would not entertain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "would not entertain" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate a refusal to consider or engage with a particular idea, proposal, or request. Example: "The committee would not entertain any suggestions that did not align with their core values."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The company would not entertain an offer.

The New York Times

Quickly, it became clear he would not entertain questions.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Kremlin said it would not entertain such a plan.

The Guardian

He, like most other Republicans, would not entertain the notion.

The New York Times

But Mr. Kerik said he would not entertain the thought.

The New York Times

But an assistant said that Mr. Roldugin would not entertain questions about the family.

The New York Times

The judge said he would not entertain testimony about previous BP accidents.

The New York Times

Still, Froome would not entertain thoughts on Wednesday that he had won the Tour.

The New York Times - Sports

But there was one question Ms. Hirliman would not entertain: Q.

The New York Times

Howard Wolfson, Mrs. Clinton's communications director, would not entertain any questions about the subject this afternoon.

The New York Times

Lazarus said on Thursday that the party would not entertain any increase in university fees.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "would not entertain" to clearly and firmly express a refusal to consider an idea, suggestion, or proposal. It conveys a sense of finality and lack of openness to discussion.

Common error

While effective, "would not entertain" can sound overly formal or rigid in certain contexts. Consider alternatives like "would not consider" or "would reject" for a more approachable tone, especially in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "would not entertain" functions as a strong expression of refusal or unwillingness to consider something. It's used to firmly reject ideas, proposals, or questions, signaling a closed position. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "would not entertain" is a strong and direct way to express a refusal to consider an idea, proposal, or request. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news and media contexts. While it effectively conveys a firm stance, it's essential to consider the tone and context, as it can come across as overly formal or rigid in some situations. Alternatives like "would not consider" or "would reject" may be more suitable for informal communications. By understanding its nuances and potential alternatives, writers can effectively use "would not entertain" to clearly communicate their unwillingness to engage with specific topics or suggestions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

would not consider

Focuses on a lack of willingness to think about or evaluate something.

would refuse to consider

Highlights the unwillingness to even begin thinking about something.

would not accept

Emphasizes the refusal to take or receive something offered.

would reject

Directly expresses the act of refusing or discarding something.

would decline

Indicates a polite refusal of an invitation or offer.

would not countenance

Implies a strong disapproval and unwillingness to allow something.

would dismiss

Suggests a quick rejection without much thought.

would have none of

Expresses a strong aversion or unwillingness to accept something.

would rebuff

Implies a blunt and often unwelcome rejection.

would disregard

Focuses on ignoring or not paying attention to something.

FAQs

What does "would not entertain" mean?

The phrase "would not entertain" means to refuse to consider or accept something, indicating a firm unwillingness to engage with a particular idea, proposal, or request.

What are some alternatives to "would not entertain"?

You can use alternatives like "would not consider", "would reject", or "would decline" depending on the context.

Is "would not entertain" formal or informal?

"Would not entertain" is generally considered a formal phrase. In informal contexts, alternatives like "would not consider" or "would refuse" may be more appropriate.

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

You can use "would not entertain" to express a firm refusal to consider something. For example, "The company "would not entertain" an offer" or "He "would not entertain" any questions about his political activities".