refuse to start

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "refuse to start" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when indicating a decision not to begin a task or activity, often due to reluctance or disagreement. Example: "Despite the team's enthusiasm, he chose to refuse to start the project until all concerns were addressed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

His taxi driver will refuse to start the meter, demanding an extortionate fare instead.

The Economist

The same software could refuse to start the car should someone with an unfriendly face try to drive your vehicle without permission.

The New York Times

Desperate for airtime on the television news, the Communist Party chief leads the procession past McDonald's and billboards for foreign automobiles, but when the predictably corrupt cameramen arrive, they refuse to start filming for anything less than $10,000.

The New York Times - Books

When temperatures fell below freezing, Mr. Trochtenberg's 240D did its best impersonation of a Panzer tank in a Stalingrad winter — the diesel fuel would gel and the car would refuse to start.

The New York Times

This left you hopelessly cranking an engine that would refuse to start.

BBC

One piece of material, for example, tells readers, "You have probably become aware of the sorry state of your life and the fact that you, alone, are responsible for where you are," and calls those who refuse to start the program "dishonest".

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

But the old plastic machine refused to start.

The New York Times

A minibus meant to ferry mourners to a funeral in western Kenya refused to start.

The Economist

Offered a meagre euro4m each at first, eight smaller Serie A teams refused to start the season.

The Economist

Watching them together was like seeing two boxers refusing to start a fight in the ring.

The Guardian - Sport

In the 2004 general election, two of our machines refused to start up.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "refuse to start", ensure the context clearly indicates the reason for the refusal. This enhances clarity and prevents ambiguity. For instance, specify whether the refusal stems from technical issues, unwillingness, or policy disagreements.

Common error

While acceptable, "refuse to start" might sound less professional in formal documents. Opt for alternatives like "decline to initiate" or "not willing to commence" to maintain a polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "refuse to start" primarily functions as a verb phrase. It describes the action of declining or being unable to initiate something. Ludwig examples confirm its role in indicating unwillingness or failure to commence an action.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

23%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "refuse to start" functions as a verb phrase indicating a decision or inability not to begin something. While Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically correct, its usage frequency is uncommon and its register is generally neutral. Predominantly found in news and media, understanding its alternatives and appropriate contexts can enhance clarity and formality in your writing. Be aware of more polished alternatives to maintain a formal tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

decline to begin

This alternative is very similar, simply substituting "refuse" with "decline" to give a slightly more formal tone.

decline to commence

This alternative offers a more formal tone by using "decline" instead of "refuse" and "commence" instead of "start".

not willing to start

This phrase explicitly states a lack of willingness, emphasizing the subject's reluctance.

won't initiate

This option uses "initiate" to replace "start", suggesting a more deliberate act of beginning something and highlighting a firm decision not to do so.

reject starting

This uses "reject" to convey a stronger sense of opposition or refusal.

fail to launch

This alternative is often used in technical contexts or when referring to projects or initiatives, indicating a lack of initial success.

hold back from starting

This phrase emphasizes the act of actively preventing oneself or something else from beginning.

forgo starting

This suggests a voluntary decision to abstain from starting, often implying a sacrifice or strategic choice.

abstain from initiating

This offers a formal and somewhat distant way of expressing a decision not to start, often used in official or legal contexts.

desist from beginning

A more formal and somewhat archaic alternative that emphasizes stopping oneself from starting.

FAQs

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

You can use "refuse to start" to describe a situation where someone or something is unwilling or unable to begin an activity. For example: "The car "refused to start" this morning" or "The team "refused to start" the project without additional resources".

What are some alternatives to "refuse to start"?

Some alternatives include "decline to begin", "won't initiate", or "not willing to start", depending on the specific context and desired tone.

Is it grammatically correct to say "refuse to start"?

Yes, "refuse to start" is grammatically correct. The verb "refuse" is properly followed by the infinitive "to start".

When should I use a more formal alternative to "refuse to start"?

In formal writing or professional communication, consider using alternatives like "decline to commence" or "abstain from initiating" to convey a more sophisticated tone.