will not entertain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "will not entertain" is correct and usable in written English.
You would use it when you want to express that you are not willing to consider or accept a certain idea or suggestion. For example: "I'm sorry, but I will not entertain any proposals to change our current payment plan."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

It wants something closer to European spot prices, which Russia will not entertain.

The Economist

McHale, who generally disdains talking about himself, will not entertain the discussion publicly.

The New York Times - Sports

"We will not entertain any more demands by George Speight and his men".

The New York Times

I will not entertain a discussion on borrowing while the state continues to spend beyond its means.

The New York Times

"We will not entertain the idea of merit pay as a condition for a new contract," he said.

The New York Times

And don't ask me for them, I don't have any and will not entertain queries on them.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

The basic premise is that, if you can't see women in front of you, you'll not entertain the idea of having sex with them.

Vice

There is still well over 24 hours until his first fight in the 2011 World Championships, but his response is fair and one which leaves me with no doubt that this is a man who, unlike others, will simply not entertain potential distractions.

BBC

And if they happen to have assets, the court and law would probably have to make the decision on their behalf regarding where the assets go and there's a chance their decision favours family members you'll rather not entertain.

Huffington Post

Unless the legislature agrees to a complete overhaul of the pension plans, Mr. Emanuel said, he will not even entertain the notion of raising Chicagoans' taxes.

The New York Times

"Simply, we will not even entertain a request, so don't even send it up for a review," the Central Command official said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "will not entertain" to express a firm refusal to consider a particular idea or suggestion, especially when you want to convey a sense of finality or unwillingness to engage further on the topic.

Common error

Avoid using "will not entertain" in very casual or informal conversations. It can sound overly formal or even pretentious in settings where a more relaxed tone is appropriate. Opt for simpler alternatives like "won't consider" or "not interested" to maintain a natural and approachable style.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "will not entertain" functions as a declarative expression indicating a firm refusal to consider or accept something. It conveys a decision to reject a specific proposal, idea, or request, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Formal & Business

12%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "will not entertain" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression for firmly rejecting an idea or proposal. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and usability, noting its prevalence in news and media contexts. While versatile, it's best suited for neutral to formal settings, where a clear and decisive tone is desired. Alternatives like "will not consider" or "refuse to entertain" can offer nuanced substitutes, depending on the specific context. When using "will not entertain", ensure it aligns with the overall tone and formality of your communication to avoid sounding overly stiff or unnatural.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

refuse to entertain

Emphasizes the act of refusing, making the rejection more explicit.

will not consider

Uses a more neutral term, focusing on the act of considering rather than actively entertaining an idea.

decline to consider

A more formal way of saying 'will not consider', suitable for professional contexts.

will not accept

Emphasizes a firm refusal, highlighting the unwillingness to take something into account.

will not permit

Indicates a lack of permission, often used in formal settings to denote something is not allowed.

will not allow

Similar to 'will not permit', but can also imply a sense of control or authority.

reject outright

Highlights an immediate and complete refusal, leaving no room for negotiation.

will not tolerate

Suggests a stronger negative reaction, indicating a refusal to endure something objectionable.

dismiss out of hand

Indicates a quick rejection without serious consideration, often implying contempt.

rule out

Focuses on eliminating something as a possibility, often in a decision-making context.

FAQs

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

The phrase "will not entertain" indicates a firm refusal to consider something. For example, "The company "will not entertain" any further offers for the property".

What are some alternatives to "will not entertain"?

Alternatives include "will not consider", "will not accept", or "refuse to entertain", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What is the level of formality of "will not entertain"?

The phrase "will not entertain" is generally considered somewhat formal and is best suited for professional, business, or official contexts.

Is it better to say "will not entertain" or "won't entertain"?

While both are grammatically correct, "will not entertain" sounds more formal. "Won't entertain" is a contraction and is appropriate for less formal situations.