Search blog

What is Deny in English? Distinguishing the usage of Deny and Refuse

Deny is a word commonly found in English exercises as well as in everyday communication. After Deny, is it followed by a noun, a gerund (V-ing), or a clause? What are the differences between Deny and Refuse? Let’s explore how to use Deny in English and the differences between Deny and Refuse together with PREP!

I. Definition of Deny in English
II. Words/phrases used with Deny in English
III. Deny synonyms in English
IV. How to Use Deny in English
1. 1. Position of Deny in a Sentence
2. 2. Deny in Sentences
V. Distinguishing Deny and Refuse
VI. Exercises with Deny in English
1. 1. Exercise
2. 2. Answer

I. Definition of Deny in English

Deny, pronounced /dɪˈnaɪ/, functions as a verb. The Deny meaning in English is: to say that something is not true; to not allow someone to have or do something; to not admit that you have knowledge, responsibility, feelings, etc. For example:

Peter denies that he broke the window.
The president has consistently denied the rumors.

II. Words/phrases used with Deny in English

Here are three common structures used in English. Let’s learn these sentence patterns for practical application:

Words/phrases	Example
It can’t be denied that + S + V	It can’t be denied that TV does influence attitudes and beliefs.
There’s no denying the fact that + S + V	There is no denying the fact that good feedback can significantly improve learning processes and outcomes.
Deny (oneself)	I’m denying myself desserts right now, while I’m on this diet.

Note: Denied is the passive form of Deny. So, based on the structure table above, do you understand the Denied meaning in English?

III. Deny synonyms in English

Check out the list of Deny synonyms in English below with PREP!

Deny synonyms in English	Meaning	Example
Refuse /rɪˈfjuz/	to say that you will not do or accept something	Anna refused to answer the question.
Reject rɪˈdʒɛkt/	to refuse to accept, use, or believe something or someone	The committee rejected the proposal.
Decline /dɪˈklaɪn/	to refuse	Jack declined the invitation to the party.
Dispute /dɪˈspjut/	to disagree with something that someone says	The scientist disputed the validity of the experiment.
Rebut /rɪˈbʌt/	to argue that a statement or claim is not true	The lawyer rebutted the accusations with strong evidence.
Repudiate /rɪˈpjudiˌeɪt/	to refuse to accept something or someone as true, good, or reasonable	The official repudiated the claims of corruption.
Disavow /ˌdɪsəˈvaʊ/	to say that you know nothing about something, or that you have no responsibility for or connection with something	The politician disavowed any involvement in the scandal.
Negate /nɪˈɡeɪt/	to show something to be wrong or to be the opposite of what was thought, or to cause something to have no effect	The new evidence negates the previous theory.

IV. How to Use Deny in English

Let’s explore how to use Deny in English below!

1. Position of Deny in a Sentence

Like most common verbs, Deny can take on various positions in a sentence. Here are some examples:

1.1. Acting as the main verb in a sentence and conjugated according to tense

For example:

She denied her adultery.
I denied all the rumours they said about me.

1.2. Serving as the subject in the form of to-V or V-ing

For example:

To deny his part in the scandal is just a blatant lie.
Her denying her wrongdoings showed what kind of person she was.

2. Deny in Sentences

If you’re still unsure whether to use "to V" or "V-ing" after Deny, read the explanations below carefully!

Deny in Sentences	Example
Deny + something	He denied everyone’s efforts.
Deny + Ving	I deny playing with the kids at noon.
Deny + That + clause	Richard denied that he eats a lot of candies.
Deny somebody something	The manager has denied Jack the opportunities to get promoted.

V. Distinguishing Deny and Refuse

What are the similarities and differences between Deny and Refuse? Let’s explore the information table below together with PREP!

	Deny	Refuse
Usage	Deny often implies rejecting something that has already happened. Deny can be followed by a clause.	Refuse is used to express that you will decline or reject doing something that someone else requests.
Structure	Deny + Ving	Refuse + to V
Example	Neil denies breaking the window.	Neil refuses to join the party.

VI. Exercises with Deny in English

To further understand Deny in English, let’s quickly complete the exercises below with PREP!

1. Exercise

Exercise 1: Conjugate the verb correctly with Deny

Maria denied…………(walk)…….. on the grass.
Emi denied………(not do)……….. the homework.
Neil denied………(talk)……….. disrespectfully to the elders.
Xavia denied………(cheat)……….. in the exam.
Sarah denied that her father………(be)……….. a thief.
Nick denied that he ………(have)……….. a girlfriend.
Jackson denied that it………(be)……….. her who made that stupid mistake.
Jimmy denied………(play)……….. video games during class.
Alex denies … (break) the window.
He denied …. (know) about the plan.

Exercise 2: Rewrite the sentence using Deny without changing its meaning

It’s hard to refute these biblical arguments.

➡ ………………………………………………………………………………………

Walsh didn’t confirm that the money had been paid.

➡ …………………………………………………………………………………….

Even now, he refuses to admit the complete truth.

➡ ………………………………………………………………………………….

He said he didn’t steal the money.

➡ ………………………………………………………………………………………

She claimed she wasn’t involved in the accident.

➡ ………………………………………………………………………………………

2. Answer

Exercise 1	Exercise 2
walking not having done talking cheating was had was Playing breaking knowing	It’s hard to deny these biblical arguments. Walsh denied that the money had been paid. Even now, he still denies the complete truth. He denied stealing the money. She denied being involved in the accident.

So, PREP has introduced you to the detailed usage of Deny in English and clarified the distinction between Deny and Refuse. Remember to complete the exercises to solidify your understanding of this structure. PREP wishes you success!

Master Tu Pham

Founder/CEO at Prep

Founder of Prep Smart Test Preparation Platform. With over 10 years of experience in teaching and test preparation, Mr. Tú has helped thousands of students achieve high scores in the IELTS exam. In addition, Mr. Tú Phạm is also a consulting expert in British Council programs and a speaker at many leading educational events, programs, and conferences.