Refuse vs Deny: What's the Difference?
What's the Difference?
Refuse" means to decline to do or accept something, while "deny" is used to state that a claim is not true.
Memory Tip: refuse = reject an offer, deny = dispute a claim
refuse ends with /z/ sound, deny ends with /ai/ sound
refuse /rɪˈfjuz/
verbTo say no to something or someone.
Example:
If you refuse to eat your vegetables, you won't get any dessert.
Common patterns:
refuse to do something
refuse something
deny
verbTo deny means to state that something is not true or to refuse to accept or acknowledge something.
Example:
If you deny the truth, people might not trust you anymore.
Common patterns:
deny responsibility
deny access
deny allegations
Common Mistakes
She denied to help me with my homework.
She refused to help me with my homework.
Refuse is appropriate because it means she declined to assist.
He refused the allegations against him.
He denied the allegations against him.
Deny is correct because it means he stated the allegations were not true.
Quick Practice
0/2 correct1. If you ____ to eat your vegetables, you won't get any dessert.
2. If you ____ the truth, people might not trust you anymore.
Other Confusing Words
Never confuse refuse / deny again
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