request was denied

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "request was denied" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to a situation where someone’s request has not been approved or accepted. Example: "Her request was denied due to insufficient information." Alternative expressions include "request was rejected" and "request was turned down."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

That request was denied.

The New York Times

Their request was denied.

The New York Times

Her request was denied.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The request was denied.

The New York Times - Arts

Our request was denied.

The New York Times

Its request was denied.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

The request is denied.

The Guardian

If your request is denied, be constructive.

Harvard Business Review

If a request is denied for the arriving new call, this call will be blocked and cleared from the system.

Computer Communications

If they are occupied, then the request is denied.

Complex Adaptive Systems Modeling

If so, then the route request is denied.

Complex Adaptive Systems Modeling

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal reporting, ensure the specific request being referred to is clearly identified in the preceding sentence to maintain clarity.

Common error

While "request was denied" is perfect for legal and administrative contexts, using it in personal relationships can sound overly robotic or cold. In social situations, consider more direct or softened language like "They didn't agree" or "I wasn't able to get approval".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "request was denied" functions as a passive clause consisting of a noun phrase acting as the subject followed by the passive voice of the verb "deny". According to Ludwig AI, this structure is used to emphasize the result of the action rather than the actor. It effectively reports a final administrative or legal status.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "request was denied" is an essential phrase for reporting negative outcomes in professional and journalistic contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its high frequency across reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, highlighting its reliability and grammatical correctness. Whether you are discussing legal appeals, business proposals or administrative petitions, this phrase provides a clear and objective way to convey that a request has not been granted. Its passive construction is particularly useful for focusing on the decision itself rather than the individual or body that issued it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

The appeal was rejected

Commonly used in legal or official review contexts.

The petition was turned down

Uses a phrasal verb, making it slightly less formal but equally clear.

The application was unsuccessful

Focuses on the status of the applicant rather than the action of the authority.

The motion was overruled

Specific to judicial proceedings where a judge dismisses an objection.

The claim was dismissed

Often implies that the request was not just denied but deemed invalid or unworthy of consideration.

Access was refused

Used specifically when the request involves entering a space or viewing data.

The bid was declined

Appropriate for commercial, financial or auction-related contexts.

Permission was withheld

Suggests a more deliberate or cautious refusal of authorization.

The plea was disregarded

Stronger connotation of the request being ignored or treated with indifference.

The solicitation was rebuffed

Indicates a blunt or even hostile rejection of a social or business request.

FAQs

How do I use "request was denied" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe an official outcome, such as: "His "application for asylum" was reviewed but the "request was denied" by the immigration board."

What can I say instead of "request was denied"?

Depending on the context, you might use "request was rejected", "petition was denied" or "proposal was turned down".

Is "request was denied" formal enough for a business report?

Yes, it is a highly professional and standard way to communicate a negative decision in business, legal and academic writing.

What is the difference between "request was denied" and "request was rejected"?

While very similar, "request was rejected" can sometimes imply a more active or emphatic refusal, whereas "request was denied" often refers to a failure to meet specific criteria in an administrative process.