refused to agree

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "refused to agree" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that someone has declined to accept or consent to a proposal or opinion. Example: "Despite the persuasive arguments presented, she refused to agree with the committee's decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But the Football Association refused to agree.

The Guardian - Sport

Democrats refused to agree to more cuts without additional revenue from taxes, and Republicans refused to agree to tax increases.

The New York Times

They have refused to agree on a WEO.

The Guardian

We would have to finance the production, and therefore I refused to agree with the proposal.

Yale University

"This was not true, and I refused to agree to it".

The New Yorker

If just one of the 27 states refused to agree, the treaty would be dead.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But the State Department refused to agree to such a meeting without prior Japanese concessions.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Mr DeMarco nonetheless refused to agree to the programme.This has prompted an understandable wave of outrage.

The Economist

He refused to agree with Amanpour that apartheid was "morally repugnant".

The New York Times

But Gilbert refused to agree to a divorce and the separation and enmity dragged on.

The New Yorker

But the Republicans refused to agree to put the revenue question to voters.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "refused to agree" when you want to emphasize a deliberate decision not to concur or accept something, especially after discussion or consideration.

Common error

In casual conversations or informal writing, consider using simpler alternatives like "disagreed" or "didn't agree" for a more natural tone. "Refused to agree" can sound overly formal in everyday contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "refused to agree" functions as a verb phrase, indicating a deliberate decision to withhold consent or acceptance. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Encyclopedias

10%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "refused to agree" is a grammatically correct and frequently used verb phrase that clearly communicates a decision to withhold consent or acceptance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely applicable across various contexts, though often found in news, encyclopedias and academic texts. For less formal situations, consider using alternatives such as "disagreed with" or declined to agree. Remember to employ "refused to agree" when you want to express a deliberate rejection after careful consideration.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disagreed with

A simpler and more direct way of expressing a lack of agreement.

objected to

Expresses disapproval or opposition to something.

declined to consent

Emphasizes the act of formally withholding permission or agreement.

opposed the idea

Indicates active resistance or objection to a particular concept.

did not accept

A general way of saying that something was not agreed upon or received favorably.

dissented from

Suggests a formal or official expression of disagreement, often in a minority.

would not concede

Highlights the unwillingness to yield or compromise on a point.

stood in opposition

Highlights a firm and unwavering stance against something.

rejected the proposal

Focuses on the act of turning down a specific offer or suggestion.

took exception to

Indicates a specific disagreement, often with a tone of offense or sensitivity.

FAQs

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

You can use alternatives like "disagreed with", "declined to consent", or "would not concede" depending on the context.

Is "refused to agree" formal or informal?

"Refused to agree" is generally considered neutral to formal. Simpler options like "disagreed" might be better for informal settings.

How to use "refused to agree" in a sentence?

You can use "refused to agree" to show that someone has declined to accept or consent to a proposal or opinion. For example, "Despite the persuasive arguments presented, she refused to agree with the committee's decision."

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

While similar, "refused to agree" suggests a stronger unwillingness, while "declined to agree" can be a more polite or formal way of expressing disagreement or non-acceptance.