Don't want any part of them vs Reject

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

Don't want any part of them

InformalBeyond 10,000 (less common)

Reject

Top 2,000 (common)B1verb
Most formal: RejectMost common: Reject
 Don't want any part of themReject
Pronunciation🇬🇧 //dəʊnt wɑːnt ˈɛni pɑːt əv ðɛm//🇺🇸 //doʊnt wɑnt ˈɛni pɑrt əv ðɛm//🇬🇧 //rɪˈdʒɛkt//🇺🇸 //rɪˈdʒɛkt//
Meaningwant to stay away from themTo say no to something or someone.
ExampleI really don't want any part of them.She decided to reject the job offer due to low salary.
RegisterInformalNeutral
How commonBeyond 10,000 (less common)Top 2,000 (common)
CEFR level-B1
Part of speechverb
Collocationswant any part, don't want part, part of groupreject an offer, reject an idea, reject a proposal, reject a candidate
Antonymswant to join, embraceaccept, embrace, approve
Common mistakesConfused with 'don't want to be part of them', Using in formal situations, Omitting 'don't want' sometimesConfused with 'refuse' - 'reject' is more formal., Using 'reject' without an object - remember to say what is being rejected.
Usage notesUse this phrase to express strong dislike or rejection of someone or a group. It's informal and may not be suitable for serious contexts.Use 'reject' when declining offers, ideas, or proposals. It's appropriate in formal and informal settings but may sound harsh in personal situations.

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Don't want any part of them

Frequently asked questions: Don't want any part of them vs Reject

What's the difference between Don't want any part of them and Reject?

Don't want any part of them: want to stay away from them Reject: To say no to something or someone.

Which is more formal: Don't want any part of them and Reject?

Reject is the most formal of these.

Which is more common: Don't want any part of them and Reject?

Reject is the most common in everyday English.

Can you show an example of each?

Don't want any part of them: I really don't want any part of them. Reject: She decided to reject the job offer due to low salary.

Can I use Don't want any part of them and Reject interchangeably?

Not always. Don't want any part of them and Reject 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.

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