refused to yield

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "refused to yield" is correct and can be used in written English.
It expresses the idea that someone has opposed or resisted something. For example, "The protestors refused to yield even after the police ordered them to leave."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Still, he refused to yield.

The New York Times

Yet Nigeria refused to yield.

The New York Times - Sports

He refused to yield.

The New York Times - Sports

Boehner refused to yield.

The Washington Post

But the coconut, alas, refused to yield.

The New York Times

She refused to yield for questions.

The Guardian

Trump, of course, refused to yield an inch.

The New Yorker

The authorities quickly dispersed the crowds and hauled away those who refused to yield, Xinhua said.

The New York Times

Mr. Arafat had refused to yield control of all security forces to Mr. Abbas.

The New York Times

According to the Vancouver Sun, Canucks' GM Mike Gillis "refused to yield on his asking price".

The Guardian - Sport

Bilious and insomniac, he refused to yield to bodily torture or political compromise.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "refused to yield" to emphasize a determined and persistent resistance against pressure or opposition, especially when conveying a sense of unwavering resolve.

Common error

Avoid using "refused to yield" in casual conversation or informal writing, as it can sound overly formal or dramatic. Opt for simpler alternatives like "didn't give in" or "wouldn't budge" in less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "refused to yield" functions as a compound verb phrase, indicating a deliberate action of resistance or non-compliance. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used, suggesting its acceptance in standard English. It often appears when describing a person or entity's unwillingness to surrender control, change position, or give in to pressure.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Encyclopedias

15%

Sport

8%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "refused to yield" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that conveys a strong sense of resistance and determination. Ludwig AI analysis of numerous examples confirms its validity and widespread usage across various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Sport. While appropriate for formal and neutral registers, it's advisable to use simpler alternatives in informal settings. Related phrases such as ""declined to concede"" or "stood firm" can provide nuanced alternatives, but all share the core meaning of unwavering opposition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

declined to concede

Emphasizes a formal rejection of surrender or agreement.

stood firm

Highlights unwavering resolve and resistance to pressure.

remained steadfast

Stresses consistency and determination in maintaining a position.

would not budge

Indicates a strong unwillingness to compromise or change one's stance.

defied submission

Highlights resistance against being controlled or dominated.

rejected compromise

Focuses on the act of refusing to reach a mutual agreement.

opposed capitulation

Emphasizes resistance against surrendering or giving in to demands.

resisted pressure

Indicates an ability to withstand external forces attempting to influence a decision.

maintained resistance

Highlights continuous opposition and unwillingness to give way.

held one's ground

Implies defending a position or belief against opposition.

FAQs

What does it mean to say someone "refused to yield"?

To say someone "refused to yield" means they resisted or opposed something, showing an unwillingness to give in or surrender, even when facing pressure or difficulty. It implies a determined stance against something.

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

You can use "refused to yield" to describe someone's unwavering stance. For example, "Despite the overwhelming odds, the team "declined to concede" and fought until the very end."

What are some alternatives to "refused to yield"?

Alternatives include phrases like "stood firm", "would not budge", ""declined to concede"", or "remained steadfast", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "refused to yield" appropriate for both formal and informal situations?

While grammatically correct in any context, "refused to yield" is generally more suited for formal writing or situations where you want to emphasize the seriousness and determination of the resistance. In more casual settings, simpler phrases might be more appropriate.