Learn different ways to say NO in English. Expand your vocabulary and improve your speaking skills with common English phrases that native speakers use in daily conversations.
We’ll not only teach you how to say “no” politely but also help you gain confidence in expressing yourself effectively while speaking English.
Listen to the podcast Speak Better English with Harry or watch it on YouTube at Learn English with Harry. englishclass101
ways to say no
Different Ways to say NO in English
Harry
While “no” itself may come across as blunt and possibly impolite depending on how it’s expressed, we understand that you may not intend it that way.
In this lesson, we’ll provide you with alternative ways to say no, categorised into formal, polite, firm, and informal approaches.
By expanding your range of responses, you can avoid sounding repetitive or rude while effectively conveying your negative response.
improve english on a budget
Online English Courses from β¬7.99
Let’s start with the formal ways to say “no.”
Iβm afraid not
Meaning: a gentle way to convey negative information or decline a request
Examples:
π¦ Will you be joining us for lunch today?
π©π½βπ» Iβm afraid not. I have another arrangement.
π¨π»βπ¨ Can you lend me some money?Β
π©πΌβπΎ Iβm afraid not. I’m currently short on funds myself.
Iβm sorry, but the answer is no
Meaning: a polite way to decline a request or offer; it sends a clear message and shows regret for not being able to help
Example:
I’m sorry, but the answer is no. I won’t be able to attend the conference due to prior commitments.
Iβm sorry, but that request cannot be fulfilled
Meaning: (very formal) use it when you need to politely inform someone that their request cannot be accommodated
Example:Β
I’m sorry, but that request cannot be fulfilled. The room you are inquiring about is currently unavailable.
I’m sorry, but that request cannot be fulfilled. The table you are referring to has already been booked.
not to my knowledge
Meaning: use it when you are unaware of something or don’t have the information being asked for
Examples:
π©π½βπHave you seen my missing keys?
π©π»βπ§ Not to my knowledge. I haven’t come across any keys.
π΅π» Have you seen David? Is he in?
π·πΎββοΈWell, not to my knowledge, but I’ve only just arrived myself.
Sadly, Iβm unable to do that
Meaning: use it to express regret or disappointment while declining a request
Example:
Sadly, Iβm unable to do that as my schedule is fully booked with prior commitments.
Sadly, Iβm unable to do that. I have a back injury and cannot lift heavy objects.
I’d love to do it, but
Meaning: (formal and informal) you want to express a desire to do sth, but there’s a specific reason why you can’t do it
Examples:
I’d love to do it, but I don’t think I’m the person that can best represent you.
I’d love to do it, but I really don’t have the time.
Different Ways to say NO in English
Now, let’s move on to the polite ways of saying ‘no’ when you want to avoid using the word ‘no’ directly.
not really
Meaning: use it to express a lack of interest or agreement in a more relaxed manner
Examples:
π§π»βπ¦° Are you going to join that gym?Β
π¨πΎβ𦲠Not really. Me and gyms, we don’t get along so well.
π§π»ββοΈ Are you going to join us for a game of bowling?
π¨π½βπ¦° Not really. It’s the weekend, I like to spend time with the family.
possibly/probably not
Meaning: say it in a less definitive or certain way, there’s a small chance it could be different
Examples:
π© Are you going to apply for that promotion?
π§π»βπ¦° Probably not. I don’t want to commit myself to it.
π§π½ββοΈ Are you going to attend that lecture next week?
π±π½ββοΈ Possibly not. I think I’d be busy.
not exactly/not quite
Meaning: in a gentle manner, allow for some flexibility or nuance in the response
Examples:
π©πΌβπ¦° Have you finished the report that we need?
π¨πΌ Not quite.
π΅πΌ Do you understand everything that the customer has asked?
π§π½βπ¦° Not exactly.
I think not
Meaning: based on your thoughts or considerations, the answer is negative or not possible
Example:
π§π» Would you like to join us for lunch?
π¨πΎβπ¦²I think not. I’ll stay at my desk and finish this bit of work. I really want to get home early.
book your trial English Lesson
Now let’s explore firm ways to say ‘no.’
