refuses to comment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "refuses to comment" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when indicating that someone is choosing not to provide a statement or opinion on a particular issue or question. Example: "When asked about the allegations, the spokesperson refuses to comment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(Lehane refuses to comment).

The New Yorker

The Romney campaign refuses to comment.

The New York Times

Turkey's justice ministry refuses to comment.

The Economist

Mr Chalabi refuses to comment.

The Guardian

Mr Kind refuses to comment on such figures.

Independent

McGuirk, asked about the growth target, refuses to comment.

The New Yorker

The company refuses to comment on individual spills.

The Economist

He refuses to comment on Edward Snowden's legal status.

The Guardian

For its part, Deer Lake club refuses to comment.

The New York Times

Embattled captain refuses to comment, you know the drill.

The Guardian - Sport

There is no line, and Hague refuses to comment.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "refuses to comment" when you want to convey a deliberate choice not to provide information or an opinion, often in response to a specific question or situation. This phrase is frequently employed in journalism and formal communications.

Common error

Avoid assuming that a refusal to comment automatically implies guilt or agreement with an accusation. While silence can sometimes be suggestive, it's crucial not to jump to conclusions without additional evidence. Remember, "refuses to comment" simply means the individual or entity is not providing a statement at that time.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "refuses to comment" functions as a declarative statement indicating a subject's unwillingness to provide information or an opinion on a specific topic. It is commonly used in journalistic reporting to denote a lack of response. This aligns with Ludwig's analysis of the phrase as correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "refuses to comment" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to indicate that an individual or organization has declined to provide a statement. As Ludwig confirms, its primary function is to report a non-response, particularly in news and media contexts. While alternatives like "declines to comment" offer similar meanings, "refuses to comment" remains a straightforward and widely understood way to convey a lack of engagement on a particular issue. It's crucial to avoid drawing unwarranted conclusions from this silence, as a refusal to comment does not necessarily imply guilt or agreement. Instead, it simply indicates a choice not to provide information at that time.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

declines to comment

A formal alternative indicating a polite refusal to provide information.

refrains from commenting

Similar to 'refuses,' but implies a conscious effort to avoid commenting.

opts not to comment

Emphasizes the choice made not to provide commentary.

makes no comment

A straightforward way of stating that no commentary is being provided.

remains silent on the matter

Highlights the lack of any statement or response.

chooses not to respond

Focuses on the act of not replying to a question or inquiry.

offers no statement

Indicates the absence of any official communication.

withholds comment

Suggests a deliberate holding back of information.

refuses to disclose

Specifically relates to not revealing information that might be expected.

refuses to divulge information

Emphasizes the secretive nature of the refusal.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use "refuses to comment" in writing?

Use "refuses to comment" when you need to report that a person or organization has declined to provide a statement on a particular issue. It's commonly used in news reporting, legal documents, and formal communications to indicate a lack of response.

What are some alternative ways to say "refuses to comment"?

You can use alternatives like "declines to comment", "opts not to comment", or "remains silent on the matter" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "refuses to comment" and "declines to comment"?

While both phrases indicate a lack of statement, "declines to comment" is often considered more polite or formal than "refuses to comment". The choice depends on the context and the desired tone.

What does it imply when someone "refuses to comment"?

When someone "refuses to comment", it means they are choosing not to provide any information, opinion, or explanation on a particular matter. This could be for various reasons, such as legal strategy, privacy concerns, or simply not wanting to engage with the issue.