> Other English exercises on the same topics: Idioms | Politeness | Suggesting [Change theme]
	> Similar tests: - Vocabulary: greeting people - Making suggestions - Imperative mode and its tags. - Can/could/may... Must/have to... - How to suggest - Vocabulary: avoid saying: I don't know! - Vocabulary: Thanking everyone - Vocabulary: Sorry! (Let's apologise!)
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Vocabulary: how to refuse politely

Internally, we shout "NO", because it means we're staying true to our priorities and convictions, but we don't dare to say the words. When you finally manage to speak, you have to do it extremely politely. 

I) HOW TO REFUSE AN INVITATION?  You may be invited to a social event, or a party, and if you manage to decline, never forget to start with a positive statement (saying "thank you", for instance).

                                      Very informal!                                                                              Kinder and more formal words...

II) HOW TO REFUSE AN OFFER? 

III)  HOW TO DENY A REQUEST? When a relative, a friend, or a near stranger asks you for some help, it's even more difficult to refuse. If you absolutely have to decline, don't forget to do it extremely politely, thanking, giving the reason and apologising... 

Quite a number of expressions to learn...  Don't worry, they're quite usual and easy...  I'm sure you'll succeed. Good luck!  

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1. 'Ah! You’re inviting Lucy to Julian's party next Sunday at 3? I really appreciate the great offerNormally, I'd helpThat's a very kind invitationI don't know... but still, I'm sorry she won't be able to come before 5, as she'll be at the dentist's at that time...'



2. ' How about an informal meal at the restaurant tonight?' ' I'm awfully sorry I have to refuseI appreciate the offerI can't next weekI don't knowon such short notice. I'm not free tonight! Maybe another time.'



3. ' A few days at your mountain cabin, next week… Hum… I’d go for it! but I'm sorry, I can't next weekendI appreciate the offerNormally, I'd helpI don't know … I’m my cousin’s bestman!'



4. 'Could you possibly drive Lea home from school tomorrow night?' ' Normally, I'd helpI really appreciate the offerI can't, I'm busyI don't know, but on that precise day, I'll be at the dentist's with Lucy. She won't be at school, I'm sorry. '



5. 'A party with the whole team... I'd be glad to see my co-workers outside the job, but of course, I willI appreciate the offerI can't, I'm busy this FridayI don't know – I’m going out with my mom and dad, for their anniversary.'



6. 'Of course I'll chaperon the tennis team, but not on Saturday... On that day, I'm happy I can't comeI can't! I'm sorry,I'll be abroad, but I'll do itI don't know I'll help the team another time...!



7. ' Saturday, October 7th? That sounds great! Let me see... Oh dear... Of course, I willI really appreciate the offerWhat a pity, I'll be abroadI don't know... I'm so sorry I'll miss such a great event...'



8. ' The position of CEO in Chicago? Very tempting, indeed... What a pity, I'll be abroadI really appreciate the offerI'm happy I can't comeI don't know... but I can't accept such a relocation. My kids and wife are living in L.A.'



9. ' Your bachelor party! That sounds promising... next Saturday night... oh no! I'm happy I won't beI want to helpI wish I could comeI don't know but unfortunately I have a previous engagement on that day... Can you delay it?



10. What? You're all going out to the theatre on Saturday! Unfortunately, I'm not free on that date. But if you ever arrange another night out, please, I'd love to goa wonderful offerof course, I willI don't know too.'