refuses to allow

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "refuses to allow" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that someone or something is not permitting or granting permission for an action or request. Example: "The manager refuses to allow any exceptions to the policy, regardless of the circumstances."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The father flatly refuses to allow this.

The New Yorker

He refuses to allow himself regrets.

The New York Times

"That is something that our society refuses to allow for.

The New Yorker

Jones says he refuses to allow that to happen.

The New York Times - Sports

She refuses to allow the reader sympathy with her characters.

The Guardian - Books

Gendarme refuses to allow crowd to pick it up.

The New Yorker

Gazprom, Russia's gas monopoly, refuses to allow Turkmenistan to export its gas to western markets.

The Economist

Saudi Arabia refuses to allow its crudes to be traded openly.

The Economist

For now, Pakistan refuses to allow Indian goods to cross its territory.

The Economist

On the one hand, Assis, the director, refuses to allow access to Benayahu's personal dossiers.

The New York Times - Magazine

Mariano Rajoy, the Spanish Prime Minister, refuses to allow Catalonia even to hold a referendum.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, ensure that the subject clearly indicates who or what is doing the refusing. Ambiguity can arise if the subject is not well-defined.

Common error

Avoid using "refuses to allow" when a simple "prevents" or "impedes" would be more accurate. "Refuses to allow" implies a conscious decision to withhold permission, while "prevents" simply indicates an obstruction, irrespective of intent.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "refuses to allow" functions as a verb phrase indicating the act of denying permission or not permitting something. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. The phrase asserts a deliberate withholding of consent.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

1%

Reference

0.5%

Social Media

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "refuses to allow" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase, particularly within News & Media. It serves to express the denial of permission or an unwillingness to permit something. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. While straightforward, awareness of its register and potential alternatives can enhance precision in writing. The phrase is best suited for contexts where a clear denial of permission is intended, as shown in the many examples provided by Ludwig.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

declines to permit

Replaces "refuses" with "declines" and "allow" with "permit", maintaining a formal tone.

does not permit

Uses a more direct and assertive phrasing to convey the lack of permission.

will not allow

Emphasizes the unwillingness to grant permission in the future.

denies permission for

Focuses on the act of denying the right to do something.

prohibits from allowing

Highlights the act of formally forbidding something.

forbids from permitting

Uses a stronger term, "forbids", to indicate a more authoritative denial.

vetoes the allowance of

Implies the use of power to reject an action.

rejects the possibility of

Indicates a dismissal of the chance for something to occur.

opposes the granting of

Expresses resistance to the act of giving permission.

blocks the authorization of

Suggests active intervention to prevent approval.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "refuses to allow" in formal writing?

In formal contexts, consider alternatives like "declines to permit", "does not authorize", or "withholds permission" for a more professional tone.

What is a stronger alternative to "refuses to allow"?

For a more forceful expression, you could use "prohibits from allowing", "forbids", or "bans". These terms indicate a stricter and more definitive denial.

Is there a subtle way to say someone "refuses to allow" something?

Yes, you can use phrases like "is unwilling to permit", "does not look favorably upon", or "is hesitant to grant" to convey the idea more gently.

What's the difference between "refuses to allow" and "declines to allow"?

While similar, "refuses to allow" often implies a stronger, more determined stance, while "declines to allow" can suggest a more polite or reasoned rejection.