withhold cooperation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "withhold cooperation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of not providing assistance or support to someone or something. Example: "Due to the ongoing issues, the committee decided to withhold cooperation from the project until further notice."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

The US, Russia and China also routinely withhold cooperation with the ICC.

The Guardian

But Israel had little cause to withhold cooperation once he had gone.

The Guardian - Opinion

In separate developments: Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany appeared to threaten to withhold cooperation from the Conservatives.

The Guardian

He did not identify the areas or their size, or threaten to withhold cooperation with the United Nations peacekeepers.

The New York Times

This week, it unwisely set itself further apart with a decision to withhold cooperation from a United Nations Human Rights Council review of its human rights practices.

The New York Times

The panel's report came two days after Israel boycotted a council review of its human rights, becoming the first country to withhold cooperation from a process in which all 193 United Nations member states have previously engaged.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

One mechanism proposed to explain cooperation between genetically unrelated individuals is reciprocal dependence in repeated interactions: For a cheater who will meet the exploited partner again, the costs of future withheld cooperation by that partner may outweigh the benefits of the current exploitation [2] [3].

Plosone

He expressed concern that the military or other government agencies that have routinely helped filmmakers might withhold future cooperation rather than risk similar pressure.

The New York Times

Israel Gives Ultimatum On Palestinian Vote Prime Minister Ariel Sharon of Israel vowed to withhold Israeli cooperation from Palestinian legislative elections scheduled for January if candidates from the militant group Hamas take part.

The New York Times

In the weeks after Mr. Moussaoui's initial indictment last December, France threatened to withhold any cooperation in the prosecution because Mr. Moussaoui faced the death penalty, which is not allowed under French law.

The New York Times

In particular, Europe is beginning to take action on the settlement issue by withholding economic cooperation.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "withhold cooperation", ensure the context clearly indicates the reason for the refusal. Providing a justification enhances understanding and avoids misinterpretations.

Common error

Avoid using "withhold cooperation" when a simple lack of resources or capacity is the reason for non-participation. The phrase implies a deliberate decision to refuse assistance, not an inability to provide it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "withhold cooperation" functions as a verb phrase followed by a noun, typically acting as the predicate of a sentence. It describes the action of deliberately refusing to provide assistance or support. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is indeed correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "withhold cooperation" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that signifies a deliberate refusal to assist or participate. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It is most commonly found in news and media sources, and occasionally in scientific and formal contexts. When using the phrase, be mindful of the implied reasons for refusal and consider alternative phrases like "refuse to collaborate" or "deny assistance" depending on the specific situation. The expert rating is high (4.5/5) due to its proper grammatical structure, consistent usage in authoritative sources, and clear communicative function.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deny assistance

Focuses on the act of refusing to give help or support.

refuse to collaborate

Emphasizes the refusal to work together on a project or task.

decline to participate

Highlights the decision not to take part in an activity or initiative.

resist collaboration

Suggests active opposition to working with others.

reject partnership

Indicates a refusal to form an alliance or association.

cease collaboration

Implies a stop of working together.

halt cooperation

Suggests an abrupt stop to working together.

end collaboration

Implicates a deliberate termination of the work together.

suspend cooperation

Implies a temporary stop to the work together.

boycott collaboration

Highlights a refusal to engage as a form of protest or disapproval.

FAQs

How to use "withhold cooperation" in a sentence?

Use "withhold cooperation" to indicate a deliberate refusal to assist or participate in a joint effort. For example, "The organization decided to withhold cooperation from the investigation until their concerns were addressed."

What can I say instead of "withhold cooperation"?

You can use alternatives like "refuse to collaborate", "deny assistance", or "decline to participate" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to "withhold cooperation"?

"Withholding cooperation" is appropriate when there are ethical, legal, or strategic reasons to refuse assistance or participation. It should be a considered decision, not an impulsive reaction.

What's the difference between "withhold cooperation" and "suspend cooperation"?

"Withhold cooperation" suggests a complete refusal to cooperate, while "suspend cooperation" implies a temporary cessation of cooperation, often with the intention of resuming it later.