will not answer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "will not answer" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a refusal or inability to respond to a question or request. Example: "Despite repeated inquiries, she will not answer any questions about her decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

She will not answer.

The Guardian - Books

"Because you know that he will not answer".

The New Yorker

Many will not answer their phones at all.

The New York Times

"I will not answer this question," Blatter said.

The New York Times - Sports

The new studies will not answer the question definitively.

The New York Times - Health

"I will not answer hypothetical questions," Lu said.

The Guardian

Asked about his three priorities, he will not answer.

The Guardian - Business

If you call me, I will not answer.

The New Yorker

He doesn't understand why she will not answer him.

The Guardian

I will not answer any other questions until that time".

The New York Times - Sports

Yet Macpherson has always refused to do so, and will not answer questions on the matter.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "will not answer", consider the context to ensure the level of formality aligns with your intended audience. For formal settings, "decline to answer" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid unnecessarily using passive constructions with "will not answer". Instead of saying 'The question will not be answered', a more direct and active voice, like 'He will not answer the question' is often clearer and more impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "will not answer" functions as a verb phrase, indicating a future refusal or unwillingness to provide a response. Ludwig AI shows examples of its use in contexts ranging from political statements to personal interactions, highlighting its versatility. For example, "I will not answer any other questions until that time".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

8%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "will not answer" is a common and grammatically sound way to express a refusal or inability to respond to a question. Ludwig AI confirms it's frequently found in news and media, but also appears in scientific and formal business contexts. While simple, it's important to consider the context and formality of the situation when choosing alternatives. Consider alternatives like "decline to answer" for more formal settings or "won't respond" for informal use. Avoid overusing passive voice to maintain clarity and impact in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

decline to answer

Implies a formal refusal to answer, often used in journalistic or legal contexts.

refuse to answer

Directly expresses unwillingness to provide an answer.

won't respond

A more casual contraction of 'will not respond', suitable for informal contexts.

not provide a response

A formal way to state the absence of an answer.

give no answer

Highlights the absence of a response.

remain silent

Indicates a choice to not speak or answer, emphasizing the act of keeping quiet.

cannot answer

Indicates inability to answer, rather than unwillingness.

evade the question

Suggests actively avoiding a direct answer.

side step the question

Describes subtly avoiding giving a clear answer.

beg to differ

To disagree with someone's opinion but not answer their question.

FAQs

How can I use "will not answer" in a sentence?

You can use "will not answer" to indicate a refusal or inability to respond, as in, "The witness "will not answer" the prosecutor's questions".

What are some alternatives to saying "will not answer"?

You can use alternatives like "refuse to answer", "decline to answer", or "won't respond" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "will not answer" or "will not be answering"?

Both are grammatically correct, but ""will not answer"" is more direct and commonly used, while "will not be answering" implies a future, ongoing refusal.

What's the difference between "will not answer" and "cannot answer"?

"Will not answer" suggests a choice or refusal, while "cannot answer" implies an inability to answer due to lack of knowledge or some other constraint.