refused to admit

USAGE SUMMARY

"refused to admit" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means that someone refused to acknowledge or accept something. Example: The suspect refused to admit his involvement in the crime, even after being presented with overwhelming evidence.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Poland refused to admit them.

The New York Times

Clinton refused to admit any real errors.

The New York Times

The Canadian government also refused to admit the refugees.

Britannica

For what felt like hours, he refused to admit anything.

The Guardian

But casino authorities refused to admit the animal.

The New York Times

The directors of Bohemia refused to admit Ferdinand II as the legitimate Bohemian king.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He still refused to admit wrongdoing, and in time the FBI realized that he was innocent.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Tolkien refused to admit that his ring had anything to do with Wagner's.

The New Yorker

Yet for decades I refused to admit to the word, to the double letters.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

But in the Drax case, the trial judge refused to admit similar arguments.

The Guardian

Reformers refused to admit, at least publicly, that there are no "miracles" in education.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "refused to admit", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being denied or unacknowledged. Specificity enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "refused to admit" when a milder term like "declined to mention" is more appropriate. "Refused to admit" suggests a stronger denial or unwillingness to acknowledge, so use it when the situation warrants that level of emphasis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "refused to admit" functions as a verb phrase indicating a deliberate rejection or denial of a fact, truth, or accusation. As Ludwig AI suggests, it implies a conscious decision not to acknowledge something, even when evidence or pressure exists.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Encyclopedias

19%

Science

7%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "refused to admit" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb phrase that conveys a strong unwillingness to acknowledge something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. It appears most often in news and media, encyclopedias and science sources. While its usage is neutral, it carries an implication of denial or resistance, making it essential to consider the context when choosing this phrase. Related phrases include "declined to acknowledge" and "denied to concede". Be mindful of the strength of the denial implied by "refused to admit" to ensure it accurately reflects the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

declined to acknowledge

Emphasizes a formal or polite rejection of acknowledgment.

denied to concede

Highlights the unwillingness to give in or surrender a point.

wouldn't acknowledge

Indicates a persistent unwillingness to recognize something.

rejected to accept

Focuses on the outright rejection of an idea or fact.

disavowed any knowledge

Highlights a denial of having any information or involvement.

remained in denial

Implies a state of disbelief or refusal to face reality.

stood firm in denial

Emphasizes a resolute and unwavering refusal to acknowledge.

rebuffed the claim

Focuses on rejecting a specific assertion or allegation.

dismissed the notion

Highlights the rejection of an idea as unimportant or irrelevant.

brushed aside the evidence

Emphasizes ignoring or downplaying presented proof.

FAQs

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

Use "refused to admit" to indicate a strong unwillingness to acknowledge or accept something, even in the face of evidence. For example: "The company refused to admit any wrongdoing, despite the mounting evidence."

What are some alternatives to "refused to admit"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "declined to acknowledge", "denied to concede", or "wouldn't acknowledge".

What's the difference between "refused to admit" and "declined to comment"?

"Refused to admit" indicates a denial or unwillingness to acknowledge something, while "declined to comment" simply means someone chose not to provide information or an opinion. "Refused to admit" implies a stronger stance and potential disagreement or cover-up.

Is it ever appropriate to use "refused to admit" in formal writing?

Yes, "refused to admit" is appropriate in formal writing when you need to convey a strong denial or unwillingness to acknowledge something, especially in situations involving disputes, legal matters, or investigations.