refusing to comment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "refusing to comment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when someone chooses not to provide a statement or opinion on a particular issue or question. Example: "The spokesperson was refusing to comment on the ongoing investigation, citing the need for confidentiality."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The party was previously refusing to comment on staffing issues.

Independent

Island is refusing to comment on the matter.

The Guardian - Music

Duffy was refusing to comment or confirm Brown's claim.

The Guardian

He is refusing to comment further, saying he will not subject himself to "trial by media".

The Economist

Both he and LaVerne Johnson have dismissed King's daughters' allegations, refusing to comment to the AP.

The Guardian - Music

Refusing to comment on rumours, Kelner has his mind firmly on the launch.

The Guardian

In line with club policy, Chelsea are refusing to comment while the process plays out.

The Guardian - Sport

"This is just speculation," Mr. Slattery said, refusing to comment further.

The New York Times - Arts

On Friday, Chacon told reporters to stay off her property, refusing to comment about her son.

The Guardian

Sapp had spent the last few days fending off questions about Johnson, simply refusing to comment.

The New York Times - Sports

Lenders are refusing to comment publicly for fear of being accused of playing politics.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "refusing to comment" when you want to convey a neutral stance of not providing information, often in response to a specific inquiry or situation. It's common in journalism and formal communications.

Common error

Avoid using "refusing to comment" in casual conversations. Opt for simpler phrases like "I'd rather not say" or "I can't talk about that right now" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "refusing to comment" functions as a verbal phrase indicating a deliberate choice not to provide information or an opinion. Ludwig examples show its prevalent use in news reports and formal statements, signifying a decision to remain silent on a particular matter.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "refusing to comment" is a common expression, particularly in news and media, used to indicate a deliberate choice not to provide information or an opinion. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage in formal contexts. Alternatives include "declining to comment" or "offering no comment", with subtle differences in formality. When writing, it’s best to reserve this expression for professional or journalistic settings. Overall, it serves to decline an invitation to provide information in an authoritative manner.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

declining to comment

A more formal and direct way of stating a refusal to provide information.

not available for comment

Indicates unavailability rather than necessarily a refusal, although the effect is similar.

offering no comment

Emphasizes the act of volunteering the lack of a statement.

remaining silent

Highlights the lack of any verbal response, potentially implying secrecy or evasion.

withholding comment

Suggests a deliberate holding back of information.

not responding to requests for comment

Focuses on the lack of response to a specific inquiry.

staying mum

An informal expression indicating a refusal to speak, often implying discretion or secretiveness.

clamming up

An even more informal expression, suggesting a sudden and perhaps unexpected refusal to speak.

stonewalling

Implies actively obstructing or delaying a response, rather than simply refusing to comment.

evading the question

Suggests skillful avoidance of a direct answer, implying a reluctance to disclose information.

FAQs

How can I use "refusing to comment" in a sentence?

You can use "refusing to comment" when someone chooses not to provide a statement on a particular issue. For example, "The spokesperson was "refusing to comment" on the ongoing investigation, citing the need for confidentiality."

What are some alternatives to "refusing to comment"?

You can use alternatives such as "declining to comment", "offering no comment", or "not available for comment" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "declining to comment" or "refusing to comment"?

"Declining to comment" is generally more formal and polite. "Refusing to comment" is more direct and neutral, without necessarily implying politeness or formality. The choice depends on the context and your desired tone.

In what situations is it appropriate to use "refusing to comment"?

It is appropriate to use "refusing to comment" in professional or journalistic settings when someone is unwilling or unable to provide information on a specific matter, often due to legal, ethical, or strategic considerations.