> Other English exercises on the same topics: Idioms | Politeness | Suggesting [Change theme]
	> Similar tests: - Vocabulary: greeting people - Making suggestions - Imperative mood 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 - English lesson

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? That's a very kind invitationNormally, I'd helpI really appreciate the great offerI 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 can't next weekI'm awfully sorry I have to refuseI appreciate the offerI 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 Normally, I'd helpI'm sorry, I can't next weekendI appreciate the offerI 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 I can't, I'm busy this Fridayof course, I willI appreciate the offerI 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'll be abroad, but I'll do itI can't! I'm sorry,I 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 willWhat a pity, I'll be abroadI really appreciate the offerI 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'm happy I can't comeI really appreciate the offerI 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 want to helpI'm happy I won't beI 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, a wonderful offerof course, I willI'd love to goI don't know too.'