It's not easy to say 'no'. Some people don't like to do it because they think they'll annoy or offend the person asking them for help or to do something. But there are ways to make saying 'no' easier. First, you should always be polite. Second, you should give a reason why you can't do something. And third, is to apologise.
In this online exercise, you will learn and remember phrases in English that can be used to say 'no' to a request for help or to do something. These phrases can be used in both business and general situations.
Click here to go to an exercise on phrases used to ask for help.
In the following two business situations, one person is asking another to help them or do something for them. One of the situations is formal and the other is informal.
From the context, try to guess what the meaning of the words/phrases in bold are. Then do the quiz at the end to check if you are right.
Bill:'Bob, would you mind going to the Dorcia client meeting next week for me?'
Bob:'Where and when is it?'
Bill:'It's in Manchester at 10 in the morning.'
Bob:'I'm afraid I can't. I'm writing a presentation and I need to finish it by next Friday.'
Bill:'You could write it on the train going there.'
Bob:'I doubt I'd be of any use. I don't know anything about the client.'
Bill:'Well, I can tell you what you need to do. I'd really appreciate it.'
Bob:'Sorry Bill, I'd rather not.'
Bill:'I wouldn't ask you if it wasn't important.'
Bob:'I can appreciate that, but I need to focus on completing the presentation. Have you thought about asking Sally or Louise?'
Bill:'No I haven't, but I could.'
Bob:'Sorry Bill, I hope it doesn't cause you any problems.'
Bill:'Don't worry, it's fine.'
Jason:'Can I ask you a favour?'
Nicola:'What is it?'
Jason:'Could you do next month's sales report. I'll be on holiday and I need somebody I can trust to do it.'
Nicola:'I wish I could, but next month is really busy for me. I have 10 meetings and I have to finish the new staff training manual.'
Jason:'I can appreciate that, but I need somebody to do it.'
Nicola:'As I said, I don't have the time. I'm sorry. You don't mind, do you?'
Jason:'It needs to be done and I'm not going to be able to do it!'
Nicola:'Leave it with me. I'll let you know by Friday if I can do it.'
Jason:'Thanks.'
Match the words/phrases in bold from the above text to each of the definitions/descriptions below. Click on the "Check" button at the bottom of the quiz to check your answers.
When the answer is correct, two icons will appear below the answer. The "" icon contains extra information on the word/phrase. In the "" icon, you can listen to the pronunciation of the word/phrase.
Now that you understand the meaning of the words/phrases and when to use them, practise using them by creating your own sentences with them in English. Also click on the "" icon under each correct answer and listen how each is pronounced correctly.
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