Cool MateDecline vs Turn them down
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Decline
Top 1,000 (very common)B2verb
Turn them down
Top 2,000 (common)
Most common: Decline
| Decline | Turn them down | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/dɪˈklaɪn/","/dɪˈklaɪnz/","/dɪˈklaɪnd/","/dɪˈklaɪnɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/dɪˈklaɪn/","/dɪˈklaɪnz/","/dɪˈklaɪnd/","/dɪˈklaɪnɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //tɜrn ðɛm daʊn//🇺🇸 //tɜrn ðɛm daʊn// |
| Meaning | to say no to something or to become less. | To refuse someone's offer or request. |
| Example | She decided to decline the invitation to the party. | She decided to turn them down because the offer wasn't right for her. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | B2 | - |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | considerably, dramatically, drastically, by, from, to, decline in importance, numbers, size, etc., politely, respectfully | turn down an offer, turn down a request, turn down an invitation, turn down help, turn down a job |
| Antonyms | accept, agree, approve | - |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'refuse' - 'decline' can sound more polite., Using 'decline' without an object (e.g., 'I will decline' is incomplete without specifying what)., Mistaking 'decline' for a physical action rather than a polite refusal. | 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 'decline' in formal settings to refuse an offer or request. In informal contexts, 'turn down' is more common. Don't confuse 'decline' with 'decrease'—the former involves refusal, while the latter refers to reduction. | 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: Decline vs Turn them down
What's the difference between Decline and Turn them down?
Decline: to say no to something or to become less. Turn them down: To refuse someone's offer or request.
Which is more common: Decline and Turn them down?
Decline is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Decline: She decided to decline the invitation to the party. Turn them down: She decided to turn them down because the offer wasn't right for her.
Can I use Decline and Turn them down interchangeably?
Not always. Decline 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.