refuse to take

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "refuse to take" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a decision not to accept or agree to something. Example: "She decided to refuse to take the offer after considering the terms."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"I refuse to take buses".

The New York Times

Others refuse to take that bet.

The New York Times

They refuse to take the witness stand.

The New York Times

Both countries refuse to take more.

The New York Times

That's the one Israelis and Palestinians refuse to take.

The New York Times

Many of the chic stores refuse to take credit cards.

The New York Times

Many Malaysians, too, refuse to take his remarks very seriously.

The Economist

But some residents still refuse to take chances.

The New York Times

Foreign historians refuse to take this country seriously.

The New Yorker

It's comedy, and I refuse to take comedy that seriously".

The Guardian

But some New Yorkers refuse to take a hint.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, consider the nuance you wish to convey. Alternatives like "decline" or "reject" may be more appropriate depending on the tone and situation.

Common error

Don't use "refuse to take" when a simple "not take" would suffice. "Refuse" implies a deliberate act of rejection, not just a passive non-acceptance. If there is no element of active refusal, a different phrasing might be more suitable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "refuse to take" functions as a verb phrase expressing a deliberate decision not to accept or engage with something. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in various contexts, indicating a conscious choice to reject an offer, responsibility, or action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "refuse to take" is a versatile verb phrase used to express a deliberate decision not to accept something, confirmed by Ludwig AI. It is grammatically correct and frequently used across diverse contexts, ranging from news and media to scientific and business publications. While generally neutral in tone, the level of formality can shift based on the context. When using this phrase, consider whether alternatives such as "decline to accept" or "reject" might better suit your intended meaning and tone. A conscious choice is always associated to "refuse to take", it's a good way to express boundaries, autonomy, or disagreement. Always remember to use "refuse to take" when you want to convey an active denial rather than simple non-acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not accept

Simple and straightforward refusal.

will not take

Emphasizes a firm decision of not taking something.

decline to accept

Formal alternative emphasizing polite rejection.

reject

Direct and strong refusal.

turn down

Informal way to refuse an offer or invitation.

opt out of

Choosing not to participate or accept something.

decline to participate

Formal refusal to be involved.

resist

To withstand the action or effect of something.

forgo

Voluntarily decline something good; relinquish.

eschew

Deliberately avoid using; abstain from.

FAQs

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

You can use "refuse to take" to indicate a decision not to accept something. For example, "I "refuse to take" responsibility for his actions" or "Many stores "refuse to take" credit cards".

What are some alternatives to "refuse to take"?

Alternatives include "decline to accept", "reject", or "turn down". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it more formal to say "decline to take" instead of "refuse to take"?

Yes, "decline to take" is generally considered more formal and polite than "refuse to take". "Refuse" can sometimes sound more assertive or even negative, while "decline" is typically more courteous.

What's the difference between "refuse to take" and "not accept"?

"Refuse to take" implies a more active and deliberate decision of rejection. "Not accept" is a more neutral statement, simply indicating that something isn't being taken or received without necessarily implying a strong refusal. So, "refuse to take" indicates a conscious decision, and it's used in order to express the will of the subject.