we decline to comment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we decline to comment" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in formal contexts when someone chooses not to provide a statement or opinion on a particular issue or question. Example: "In response to the allegations, the spokesperson stated, 'We decline to comment at this time.'"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

We decline to comment".

The New York Times

"Beyond that, we decline to comment on a pending legal matter".

The New York Times

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

The Guardian

"The investigation is ongoing, and because it's ongoing we decline to comment," said Tracy Golden, a spokeswoman for the office.

The New York Times

"We decline to comment on Chinese flights, but the United States will continue to partner with our allies and operate in the area as normal," a Pentagon spokesman said.

The Guardian

In response to our questions they respectively responded with similar wording: "We decline to comment on market rumours," "We decline to comment on speculation," and "We don't comment on market rumors or speculation".

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

We will decline to comment.

The Guardian

"We'll decline to comment on rumors and speculation, but thanks for reaching out," said Ty Rogers, a spokesperson from Amazon.

TechCrunch

A spokesman for the State Department said: "We will decline to comment on any particular cable.

Huffington Post

"But beyond that we are going to decline to comment on our supply of the lethal injection drug".

The New York Times

General Manager Wes Unseld declined to comment.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we decline to comment" in situations where providing information could be detrimental or inappropriate. It's a neutral way to avoid answering without being confrontational.

Common error

Avoid using "we decline to comment" repeatedly in the same conversation or statement. It can create an impression of evasion or secrecy. Consider offering a brief explanation or alternative response when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we decline to comment" functions as a statement of refusal. It's used to formally indicate a decision not to provide an answer or opinion on a specific matter. As Ludwig shows, it's often employed by spokespersons or official representatives.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we decline to comment" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to respectfully refuse to provide information or an opinion. As Ludwig AI's analysis confirms, it is particularly prevalent in news and formal business contexts, often employed by spokespersons and official representatives to avoid sensitive or confidential topics. Alternatives like "no comment" or "we have no comment" offer similar, though sometimes less nuanced, ways to sidestep a direct response. While effective, overuse of the phrase can appear evasive, so consider providing brief explanations or alternative responses when possible.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

No comment

A shorter, more direct way of refusing to provide information.

We have no comment

Similar in meaning, but emphasizes the lack of any statement from the speaker.

We are unable to comment at this time

Indicates a temporary inability to provide information, implying a possible future comment.

We are not at liberty to say

Suggests that the speaker is restricted from providing information.

We cannot disclose that information

Specifically refers to withholding information, often due to confidentiality.

We prefer not to comment on that matter

Indicates a choice to avoid commenting, possibly due to sensitivity or ongoing investigations.

That is off the record

Indicates that the information is not for public dissemination.

We do not comment on speculation

Used specifically when the topic is based on speculation or rumors.

Our policy is not to comment on such matters

Highlights an established organizational stance against commenting on specific topics.

We are refraining from comment

Emphasizes the deliberate act of holding back a statement.

FAQs

How can I use "we decline to comment" in a sentence?

You can use "we decline to comment" when you want to respectfully refuse to answer a question or provide information. For example, "When asked about the ongoing investigation, the spokesperson stated, 'We decline to comment at this time.'"

What does "we decline to comment" mean?

The phrase "we decline to comment" means that the speaker or organization is choosing not to provide any information, opinion, or statement on a particular issue or question. It's a polite way of saying they won't answer.

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

You can use alternatives like "no comment", "we have no comment", or "we are unable to comment at this time" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "we decline to comment"?

It's appropriate to use "we decline to comment" when you want to avoid answering a question that could be sensitive, confidential, or related to ongoing investigations. It's also useful when you don't have enough information to provide a complete or accurate response.