we decline to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we decline to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when formally refusing or rejecting a request, offer, or proposal. Example: "After careful consideration, we decline to accept your proposal for collaboration at this time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

We decline to comment".

The New York Times

We decline to adopt such a rule now.

The New York Times

So we decline to discuss those specific issues".

The New York Times - Sports

"We decline to discuss the issue," he said.

The New York Times

A spokesman for the US state department said: "We decline to comment on any cable.

The Guardian

Over and over, we decline to care for the most vulnerable people.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

Otherwise we declined to use the survey results.

The Guardian

The band we declined to open for was called Alice in Chains.

The New Yorker

So we declined to hand over the film even when there was a threat of subpoena.

The Guardian

"As a result, we declined to move forward with today's interview".

The New Yorker

We declined to publish accounts that either did not seem credible or could not be verified.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we decline to" in formal communications to clearly and professionally express a refusal or rejection. It's suitable for business correspondence, legal documents, and official statements.

Common error

Avoid using "we decline to" in casual conversation or informal writing. It can sound overly stiff or pretentious in settings where simpler language is more appropriate. Consider "we're not going to" or "we'd rather not" for less formal situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we decline to" functions as a declarative statement expressing a refusal or unwillingness to perform a specific action. This is evident in Ludwig examples where it's used to refuse commenting on issues or participating in activities. Ludwig AI confirms it is a correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we decline to" is a versatile phrase primarily used for formally expressing refusal or unwillingness. As highlighted by Ludwig, it's grammatically sound and best suited for professional or official contexts, as evidenced by its common appearance in news media and formal business communications. While alternatives like "we refuse to" or "we choose not to" exist, "we decline to" offers a more polite and professional tone. Therefore, understanding its appropriate register and function is crucial for effective communication. Ludwig AI validated the correct usage of "we decline to".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we refuse to

Direct synonym indicating a firm unwillingness.

we choose not to

Emphasizes the element of choice in the refusal.

we are not willing to

Highlights the lack of willingness or inclination.

we will not

Simple future tense refusal.

we respectfully decline to

Adds a tone of politeness and respect to the refusal.

we are unable to

Suggests a lack of ability or capacity, rather than willingness.

we are not inclined to

Suggests a lack of desire or preference.

it is not our intention to

Formal way of stating a lack of intent.

we cannot agree to

Indicates disagreement or inability to consent.

we reject the notion of

Implies a stronger rejection of an idea or proposal.

FAQs

How to use "we decline to" in a sentence?

The phrase "we decline to" is typically followed by a verb expressing the action being refused. For example: "We decline to comment on the ongoing investigation" or "We decline to accept the proposed terms".

What can I say instead of "we decline to"?

You can use alternatives like "we refuse to", "we choose not to", or "we are unable to" depending on the context.

Is "we decline to" formal or informal?

"We decline to" is generally considered a formal expression. In more informal settings, it might be more appropriate to say "we're not going to" or "we'd rather not".

What is the difference between "we decline to" and "we refuse to"?

While both phrases indicate a rejection, "we decline to" often carries a slightly more polite or formal tone than "we refuse to", which can sound more assertive or even defiant.