What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
balk
Example
He balked at the idea of jumping off the diving board. [balk: verb]
Example
The team's coach was frustrated when the player balked at following the game plan. [balked: past tense]
refuse
Example
She refused to eat the vegetables on her plate. [refused: past tense]
Example
The company refused to grant him a refund for the defective product. [refuse: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Refuse is more commonly used than balk in everyday language. Refuse is a widely recognized term and covers a broader range of contexts, while balk is less common and tends to be used in specific situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between balk and refuse?
While balk is typically associated with a more casual and informal tone, refuse can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
