refuses to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'refuses to' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are describing someone's unwillingness to do something. For example, "He refuses to apologize for his actions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Mesrine" refuses to moralize.

The New York Times

He refuses to explain.

The New York Times

Mrs Clinton refuses to.

The Economist

(Lehane refuses to comment).

The New Yorker

She refuses to climb.

The New York Times

Zanetti refuses to go.

The New York Times - Sports

He refuses to say.

The New York Times

He refuses to specify any.

The New York Times

Mandela refuses to repudiate her.

Independent

Mr Chatwin refuses to budge.

The Economist

One refuses to accept bikes.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "refuses to", ensure the subject clearly understands the implications of their refusal. This adds weight and clarity to the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "refuses to" when the subject is simply unable to perform an action. Refusal implies a conscious choice, not an inability. For example, instead of saying "The broken machine refuses to start", say "The broken machine is unable to start".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "refuses to" functions as a verbal phrase indicating a subject's active and conscious decision not to perform a specific action. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Wiki

9%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "refuses to" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to express a deliberate lack of willingness to perform an action. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is widely used across diverse contexts. While generally neutral in tone, it's important to remember that "refuses to" implies a conscious decision, not simply an inability. When choosing alternative phrases, consider the specific nuance you wish to convey, opting for options like "declines to" for more formal settings or "is unwilling to" to highlight a lack of enthusiasm.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

won't

A contraction that expresses a firm decision not to do something

declines to

Formal synonym indicating a polite or official refusal.

is unwilling to

Emphasizes a lack of willingness rather than an active refusal.

rejects the idea of

Focuses on rejecting a concept or plan rather than a direct action.

is not prepared to

Highlights a lack of readiness or preparedness to undertake something.

resists the urge to

Implies an internal struggle against a temptation or impulse.

refrains from

Similar to "abstains from", but can also imply avoiding something for practical reasons.

abstains from

Suggests a deliberate choice to refrain from something, often for moral or ethical reasons.

turns down the opportunity to

Specifically relates to rejecting an offered chance or invitation.

disagrees with the need to

Indicates a difference in opinion regarding the necessity of an action.

FAQs

How can I use "refuses to" in a sentence?

The phrase "refuses to" is used to indicate a deliberate unwillingness to do something. For example, "He "refuses to" apologize for his behavior" shows a conscious decision not to apologize.

What are some alternatives to "refuses to"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "declines to", "is unwilling to", or "rejects the idea of" to convey a similar meaning.

What's the difference between "refuses to" and "unable to"?

"Refuses to" implies a deliberate choice not to do something, while "unable to" indicates a lack of capacity or possibility. One is a matter of will, the other a matter of capability.

Is "refuses to" formal or informal?

The phrase "refuses to" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal settings, "declines to" might be preferred.