refuse to answer

Meaning

To decline or say 'no' when asked a question, indicating that you will not give information. This is used when a question is too personal, rude, or legally sensitive. It can sound firm, defensive, or formal depending on the context.

Examples

• When they asked about his personal life, he refused to answer.

  When they asked about his personal life, he refused to answer.

• The suspect refused to answer any questions without a lawyer present.

  The suspect refused to answer any questions without a lawyer present.

• You have the right to refuse to answer if the question makes you uncomfortable.

  You have the right to refuse to answer if the question makes you uncomfortable.

• She politely refused to answer when asked about her previous salary.

  She politely refused to answer when asked about her previous salary.

• I decided to refuse to answer his rude text messages.

  I decided to refuse to answer his rude text messages.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ He refused answering my question.

  ✓ He refused to answer my question.

  The verb 'refuse' is followed by an infinitive ('to answer'), not a gerund ('answering').

• ✗ She denied to answer the phone call.

  ✓ She refused to answer the phone call.

  'Deny' means to state that something is not true. 'Refuse' means to decline to do an action.

Related Expressions

Practice

• The celebrity ___ questions about her recent breakup.

  💡 declined to give a response

  Show answer

  refused to answer

• If a stranger asks for your password, you should ___.

  💡 say no to giving information

  Show answer

  refuse to answer