Cool MateRefuse vs Turn them down
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Refuse
Top 2,000 (common)A2verb
Turn them down
Top 2,000 (common)
| Refuse | Turn them down | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //rɪˈfjuːz//🇺🇸 //rɪˈfjuz// | 🇬🇧 //tɜrn ðɛm daʊn//🇺🇸 //tɜrn ðɛm daʊn// |
| Meaning | To say 'no' to something. | To refuse someone's offer or request. |
| Example | She decided to refuse the job offer. | She decided to turn them down because the offer wasn't right for her. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | A2 | - |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | refuse an offer, refuse a request, refuse to answer | turn down an offer, turn down a request, turn down an invitation, turn down help, turn down a job |
| Antonyms | accept, agree, consent | - |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'refuse' (to deny) and 'refuse' (waste)., Using 'refuse' without an object is incorrect., Mixing up 'refuse' with similar words like 'reject' or 'decline'. | Saying 'turn down them' instead of 'turn them down'., Confusing with 'turn up', which means to increase or arrive unexpectedly., Using it when you are accepting an offer. |
| Usage notes | Use 'refuse' when you want to indicate a clear and firm rejection. It's less formal than 'decline', but can be used in both casual and formal contexts. | Used in both informal and formal settings. Often used in situations involving offers, invitations, or requests. Avoid using in overly formal contexts. |
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Frequently asked questions: Refuse vs Turn them down
What's the difference between Refuse and Turn them down?
Refuse: To say 'no' to something. Turn them down: To refuse someone's offer or request.
Can you show an example of each?
Refuse: She decided to refuse the job offer. Turn them down: She decided to turn them down because the offer wasn't right for her.
Can I use Refuse and Turn them down interchangeably?
Not always. Refuse and Turn them down are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.