refusing to collaborate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "refusing to collaborate" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing someone who is unwilling to work together with others on a project or task. Example: "Despite multiple attempts to engage him, he continued refusing to collaborate with the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Knight was disciplined about refusing to collaborate, but hopeless with money.

The New York Times - Arts

Or refusing to collaborate, and still ending up with something you don't like?

The New York Times - Arts

In 1951 her father was suspended and then fired from his job for refusing to collaborate with a McCarthy-style committee investigating alleged communist activities in education.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In all, four databases of DNA samples have been collected over the years, with some researchers refusing to collaborate with others.

The Guardian

While preparing a feature on the response of Nigerians to early colonial rule, Achebe investigated the story of an Igbo priest imprisoned for refusing to collaborate with the British.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Working for disability rights should be a collaborative experience, but so many of these organizations seemingly refuse to collaborate and expand.

Huffington Post

But he refused extra fuel and food coupons, refused to collaborate.

The Guardian - Arts

I can't stop my method being used, but I can at least refuse to collaborate.

The Guardian

She has refused to collaborate on limited editions of Prada merchandise with any of the art stars in her collection.

The New Yorker

You would not have accused black South Africans who refused to collaborate with apartheid of creating that apartheid.

The Guardian

Mr Martin refused to collaborate with Mr Layton's initial plan to move a motion requesting the government to dissolve parliament after the Christmas break on January 4th.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "refusing to collaborate", ensure the context clearly explains the reasons behind the refusal to provide a comprehensive understanding of the situation. For instance, specify whether it stems from ethical concerns, strategic disagreements, or personal conflicts.

Common error

Avoid using "refusing to collaborate" as a vague criticism. Instead, provide specific examples or explanations of what the refusal entails and its impact. Otherwise, it might sound accusatory without being informative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "refusing to collaborate" primarily functions as a gerund phrase, often acting as a noun or part of a noun phrase. It describes the action of not wanting to work together. Ludwig AI validates its proper usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

33%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "refusing to collaborate" is a grammatically correct and relatively common phrase used to describe an unwillingness to work together. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It appears most frequently in news and media, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts, serving to explain reasons for failed collaborations or individual decisions based on ethical, strategic, or personal considerations. When using this phrase, provide context to clarify the reasons behind the refusal. Alternatives include "declining to cooperate" or "unwilling to cooperate", each with slightly different connotations. Be sure to avoid using it vaguely without providing specific details.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

declining to cooperate

Emphasizes a formal rejection of cooperation.

unwilling to cooperate

Highlights a lack of willingness to work together.

rejecting collaboration

Focuses on the act of turning down a collaborative effort.

opposing teamwork

Implies an active resistance to working in a team.

resisting cooperation

Suggests a struggle against being cooperative.

not participating

Indicates a lack of involvement in a joint activity.

opting out of collaboration

Highlights a conscious decision to avoid collaboration.

boycotting cooperation

Suggests a deliberate and collective refusal to cooperate.

abstaining from partnership

Emphasizes the avoidance of a formal partnership.

shunning collaboration

Implies avoiding collaboration, sometimes due to personal reasons.

FAQs

What does "refusing to collaborate" mean?

The phrase "refusing to collaborate" means being unwilling to work with others on a shared project or task. It implies a conscious decision not to participate in a cooperative effort.

What are some alternatives to "refusing to collaborate"?

Alternatives include "declining to cooperate", "unwilling to cooperate", or "rejecting collaboration", which convey a similar meaning depending on the specific context.

Is "refusing to collaborate" a formal or informal expression?

"Refusing to collaborate" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, the specific situation might warrant a more nuanced or polite phrasing, such as "declining to participate" in a formal setting.

How to use "refusing to collaborate" in a sentence?

You can use "refusing to collaborate" in a sentence like: "The scientist was arrested in Tehran in 2011 after, activists say, he refused to collaborate with Iranian authorities on military projects."