reject

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reject" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to express the act of refusing or dismissing something, such as an idea, proposal, or offer. Example: "After careful consideration, we have decided to reject the proposal submitted by the contractor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Nick Clegg, who has been briefed by the prime minister on the speech, will reject Cameron's pledge to hold a referendum by 2017 on the grounds that it is wrong to commit Britain to such a specific timetable when there is uncertainty over whether negotiations will take place.

The Guardian

This is something those on the left who embrace feminism and those who reject it on the right should understand.

The Guardian - Opinion

Some studies have suggested a link between a person's tendency to reject established science and accept conspiracy theories (known as 'conspiratorial ideation') while endorsing "free market" policies.

The Guardian

He was hard enough to reject his own son Sandy as a United player because he wasn't quite good enough.

The Guardian - Sport

The SNP said that all five Labour candidates in marginal seats in Scotland who received donations from Blair should reject them.

The Guardian

When Facebook's published its requests data, the general counsel, Ted Ullyot, wrote: "We aggressively protect our users' data when confronted with such requests: we frequently reject such requests outright, or require the government to substantially scale down its requests, or simply give the government much less data than it has requested".

The Guardian - Tech

Now fully 35% say they will reject their party's campaign against separation and will vote yes to independence.

The Guardian

"He continues to reject all claims of wrongdoing and we hold that the integrity of the court system was marred by the bias, slurs and factual inaccuracies in the election judgment".

The Guardian

Investor and philanthropist Mark Carnegie has also criticised the artists, calling them hypocrites who should reject all funding from the federal government.

The Guardian

"We reject the suggestion there has been widespread confusion," said a spokesman.

The Guardian - Books

Nestlé insists its water use is efficient and has minimal impact on the environment – something that activists reject out of hand.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "reject" when you want to convey a firm refusal or disapproval. Ensure the context aligns with the level of formality you intend to project.

Common error

While "reject" is versatile, avoid using it excessively in casual conversations. Opt for alternatives like "turn down" or "decline" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "reject" is as a transitive verb, requiring an object. Ludwig examples show it used to refuse proposals, offers, and ideas. As Ludwig AI confirms, it indicates a conscious decision to not accept something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "reject" is a versatile verb used to express the act of refusing or dismissing something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently used in various contexts. The word is most common in news and media sources and formal business environments. While "reject" can be used in different situations, more informal alternatives such as "turn down" or "decline" may be more appropriate for casual conversations. Understanding the nuances of "reject" and its alternatives enhances precision and clarity in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

refuse

Similar in meaning, but often implies a more direct or personal refusal.

decline

More polite and formal than "reject", often used in professional settings.

turn down

An idiomatic alternative, suggesting a less formal refusal of an offer or proposal.

dismiss

Implies disregarding something as unimportant or irrelevant.

rebuff

Suggests a more abrupt and direct rejection, often in response to an advance or overture.

spurn

Conveys a sense of disdain or contempt in rejecting something.

repudiate

Formal term indicating a strong denial or disavowal of something.

decline to accept

More verbose but clarifies the act of not accepting something.

veto

To reject or forbid, especially by official authority.

rule out

To exclude as a possibility.

FAQs

How can I use "reject" in a sentence?

You can use "reject" to indicate a refusal to accept something, as in "The committee decided to "reject" the proposal" or "She had to "reject" his offer".

What are some alternatives to "reject"?

Some alternatives include "refuse", "decline", "turn down", or "dismiss", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "reject" or "refuse"?

"Reject" and "refuse" are often interchangeable, but "reject" can sometimes imply a more formal or definitive refusal. The best choice depends on the specific context and desired tone.

What is the difference between "reject" and "dismiss"?

"Reject" means to refuse to accept, while "dismiss" implies disregarding something as unworthy of consideration. You might "reject" an offer, but you would "dismiss" an idea.