludwig, this expression finds frequent usage in contexts such as news, scientific research, and academic discourse. When needing an alternative, options like ""decline to accept"" or "reject outright" can serve as effective substitutes. Remember to employ "refuse to receive" when highlighting a conscious and intentional act of declining, and be mindful of its distinction from broader terms like 'reject' or 'decline'.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

decline to accept

Indicates a polite refusal, emphasizing the act of turning down an offer or invitation.

decline to take

Emphasizes the refusal to physically or metaphorically take possession of something.

reject outright

Highlights a complete and unambiguous refusal, emphasizing the lack of acceptance.

decline to welcome

Emphasizes a refusal to greet or accept someone or something into a place or situation.

turn down

Suggests a refusal of an offer or request, often implying a less formal context.

withhold acceptance

Suggests a deliberate decision to not accept something, often temporarily.

rebuff

Implies a blunt and often dismissive rejection of an advance or offer.

not be receptive to

Indicates a lack of openness or willingness to consider or accept something.

spurn

Indicates a rejection with disdain or contempt, suggesting a strong negative sentiment.

give a cold shoulder

Implies a deliberate act of ignoring or rejecting someone, often due to disapproval.

FAQs

What does "refuse to receive" mean?

The phrase "refuse to receive" means to decline or reject something that is offered or presented. It implies a deliberate choice not to accept something, whether it's an object, information, or even a person.

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

You can use "refuse to receive" in sentences like, "The company decided to "decline to accept" the takeover offer" or "The patient chose to "refuse to receive" further treatment".

Are there any synonyms for "refuse to receive"?

Yes, synonyms include phrases like "reject outright", "turn down", or "decline to take", which can be used depending on the context.

What's the difference between "refuse to receive" and "refuse to accept"?

While similar, "refuse to receive" often implies a direct offering or presentation, whereas "refuse to accept" can be broader, encompassing ideas, beliefs, or situations. Both express non-acceptance, but the former has a more immediate transactional connotation.