Firm means being strong and clear to ensure the message is understood without any confusion or ambiguity. When you say ‘no’ firmly, it leaves no room for misunderstanding, and people understand that ‘no’ definitely means ‘no’.
certainly/absolutely not
Meaning: these phrases leave no room for doubt or possibility of agreement
Example:
π§πΌ Can I stay up late and watch a horror movie?
π©π» Absolutely not. You have to get up early in the morning for school.
sorry, it’s not possible
Meaning: communicates a strong and definitive refusal
Example:
π§π» Can you pick me up from the disco?
π±πΌββοΈ Sorry, not possible. Can’t do that. I’ve got a busy day tomorrow.
not now
Meaning: it’s not the right moment or suitable for the situation
Example:
π§π» Can you take me to Maryβs house?
π©π»β𦳠Not now. Iβm busy.
π¨π»βπ¦° Can I disturb you? I wanted to get your opinion for 10 minutes.
π¨πΌβ𦳠Not now. Come back later. I’m in the middle of something.
Different Ways to say NO in English
And in the final part, we’re going to explore informal ways of saying no in English.
nope/nah
Meaning: use it in relaxed conversations or among friends
Examples:
π©π» Have you seen the car keys?
π§ Nope.
Nah, not interested. Maybe at the weekend, but not during the midweek.
π§π» Would you fancy a pizza tonight?
π¨π»Nah, something else.
not interested
Meaning: use it to express a lack of interest or enthusiasm towards something
Example:
π§π»βπ¦° Would you like to join the hiking trip this weekend?
π¨π» Not interested. I prefer to relax at home instead.
I think Iβll pass
Meaning: you have decided not to do or accept something after considering it
Example:
π±π½ Would you like to play a game of cards?
π¨π»β𦱠I think I’ll pass. I’m tired. I’m going to go to bed early.
not a chance
Meaning: there is absolutely no possibility or likelihood of sth happening
Example:
π¨π»β𦱠Do you think they’re going to win the football match tomorrow night?
π¨π½βπ¦° Not a chance.
not happening
Meaning: something is not going to occur or be accepted under any circumstances
Example:Β
π©π» Do you think we’ll get a salary increase? Or indeed, we might get a bonus.Β
π©πΌβπ¦° Not happening. Things are difficult.
you must be joking/ are you kidding?
Meaning: (humourous) youβre expressing disbelief or indicating that the suggestion or request is unreasonable or unlikely to be accepted
Example:
You must be joking! There is no way Iβm going. You have to be kidding.
Are you kidding? There is no way youβre going to get me out on a day like this.
no way!
Meaning: a very informal way to firmly and emphatically reject something
Example:
No way! Youβre not driving my car. Full stop.
You can also use it if you get a bit of a surprise about something.
π©π» Did you hear that Mary got engaged?
π©πΌβπ¦° No way! Mary? Wow, I must drop her line. I must write and tell her congratulations.
So, practice these alternatives to avoid constantly saying “no” and make your conversations more interesting. Choose a few formal or informal options and practice them with your friends. Write them down in sentences and feel free to reach out to me at www.englishlessonviaskype.com if you encounter any problems or need additional advice or examples.
This is Harry signing off. Thank you for listening and watching, and remember to join me for the next lesson.
speak better English with Harry podcast- episode 437
more information
For more information on English grammar rules, English collocations and English idioms, check out the links below:
Verbs and phrases to describe a new start
Difference between Each and Every
You can always study English advanced level at Learning English with the BBCΒ and British Council Learn English.
You will love these English lessons
English Expressions and Idioms with Wind
Here you will learn interesting English expressions and idioms with WIND. Wind is one the confusing words in English that
16 Christmas Phrasal Verbs
Learn 16 Christmas phrasal verbs! Hang up meaning, put up meaning, take down meaning. You can use festive phrasal verbs
Phrases And Verbs Related To Communication
Learn phrases and verbs related to communication. To butt in. To butt out. To make eye contact. To bicker. To