refuses to accept

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "refuses to accept" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing someone who is unwilling to acknowledge or agree to something. Example: "Despite the evidence presented, she refuses to accept the reality of the situation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

One refuses to accept bikes.

The New York Times

Marion refuses to accept this arithmetic.

Independent

He refuses to accept any payment.

The Guardian

The chief minister refuses to accept responsibility".

The Guardian

Tucker refuses to accept that thinking.

The New York Times - Magazine

Malcolm, as the buyers agent refuses to accept his commission.

The New Yorker

Orpheus refuses to accept that, to his cost.

Independent

Bangladesh also refuses to accept them as citizens.

The Guardian

"America refuses to accept that our civilizations must collide.

The New Yorker

But Attali refuses to accept that this is fatal.

The Guardian - Business

He ignores personal bonds; he refuses to accept presents.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "refuses to accept", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being rejected, whether it's an idea, responsibility, or a physical object. For example, "He refuses to accept blame for the accident" is more direct than simply saying "He refuses to accept".

Common error

While "refuses to accept" is generally acceptable, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Consider using synonyms like "declines to acknowledge" or "rejects the notion" to vary your language, especially in formal contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "refuses to accept" functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating a subject's unwillingness or rejection of something. As Ludwig AI points out, it describes the action of not acknowledging or agreeing with a concept, offer, or situation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "refuses to accept" is a versatile and commonly used verb phrase that expresses disagreement, denial, or resistance. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used across various contexts. Its frequency is high, particularly in news and media sources. While generally neutral, it's important to consider the specific context and choose synonyms like "declines to acknowledge" or "rejects the notion" in formal writing to avoid repetition. When using this phrase, clarity is key; ensure the reader understands what is being rejected. Being mindful of these nuances will help writers use "refuses to accept" effectively and appropriately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

declines to acknowledge

More formal and emphasizes a polite rejection of acknowledgment.

rejects the notion

Emphasizes a strong disagreement with an idea or belief.

is unwilling to concede

Highlights a reluctance to admit something, often in an argument or negotiation.

denies the truth

Suggests an outright rejection of what is considered to be true.

rebuffs the idea

Suggests a direct and often abrupt rejection of a concept.

disputes the validity

Focuses on challenging the correctness or truth of something.

turns down

A more informal way of saying rejects, often used for offers or invitations.

negates the possibility

Focuses on denying that something is possible or could happen.

will not entertain

Indicates a refusal to consider or discuss something.

won't have it

An emphatic and colloquial way of expressing refusal or disapproval.

FAQs

What's a more formal way to say "refuses to accept"?

More formal alternatives include "declines to acknowledge", "rejects the notion", or "is unwilling to concede", depending on the specific context.

How does "refuses to accept" differ from "rejects"?

"Refuses to accept" implies an unwillingness to acknowledge or agree with something, while "rejects" suggests a more active and forceful dismissal. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize resistance or outright dismissal.

Is it ever incorrect to use "refuses to accept"?

While grammatically correct, "refuses to accept" might be too informal for certain academic or professional contexts. In such cases, opting for a more formal alternative like "declines to acknowledge" is advisable.

What are some common objects or ideas that someone might "refuse to accept"?

People commonly "refuse to accept" responsibility, blame, gifts, ideas, defeat, or reality. The specific object depends on the situation and what someone is unwilling to acknowledge or receive.