Cool MateReject vs Turn them down
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Reject
Top 2,000 (common)B1verb
Turn them down
Top 2,000 (common)
| Reject | Turn them down | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //rɪˈdʒɛkt//🇺🇸 //rɪˈdʒɛkt// | 🇬🇧 //tɜrn ðɛm daʊn//🇺🇸 //tɜrn ðɛm daʊn// |
| Meaning | To say no to something or someone. | To refuse someone's offer or request. |
| Example | She decided to reject the job offer due to low salary. | 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 | B1 | - |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | reject an offer, reject an idea, reject a proposal, reject a candidate | turn down an offer, turn down a request, turn down an invitation, turn down help, turn down a job |
| Antonyms | accept, embrace, approve | - |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'refuse' - 'reject' is more formal., Using 'reject' without an object - remember to say what is being rejected. | 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 'reject' when declining offers, ideas, or proposals. It's appropriate in formal and informal settings but may sound harsh in personal situations. | 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: Reject vs Turn them down
What's the difference between Reject and Turn them down?
Reject: To say no to something or someone. Turn them down: To refuse someone's offer or request.
Can you show an example of each?
Reject: She decided to reject the job offer due to low salary. Turn them down: She decided to turn them down because the offer wasn't right for her.
Can I use Reject and Turn them down interchangeably?
Not always. Reject 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.