turned down

USAGE SUMMARY

"turned down" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that someone has refused an offer or refused to do something. For example: The job applicant was disappointed when the company turned down his application.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She was turned down.

The New York Times

He was turned down.

The New York Times

Imagine being turned down.

The New Yorker

It was turned down.

Independent

Many were turned down.

The Economist

All were turned down.

Independent

They were turned down.

The New York Times

Who have you turned down?

The New York Times - Magazine

Its request was turned down.

The New York Times

She turned down his proposal.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The demand was turned down.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "turned down" to clearly indicate that an offer, proposal, or application has been rejected. It's a versatile phrase applicable in both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid overusing the passive voice with "turned down". Instead of saying "The offer was turned down by him", opt for the more direct "He turned down the offer" for better clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "turned down" functions as a phrasal verb, specifically the past tense and past participle of the verb "turn down". Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature, indicating its role in expressing a completed action of refusal or rejection.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "turned down" is a versatile and frequently used phrasal verb that effectively communicates the act of rejecting an offer, request, or proposal. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and appropriate for various contexts, from news reports to encyclopedic entries. The phrase sees prevalent use in News & Media. To enhance clarity, opt for the active voice when possible, and be mindful of the subtle differences between "turned down" and synonyms like "rejected" or "declined". Remember, a good understanding of those nuances can allow the writer to use the most accurate word.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rejected

Direct synonym indicating a firm refusal.

declined

Suggests a polite refusal, often of an offer or invitation.

refused

A straightforward term for not accepting something.

denied

Indicates a refusal to grant something requested.

vetoed

Implies an authoritative rejection, often in a political or organizational context.

dismissed

Suggests that something was considered unimportant and rejected.

rebuffed

Indicates a blunt or abrupt rejection.

spurned

Implies rejecting something with disdain or contempt.

turned away

Conveys the idea of refusing someone entry or access.

passed up

Indicates that an opportunity was not taken or accepted.

FAQs

How can I use "turned down" in a sentence?

"Turned down" indicates a rejection or refusal. For instance, "She "turned down" the job offer because the salary was too low".

What are some alternatives to "turned down"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "rejected", "declined", or "refused".

Is it correct to say "was turned down"?

Yes, "was turned down" is the passive form of "turn down" and is grammatically correct. For example, "His application "was turned down" due to insufficient qualifications".

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

While both indicate a refusal, "turned down" often implies a more general refusal of an offer or proposal, while "rejected" can suggest a stronger or more formal refusal.