15 Phrases to Say No Directly and Professionally (2024)

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Saying no can be difficult in any language, but it is especially challenging for those learning English as a second language.

When someone catches you off-guard with a request at work, it can be nerve-wracking to try to decline in a polite and confident manner.

To help make this process easier, it is helpful to have a few go-to phrases ready. These can be used in conversations, emails, or texts to decline a request in a polite and professional way.

Be prepared and practice using these expressions:

• I wish I could, but I’m swamped today.
• Sorry, but I’m slammed, and I can’t right now.
• I’m not taking on any new projects at the moment.
• Thanks for thinking of me, but I can’t.
• No thanks. I’m really busy.
• Unfortunately, now is not a good time.
• Sorry, but not this time.
• Sounds tempting, but I’ll have to pass.
• I’ve got too much on my plate right now.
• Iwish I could make it work, but now is not a good time.
• If only I could, but I don’t have enough time to add something else to my plate.
• I’d love to, but I can’t.
• I’m not taking on anything else right now.
• Under different circ*mstances, I’d love to, but right now, I can’t.
• It sounds like a great opportunity, but I’ll have to pass.

Remember, it is important to be polite and confident when saying no. Pay attention to your intonation and body language to ensure that you are communicating your message effectively.

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