How To Say “No” Politely

Practice setting boundaries to maintain healthy relationships with these polite ways to decline, by Go Natural English.

Saying “No” to an Invitation or Offer

1. I appreciate the offer, but I can’t.
2. I’m honored, but can’t.
3. I’d love to, but I can’t.
4. I appreciate the invitation, but I am completely booked.
5. Thanks for thinking of me, but I can’t.
6. Regrettably, I’m not able to.
7. You’re so kind to think of me, but I can’t.
8. No thank you, but it sounds lovely.
9. Thanks for the offer, but I can’t.
10. Thanks, but Maybe another time.
11. I’m flattered you considered me, but unfortunately I’ll have to pass this time.
12. Sounds great, but I can’t commit. 
13. No thank you, but it sounds lovely.
14. Thanks, but no thanks.

Phrases to Say “No” When You Don’t Have the Time

1. I’m just swamped right now, so I can’t.
2. I’m not able to make it this week/month/year.
3. Perhaps next season when things clear up.
4. Ask me in a month.
5. Circle back to me in a few weeks.
6. I have a few things I need to take care of first. Can I let you know later?
7. I’m really buckling down on my priorities right now, so I can’t.
8. I’m really maxed out. 
9. It’s not feasible for me to take this on.
10. Let me think about it and I’ll get back to you.
11. I’m really spread thin these days, I just can’t take it on right now.
12. I’ve got too much on my plate right now.
13. I’m not taking on anything else right now.
14. Bandwidth is low, so I won’t be able to make it work.
15. I’m slammed.
16. I’m at the end of my rope right now so have to take a raincheck.
17. If only it worked.
18. If only I could.
19. I’m booked into something else.
20. I’m not taking on new things.
21. Another time might work.
22. I really don’t have any openings in my schedule.
23. I’m head-down right now on a project, so won’t be able to.
24. I wish there were two of me!
25. No thanks, I have another commitment.
26. Sadly I have something else.

Ways to Say “No” When it’s Not Interesting to You or Not a Good Match for You

1. It doesn’t sound like the right fit.
2. I’m not sure I’m the best for it.
3. I believe I wouldn’t fit the bill, sorry.
4. It’s not a good idea for me.
5. I don’t think I’m the right person for that.

How to Say “No” for Any Reason at All!

1. I wish I could make it work.
2. I wish I were able to.
3. I’d rather not 
4. I’m afraid I can’t.
5. If only I could!
6. No thanks, I won’t be able to make it.
7. Not this time.
8. Unfortunately, it’s not a good time.
9. Unfortunately I can’t.
10. I’d rather not.
11. I wish there were two of me, but I can’t.
12. I have something else. Sorry.
13. Apologies, but I can’t make it.
14. Maybe another time.
15. I would if I could, but I can’t.
16. I’d love to — but can’t.
17. Darn! Not able to fit it in.
18. Rats! Would’ve loved to.
19. I’ll need to bow out.
20. I won’t be able to
21. I really shouldn’t.
22. Sorry, I can’t

Saying “No” Casually – Less Politely

Never.

Mm-Mm

I’m all set.

I’m good.

Not right now. 

Naw 

No way, Jose.

No can do

Nah

No

Nope

Not possible.

Heaven’s* no!

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