refused to acknowledge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "refused to acknowledge" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing someone who is unwilling to accept or recognize something, often in a context of disagreement or denial. Example: "Despite the overwhelming evidence, he refused to acknowledge the mistakes he made."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Washington refused to acknowledge it.

The New Yorker

But Yale refused to acknowledge the union.

The New York Times

He refused to acknowledge Camerota's question.

The Washington Post

Teachers often refused to acknowledge a medical problem.

Stanford University

It has refused to acknowledge the torture my husband endured.

Independent

But the government itself has refused to acknowledge them.

The Economist

Guardians of the established order refused to acknowledge their usefulness.

The Economist

UK ministers have consistently refused to acknowledge this".

Independent

But my mother refused to acknowledge such a thing.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

They refuse to acknowledge her".

The New York Times

He refuses to acknowledge a U-turn.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "refused to acknowledge" to clearly express a deliberate unwillingness to accept something as true or valid. For emphasis, consider alternatives like "flatly refused to acknowledge".

Common error

Avoid using "refused to acknowledge" when a simpler term like "disagreed with" or "denied" would suffice. Acknowledge implies a level of recognition that might not always be present.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "refused to acknowledge" functions as a verb phrase expressing a deliberate act of denial or unwillingness to accept something as true or valid. Examples from Ludwig confirm its usage in various contexts to convey rejection or disregard.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Encyclopedias

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "refused to acknowledge" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to convey a deliberate unwillingness to accept something as true or valid. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage spans across various contexts, predominantly in news, encyclopedias, and wikis. While versatile, it's essential to consider the scope of "acknowledge" and ensure it aligns with the intended meaning, as simpler terms might sometimes be more appropriate. When a stronger emphasis is needed, consider alternative phrasing like "flatly refused to acknowledge."

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

declined to admit

Indicates a formal refusal to accept or recognize something.

rejected the notion

Emphasizes a dismissal of an idea or concept.

denied recognition

Highlights the act of withholding acknowledgment.

would not concede

Focuses on the unwillingness to yield or agree.

ignored the fact

Stresses the act of disregarding or overlooking information.

disregarded the truth

Highlights a deliberate act of overlooking or rejecting the truth.

turned a blind eye

Implies a willful ignorance or avoidance of something.

rebuffed any suggestion

Indicates a firm rejection of an idea or proposal.

failed to recognize

Suggests an inability or unwillingness to perceive or understand something.

would not entertain

Implies a refusal to even consider something.

FAQs

How can I use "refused to acknowledge" in a sentence?

You can use "refused to acknowledge" to indicate a deliberate unwillingness to accept something as true or valid. For example: "The company refused to acknowledge the safety concerns raised by its employees."

What can I say instead of "refused to acknowledge"?

You can use alternatives like "declined to admit", "rejected the notion", or "denied recognition" depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "refused to acknowledge" and "refused to recognize"?

"Refused to acknowledge" implies a rejection of something known or presented, while "refused to recognize" can also mean a refusal to grant official status or legitimacy. While similar, "refused to recognize" can have a more formal connotation.

Is it better to use "refused to acknowledge" or "declined to acknowledge"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "refused to acknowledge" suggests a stronger, more deliberate unwillingness than "declined to acknowledge", which may imply a polite or less forceful rejection.