refused to receive

USAGE SUMMARY

"refused to receive" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe the action of someone rejecting or declining to accept something that has been offered to them. Example: After several attempts to deliver the package, the customer refused to receive it, causing it to be returned to the sender.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

De Gaulle refused to receive the envoy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Prime Minister Ecevit, however, has refused to receive them.

The New York Times

Of all the requests I made, only Al Akhbar's editorial board refused to receive me.

The New York Times

Almost all cities that have refused to receive him officially have been crossed off his list.

The New Yorker

Nasser refused to receive Mr. Nolte, then ended diplomatic relations with the United States.

The New York Times

Then president, Megawati Sukarnoputri, refused to receive calls from then-prime minister John Howard.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mr. Gorman vilifies the Dave Gorman in Royal Leamington, England, who refused to receive him.

The New York Times

By the time his term ended, the Senate had censured him and refused to receive his messages.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Bishops needed royal approval, which was often refused, to receive their revenues and take up their posts.

Encyclopedia Britannica

She came to international attention in 2009 after she refused to receive a flogging for wearing trousers in public.

Independent

José Joaquín Herrera, aware in advance of Slidell's intention of dismembering the country, refused to receive him.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "refused to receive", ensure the context clearly indicates what was being offered and the reason for the refusal. This prevents ambiguity and strengthens the impact of your statement.

Common error

While "refused to receive" is generally acceptable, be mindful of its potential formality. In some cases, simpler alternatives like "declined" or "rejected" might be more appropriate for a particular context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "refused to receive" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of rejecting or declining something offered. Ludwig AI shows examples in various contexts, illustrating its usage in describing a deliberate act of refusal.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "refused to receive" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed verb phrase that describes the action of declining or rejecting something offered. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and encyclopedic sources. While synonyms like "declined to accept" and "rejected the offer of" exist, "refused to receive" specifically emphasizes the action of not accepting something presented. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity about what was refused and the reasoning behind it. Though versatile, simpler alternatives might be preferable in less formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

declined to accept

Emphasizes a polite or formal rejection.

rejected the offer of

Highlights the act of turning down a proposal or opportunity.

turned down the receipt of

Focuses on the act of declining something in a more direct manner.

would not take

Indicates a firm unwillingness to accept something.

spurned the acceptance of

Implies a disdainful rejection.

rebuffed the delivery of

Suggests a blunt and often unwelcoming refusal.

passed up the chance to receive

Highlights the missed opportunity by refusing.

vetoed the acquisition of

Suggests a formal and authoritative rejection.

ignored the offer to get

Focuses on not paying attention to the opportunity to obtain.

evaded acquiring

Highlights the act of dodging or avoiding the process of receiving.

FAQs

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

You can use "refused to receive" to indicate a rejection of something offered. For example, "The diplomat "refused to receive" the letter of protest."

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

You can use alternatives like "declined to accept", "rejected the offer of", or "turned down the receipt of" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "refused to receive" or "refused receiving"?

"Refused to receive" is the correct infinitive form to use. "Refused receiving" is grammatically incorrect in standard English.

What's the difference between "refused to receive" and "rejected"?

"Refused to receive" implies a specific act of not accepting something being offered. "Rejected" is broader and can refer to dismissing an idea, proposal, or object. While often interchangeable, "refused to receive" emphasizes the action of declining something presented.