they were refused

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they were refused" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a situation where someone or a group was denied something, such as entry, service, or a request. Example: "Despite their efforts to gain access, they were refused entry to the event."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They were refused a refund, they said.

The New York Times

They were refused and we have lost interest in them.

The Guardian - Arts

They were refused service and eventually asked to leave.

Britannica

"The movement began with demands, but they were refused and the pressure grew," Professor Abdo said.

The New York Times

When they were refused he called a referendum, knowing it was likely to be banned.

The Economist

They were refused legal and medical aid and access to their families.

The New York Times - Books

They tried to get hold of satellite phones but for some reason they were refused.

The Guardian

Israeli prime ministers offered a Palestinian state in 2000 and 2008; they were refused both times.

The New York Times

And they were refused injectable methadone, which was bad for Lisa, who is a fixer.

The Guardian

The German newspaper Bild said the men became aggressive when they were refused more alcohol.

The Guardian

There has been no official explanation to this day why they were refused.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they were refused" when you want to emphasize the act of refusal by an authority or entity. This phrasing clearly indicates that a request, permission, or access was denied.

Common error

Avoid using "they were refused by themselves". The passive voice already implies an actor, so adding "by themselves" is redundant and grammatically incorrect. Instead, clarify who did the refusing if it's relevant to your sentence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were refused" functions as a passive construction, indicating that a group or individuals experienced the action of being denied something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Science

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they were refused" is a grammatically sound and commonly used passive construction that effectively conveys the denial of a request or access. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread applicability. Its usage spans various contexts, from news reports and academic papers to encyclopedic entries and casual conversations. While the related phrase "they were denied" offers a more concise alternative, "they were refused" remains a versatile and reliable choice for expressing denial with clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they were denied

A more concise way of expressing the same idea, omitting "refused".

they were rejected

Emphasizes a stronger sense of disapproval or unacceptability.

they were not granted

Highlights the lack of permission or authorization.

their request was denied

Focuses on the denial of a specific request rather than a general refusal.

they were not allowed

Focuses on the lack of permission to do something.

their application was turned down

Specifically refers to the rejection of an application.

they were barred from

Implies a prohibition or obstacle preventing access.

they did not receive approval

Emphasizes the absence of endorsement or agreement.

they were prohibited

Formally conveys the idea of being forbidden or prevented.

they were excluded

Highlights being left out or prevented from participating.

FAQs

How can I use "they were refused" in a sentence?

You can use "they were refused" to indicate that a group or individuals were denied something. For example, "they were refused entry to the event" or "they were refused service at the restaurant".

What is a more concise alternative to "they were refused"?

A more concise alternative is "they were denied". It conveys the same meaning with fewer words.

Is there a difference between "they were refused" and "they were rejected"?

While similar, "they were rejected" often carries a stronger sense of disapproval or unacceptability compared to "they were refused". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Can "they were refused" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "they were refused" is appropriate for formal writing. It's a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in news articles, academic papers, and other professional contexts.