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Hello! This week on Ask a Teacher, we will answer a question from Jego about the difference between “refuse” and “reject.”
Question:
Dear Learning English,
What is the difference between, “refuse” and “reject?”
Thanks, Jego from Ethiopia.
Answer:
Dear Jego,
Thank you for your question.
Both “refuse” and “reject” are verbs. They can also be used as nouns. As verbs, they can have a similar meaning, but there are slight differences in how we use them.
Refuse
We commonly use “refuse” with another infinitive verb to say we are not willing to do something. For example:
I refuse to go outside today because it is too hot.
She refused to take the crowded subway.
We can also use the verb “refuse” with a direct object to say we do not accept or want it.
I refused another piece of cake.
He refuses her invitation to dinner.
Lastly, “refuse” can also mean not permitting or letting someone do or have something. For example:
The supervisor refused his request for more money.
As a noun, “refuse” means garbage that is thrown out regularly. The stress is on the first syllable of the word. So instead of “re-FUSE “(a verb), we say it as “RE-fuse.” It is not very common to use this word in everyday speech, but here is an example.
Our neighborhood collects refuse every Monday, including garbage and recycling.
Now onto “reject.”
Reject
As a verb, “to reject something” means that you completely do not accept something or that you do not agree to it. We use “reject” with a direct object. For example,
Some people reject modern living, like driving cars or using computers.
There are specific ways we can use “reject.” Proposals, applications, offers or requests can be “rejected,” especially, if minimum requirements were not met.
My visa application was rejected because I forgot to sign it.
Another use of “reject” is when we talk about the human body. Sometimes the body rejects a new organ or even the food we eat.
After her kidney transplant, Selena Gomez, took medication so that her body did not reject the new organ.
I had a stomach virus last week, and my body rejected anything I tried to eat.
As a noun, a reject is something that cannot be used or sold because something might be wrong with it. It can also mean something that is not wanted. Like the noun of “refuse,” the first syllable is stressed.
My sister gives me rejects of old clothes when she no longer wears them.
Summary
Both “refuse” and “reject” can mean not to accept something, but their uses can be very different.
Refuse can take a direct object or it can be used with an infinitive verb. Reject cannot be used with other verbs. It only takes a direct object.
Please let us know if these examples and explanations have helped you, Jego.
What question do you have about American English? Send us an email at learningenglish@voanews.com.
And that’s Ask a Teacher.
I’m Faith Pirlo.
Faith Pirlo wrote this lesson for VOA Learning English.
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Words in This Story
syllable — n. a part a word is naturally divided into when pronounced
recycling – adj. having to do with the processing of paper, glass, cans, etc. in order to regain or reuse materials
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Greetings, language enthusiasts! As someone deeply immersed in the realm of linguistics and language education, I am thrilled to share my expertise on the nuanced differences between the verbs "refuse" and "reject" discussed in the Voice of America (VOA) article titled "Refuse v. Reject" by Faith Pirlo.
Firstly, my extensive experience in language analysis and education allows me to dissect the concepts presented in the article with precision. Now, let's delve into the intricacies of "refuse" and "reject" as outlined in the text.
-
Refuse:
- Verb Usage: "Refuse" is commonly used with another infinitive verb to express unwillingness to do something. For example, "I refuse to go outside today because it is too hot."
- Direct Object: It can also be used with a direct object to indicate not accepting or wanting something. For instance, "I refused another piece of cake."
- Permission Denial: Additionally, "refuse" can signify not permitting or letting someone do or have something, as in "The supervisor refused his request for more money."
- Noun Form: As a noun, "refuse" refers to garbage thrown out regularly, and it is pronounced with stress on the first syllable.
-
Reject:
- Verb Usage: "Reject" as a verb means complete non-acceptance or disagreement with something. It is used with a direct object, such as "My visa application was rejected because I forgot to sign it."
- Specific Contexts: The verb is particularly associated with proposals, applications, offers, or requests that are turned down, especially if minimum requirements are not met.
- Body Rejection: In the context of the human body, "reject" is used when the body does not accept a new organ or rejects certain foods. For example, "After her kidney transplant, Selena Gomez took medication so that her body did not reject the new organ."
- Noun Form: In its noun form, "reject" refers to something unusable or not wanted, with stress on the first syllable.
In summary, while both "refuse" and "reject" convey the idea of not accepting something, they differ in usage. "Refuse" can take a direct object or be used with an infinitive verb, whereas "reject" is exclusively used with a direct object. The article by Faith Pirlo provides insightful examples and explanations, showcasing a profound understanding of the distinctions between these two terms.
Feel free to reach out if you have further questions or if there's another language-related topic you'd like to explore!