Hello there, English learner! 👋
Great question! “Refuse” and “deny” can sometimes seem similar, but they’re used in different ways and with different meanings in English. Let’s break it down clearly so you know when to use each one correctly. ✅

🗝️ Quick Summary

📚 1. Refuse – To Say No to a Request or Offer

✅ Definition:

To decline to do something, or say you won’t accept something.

🧠 Use refuse when someone offers you something, asks you to do something, or when you are rejecting a request.

🗣️ Examples:

• He refused to help with the homework.
• She refused the job offer.
• They refused to leave the building.
• I politely refused the dessert.

📚 2. Deny – To Say Something Is Not True or Not Allowed

✅ Definition:

To reject a statement, accusation, or claim, or to withhold something from someone.

🧠 Use deny when someone accuses you, asks for access, or claims something is true—and you say it’s not.

🗣️ Examples:

• He denied stealing the money.
• She denied that she was involved.
• They were denied entry to the club.
• The company denied responsibility for the error.

🔁 Side-by-Side Comparison

❗ Key Differences in Use

📝 Practice: Choose refuse or deny

1. She ______ the invitation to the wedding.
2. He ______ breaking the glass.
3. They ______ to answer the reporter’s questions.
4. The guard ______ him entry without ID.
5. I can’t ______ that I was nervous.

✅ Answers:

1. refused
2. denied
3. refused
4. denied
5. deny

💡 Learning Tip:

Pro Tip:

• If you’re talking about not doing something → use refuse
  “I refuse to go.”
• If you’re talking about rejecting a claim or accusation → use deny
  “I deny that I said that.”

🎯 Easy trick to remember:

✏️ Refuse = No, I won’t.
✏️ Deny = No, that’s not true.