I refused to vs I refuse to

Both "I refused to" and "I refuse to" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "I refused to" is the past tense form, indicating a past action that was declined or rejected. On the other hand, "I refuse to" is the present tense form, indicating a current action that is being declined or rejected.

Last updated: March 15, 2024 • 2753 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate a past action that was declined or rejected.

"I refused to"

Use "I refused to" when you want to talk about a specific action that was declined or rejected in the past.

Examples:

I refused to sign the contract because the terms were not favorable.
She refused to listen to his excuses.
He refused to eat the food because it was too spicy.

Show examples from the web [+]

Aug 25, 2015 ... Here's why I refused to read 'Fun Home.' It's not about being uncomfortable. It's about being asked to do something that I think is immoral.
"I refused to drink but they still forced me": A mixed-methods approach to understanding the pathways to reduce alcohol use among Vietnamese people with HIV.
Jan 13, 2012 ... Jenn Ashworth: Why I refused to go to school. 'Who wants to be locked into a room with 30 people dressed just like them, to be startled by a ...
Sep 5, 2019 ... Why I refused to lend money to my parents. If a family member asks for a loan, consider your own financial resilience first.
I refused to choose insanity. Ginny Nilsen. One afternoon years ago, I was standing in my bedroom, facing a decision that would change my life.

Alternatives:

I declined to
I rejected
I said no to
I turned down
I wouldn't

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate a current action that is being declined or rejected.

"I refuse to"

Use "I refuse to" when you want to express your current decision to decline or reject something.

Examples:

I refuse to tolerate such behavior.
She refuses to compromise on her principles.
He refuses to give up on his dreams.

Show examples from the web [+]

Oh I refuse, to sit around and wait for someone else. To do what God has called me to do myself. Oh I could choose not to move but I refuse. I can hear the least ...
'Cause I don't want to live like I don't care. I don't want to say another empty prayer. I refuse to. Sit around and wait for someone else. To do what God has called ...
"I refuse to accept this extraordinary mission," Pailleton declared, rising to his feet . The Kingdom of the Blind by Oppenheim, E. Phillips View in context.
Jan 4, 2011 ... I Refuse to stand and watch... this world needs God...let's not wait to let someone else to do what God has sent us to do ourselves. We ARE the ...

Alternatives:

I won't
I won't do
I won't accept
I won't agree to
I won't go along with

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I refused to vs I refuse to

"I refused to"

"I refuse to"

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