refused to take part

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "refused to take part" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that someone declined to participate in an activity or event. Example: "Despite the invitation, she refused to take part in the discussion about the new policy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

(The F.B.I. refused to take part).

The New Yorker

In addition, Sobyanin has refused to take part in debates.

The New York Times

Miuccia Prada initially refused to take part in this exhibition.

The Economist

He refused to take part in state-organised exhibitions".

The Guardian - Arts

Russia refused to take part in the hearings.

The Guardian

Some unemployed refused to take part as a protest.

The New York Times

During that sentence he refused to take part in any sex offender rehabilitation courses.

Independent

On Monday, he refused to take part in a debate against her.

The New York Times

Union leaders refused to take part in any meetings that included Mr. Adachi.

The New York Times

Germany refused to take part, even in setting up a no-fly zone.

The New York Times

Some had died, some refused to take part a second time, and some had moved.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the tone you want to convey. "Refused to take part" can sound more assertive than alternatives like "declined to participate", so choose the wording that best fits your intended message.

Common error

Avoid constructions where the actor who "refused to take part" is obscured. For example, instead of "Participation was refused", specify who refused: "The committee refused to take part."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "refused to take part" functions as a verb phrase indicating a decision not to participate in something. It typically follows a noun or pronoun that identifies the person or entity making the refusal. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

44%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Wiki

0.01%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "refused to take part" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to indicate a decision not to participate. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its correctness and frequent appearance across various domains, particularly News & Media and Science. While its register is generally neutral, users may opt for more formal alternatives in certain professional contexts. The key is to ensure clarity by specifying what is being refused and considering the tone conveyed. By understanding these nuances, writers can effectively and accurately use "refused to take part" in their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

declined to participate

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the act of formally refusing.

chose not to participate

This emphasizes the element of choice in not participating.

opted out of participation

This suggests a deliberate decision to not be involved.

would not participate

This highlights a firm decision against participation.

rejected participation

This implies a stronger opposition to participating.

abstained from taking part

Suggests a formal or official decision not to participate.

dissented from participation

Highlights disagreement or opposition as the reason for not participating.

passed on the opportunity

Suggests a more casual declination, implying a lack of interest.

begged off from involvement

Indicates politely declining participation, often with an excuse.

boycotted the event

This indicates a protest or disapproval through non-participation.

FAQs

What does "refused to take part" mean?

The phrase "refused to take part" means that someone has declined or rejected the opportunity or request to participate in an activity, event, or process.

What are some alternatives to "refused to take part"?

Some alternatives include "declined to participate", "chose not to participate", or "opted out of participation", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is "refused to take part" formal or informal?

"Refused to take part" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives like "declined to participate" may be preferred in certain professional settings.

How can I use "refused to take part" in a sentence?

You can use "refused to take part" in a sentence like: "Despite the invitation, he "refused to take part" in the negotiations." or "Several members "refused to take part" in the survey due to privacy concerns."