the request was turned

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the request was turned" is not correct in standard written English.
It may be intended to convey that a request was declined or rejected, but it lacks clarity and proper context. Example: "After careful consideration, the request was turned down by the committee."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

The legal study suggested that Athens make a formal request for the marbles' repatriation before submitting a legal claim to the international court at The Hague if the request was turned down as expected.

The Guardian - Arts

The request was turned down.

The Economist

Jewish leaders had asked that the trial be postponed until after Ashoura, but the request was turned down.

The New York Times

The request was turned down because the primary care provider had not treated the boy six times in the past six months, as was required by the H.M.O.

The New York Times

The request was turned down by Rich Leigh and Company, a Gloucester- and Manchester-based PR company, which posted the email on Twitter.

The Guardian

Two years ago, Mr. Klar asked President Horst Köhler to grant him a pardon and early release, but the request was turned down.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

The defense has repeatedly asked for a change of venue, believing it's impossible to seat impartial jurors in Boston, but the request been turned down five times.

Huffington Post

In July , 2015 Exxon applied to the Treasury Department for an exemption that would allow it to start drilling with Rosneft in the Black Sea, but this request was turned down.

The New Yorker

A few weeks after her sister's death, Lambert asked Sainsbury's to consider making an ex gratia payment to the family but this request was turned down.

The Guardian - Money

The show's producer, Roger Berlind, had asked the theatrical unions for a 50percentt reduction in wages to allow the show to continue, but that request was turned down.

The New York Times

The United States sought his extradition for trial by an American military tribunal, but that request was turned down.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

For improved clarity and grammatical correctness, substitute "the request was turned" with more common alternatives like "the request was rejected" or "the request was denied".

Common error

While technically understandable, relying on passive constructions like "the request was turned" can make your writing sound indirect. Opt for stronger, active voice constructions for a more impactful and clear message such as "they rejected the request".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the request was turned" functions as a passive construction describing the action performed on a request. Ludwig AI suggests that this phrasing is not ideal and can be improved for clarity by using more direct alternatives.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

16%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while "the request was turned" is understandable, it is not the most grammatically sound or stylistically preferred phrasing. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrasing is not ideal. Common and clearer alternatives such as "the request was rejected" or "the request was denied" are generally recommended. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media contexts, but adopting more direct and active voice constructions can enhance clarity and impact. When communicating the denial of a request, opt for more standard and forceful language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the request was rejected

Replaces "turned" with "rejected", offering a more direct and commonly used synonym.

the request was denied

Substitutes "turned" with "denied", providing a simple and frequently used alternative.

the application was refused

Changes "request" to "application" and "turned" to "refused", suitable when the context involves a formal application.

the proposal was declined

Replaces "request" with "proposal" and "turned" with "declined", often used in business or academic settings.

the inquiry was turned down

Swaps "request" with "inquiry" and uses the phrasal verb "turned down", maintaining a similar meaning with slightly different wording.

the appeal was dismissed

Replaces "request" with "appeal" and "turned" with "dismissed", applicable when referring to a formal appeal process.

the petition was rejected

Changes "request" to "petition" and retains "rejected", appropriate in contexts involving a formal petition.

the bid was unsuccessful

Alters the structure to indicate the request in the form of a "bid" did not succeed.

the overture was rebuffed

Employs a more formal vocabulary with "overture" and "rebuffed", suitable for sophisticated or diplomatic contexts.

the motion was defeated

Uses "motion" instead of "request" and "defeated" instead of "turned", often used in parliamentary or formal meeting contexts.

FAQs

What are some common synonyms for "the request was turned"?

Alternatives include "the request was rejected", "the request was denied", or "the application was refused" depending on the context.

Is "the request was turned" grammatically correct?

While understandable, it's not the most standard phrasing. Prefer alternatives like "the request was rejected" for clearer and more formal writing.

How can I make my writing more direct when a request is turned down?

Instead of "the request was turned down", use active voice constructions like "they rejected the request" or "the committee denied the application" for a more direct and impactful statement.

What is the difference between "the request was turned down" and "the request was rejected"?

Both phrases convey the same meaning, but "the request was rejected" is generally considered more standard and formal, while "the request was turned down" is slightly more informal. Using "rejected" often provides a clearer and more concise statement.