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Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
request refused
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "request refused" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it in formal or official contexts to indicate that a request has been denied. Example: "The request refused by the committee was for additional funding." Alternative expressions include "request denied" and "request not granted."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Wiki
Science
Formal & Business
Encyclopedias
Alternative expressions(20)
request denied
the request was denied
appeal rejected
application was turned down
request rejected
request turned down
unable to grant your request
application rejected
unable to accede to your request
request not acceded to
request was declined
turned down
application was rejected
overruled
cannot grant your request
unable to fulfill your request
cannot fulfill your request
no more requests
no further requests
cannot approve your request
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
2 human-written examples
Unaware of Harris's plans, Little Tich approached him with a view of a pay rise; the proposition angered the manager and not only was his request refused, but he was also ruled out of any future production.
Wiki
But later in the discussion, the community pharmacist member suggests that "the request boils down to an application for making someone symmetric who is asymmetric, so at the end of the day it's a cosmetic procedure", and eventually, after considerable discussion, the GP is outvoted and the request refused.
Science
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
58 human-written examples
But the Justice Department rejected that request, refusing to confirm or deny whether the document existed.
News & Media
Afroza's father, Md Akram Hossain, recalls how he eventually agreed to his daughter's request: "Refusing the proposal was a big challenge for me.
Formal & Business
The family never complained about that mistake, but have always been particularly unhappy that South Yorkshire police, despite repeated requests, refused to explain how it happened.
News & Media
This shows Google is most likely to refuse requests to de-list content on mainstream online media channels — with 100% of Wikipedia de-listing requests refused thus far, and 93% of those pertaining to press websites denied.
News & Media
The main reasons for non-participation (37.2%) were: the general information request was refused (15.8%), the interview request was refused (7.9%), or there was no one at home for three times in a row (7.3%).
Science
Even though the request was backed by Serbia and its allies, the JNA request was refused on 15 March.
Wiki
But the request was refused, apparently on aesthetic grounds.
News & Media
Sleet denied the request; MacGill refused to comment.
News & Media
The request was refused, and Mr. Rhee eventually moved to rural Kangwon Province, northeast of Seoul.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "request refused", ensure the context clearly indicates who made the request and who refused it. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the clarity of your writing.
Common error
Avoid using "request refused" when a request was simply not acted upon due to oversight or lack of resources, rather than an explicit denial. Use phrases like "request pending" or "request unfulfilled" instead.
Source & Trust
81%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "request refused" functions as a concise way to express the denial of a request. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts.
Frequent in
News & Media
35%
Wiki
25%
Science
15%
Less common in
Formal & Business
10%
Encyclopedias
10%
Reference
5%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "request refused" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to indicate the denial of a request. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for various contexts, maintaining a neutral register suitable for professional and journalistic communications. While alternatives like "request denied" exist, "request refused" provides a clear and unambiguous statement, fitting diverse scenarios from formal applications to urgent pleas. Remember to provide clear context regarding who made the request and who refused it to avoid ambiguity. It is important not to use the expression when request just didn't receive an answer.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
the request was denied
Synonymous but uses a more direct term for refusal.
the request was not granted
Emphasizes that permission or approval was not given.
application denied
Focuses specifically on the rejection of a formal application.
proposal rejected
Highlights the disapproval of a suggested plan or idea.
the plea was rejected
Similar to 'request refused' but often used in a more emotional or urgent context.
petition dismissed
Implies a formal rejection of a written request to an authority.
claim denied
Specifically refers to the refusal of an asserted right or demand.
appeal rejected
Signifies the unsuccessful attempt to reverse a decision.
the motion was defeated
Used in formal settings like meetings or courtrooms where a proposal is voted down.
application was turned down
An informal alternative implying rejection.
FAQs
What does "request refused" mean?
"Request refused" means that a request has been formally denied or rejected. It indicates that the person or entity to whom the request was made has declined to grant what was asked for.
What can I say instead of "request refused"?
Alternatives include "request denied", "application rejected", or "the request was not granted". The best alternative depends on the specific context of the situation.
Is it better to say "request refused" or "request denied"?
Both "request refused" and "request denied" are grammatically correct and widely used. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference or the specific tone you wish to convey. "Denied" may sound slightly more formal.
Can "request refused" be used in formal writing?
Yes, "request refused" is appropriate for formal writing. It's a clear and direct way to communicate that a request has been rejected. Ensure that the context is professional and that the refusal is stated respectfully.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
81%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested