would decline to consider

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "would decline to consider" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that someone is unwilling to take something into account or give it thought. Example: "The committee would decline to consider any proposals submitted after the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Not only would the industries targeted by Mr. McCain fight to retain their share of subsidies, but the Republican-led House, as recently as last fall, declined to consider a proposal that would have created the very vouchers Mr. Bush seeks.

The New York Times

He declined to consider a video and transcript of the 1990 meeting but told an attorney representing Oberstein that it wouldn't help her case anyway.

Los Angeles Times

It was that decision that the Supreme Court declined to consider.

The New York Times

The Supreme Court declined to consider an appeal.

Huffington Post

The Supreme Court declined to consider the Cablevision case on appeal.

Los Angeles Times

A majority of investors understandably declined to consider these rankings in their stock selections.

Huffington Post

Then I would decline to join its organization.

Forbes

Even when these documents came to light last year, Goldman maintained it never took the position that housing-linked securities would decline, particularly considering that it was selling its clients investments that were bullish on homeowners.

Huffington Post

Savvy buyers may be reluctant to take no for an answer and may ask the question a second time with something like, "Sure, but you must have a range you'd consider?" Again, decline to comment and let them know you'll take any expressions of interest they want to prepare seriously.

Forbes

It just declined to even consider it at all.

The New York Times

Julia Wong, a spokeswoman for Unite Here Local 2, said she hoped Vargas would decline the invitation to support a union that considers itself "a union of immigrants".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "would decline to consider" to express a polite but firm refusal to engage with a particular idea, proposal, or option. It's suitable for formal contexts where directness is necessary but harshness should be avoided.

Common error

Avoid excessive passive voice when using "would decline to consider". While appropriate in some instances, overuse can make your writing seem weak or evasive. Instead of "The proposal would be declined to be considered by the committee", try "The committee would decline to consider the proposal".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "would decline to consider" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing a conditional refusal or unwillingness to take something into account. It indicates a future action (considering) that will not occur due to a present decision or inclination. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is considered usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Science

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Less common in

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Encyclopedias

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Wiki

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "would decline to consider" is a grammatically correct modal verb phrase used to express a polite but firm refusal to engage with an idea or proposal. Although Ludwig indicates that it is usable in written English, the absence of exact matches in the provided examples suggests that alternative phrases might be more frequently used. While suitable for formal and professional contexts, writers should be mindful of potential overuse of passive voice. Alternative phrases such as "would refuse to entertain" or "would not be inclined to consider" can offer nuanced ways to convey a similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

would refuse to entertain

Emphasizes a firm rejection of an idea or suggestion.

would not be inclined to consider

Indicates a lack of willingness or enthusiasm to consider something.

would not give credence to

Focuses on not accepting something as true or valid.

would reject out of hand

Suggests an immediate and decisive refusal without further thought.

would dismiss without consideration

Highlights the lack of any thoughtful examination.

would not entertain the possibility

Focuses on rejecting a potential outcome or scenario.

would disregard entirely

Implies a complete lack of attention or importance given to something.

would turn a blind eye to

Suggests deliberately ignoring something.

would pass over without comment

Indicates ignoring something by not addressing it.

would not deign to consider

Implies that considering something is beneath one's dignity.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "would decline to consider" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, you can use phrases such as "would refuse to entertain" or "would not be inclined to consider".

When is it appropriate to use "would decline to consider"?

This phrase is suitable in formal or professional settings when you want to express a polite but firm refusal to consider something. It's often used in business negotiations, legal contexts, or official statements.

What's the difference between "would decline to consider" and "would refuse to consider"?

"Would decline to consider" often implies a more polite or diplomatic refusal, while "would refuse to consider" can sound more assertive or direct. The choice depends on the desired tone and context.

Is "would decline to consider" grammatically correct?

Yes, "would decline to consider" is grammatically correct and follows standard English syntax. It is a common and accepted way to express a refusal to take something into account.