By voting present, the Democrats declined to take a position for or against the bill.

"Our members cannot decline to take patients to the hospital of their choice," he said.

From the beginning, seven students declined to take part in the study for religious reasons.

He declined to take a pay raise during tough economic times.

They declined to take anything for her food and bed: she was quite welcome.

He declined to take any questions after reading the statement on the ground that the matter was under investigation.

It was the first time all season that Thomas declined to take questions after a game.

You're right, the special prosecutor declined to take any action at all.

Some of them were invited but declined to take part.

The court today declined to take that step, instead leaving the next move up to the state and the administration.