{"id":2542,"date":"2020-08-26T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2020-08-26T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/local.events.com\/how-to-say-no-politely-50-polite-ways-to-say-no-in-english\/"},"modified":"2021-04-07T16:53:25","modified_gmt":"2021-04-07T23:53:25","slug":"how-to-say-no-politely-50-polite-ways-to-say-no-in-english","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/magoosh.com\/english-speaking\/how-to-say-no-politely-50-polite-ways-to-say-no-in-english\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Say No Politely: 50 Polite Ways to Say No in English"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"blog-content\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"wsite-image wsite-image-border-none\" style=\"padding-top: 10px;padding-bottom: 10px;margin-left: 0;margin-right: 0;text-align: center\">\n<div style=\"font-size: 90%\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div id=\"801611187830048838\" class=\"wcustomhtml\" style=\"width: 100%\" align=\"left\">\n<p>When speaking English, knowing how to say no politely can be uncomfortable for some people. After all, you don\u2019t want to sound rude. Fortunately, there are polite ways to say no and impolite ways to say no (we will focus on the former). In this guide, we are going to show you how to say no politely with more than 50 different examples!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div><!--BLOG_SUMMARY_END--><\/div>\n<div>\n<div id=\"822745722422653338\" class=\"wcustomhtml\" style=\"width: 100%\" align=\"left\">\n<p>(Prefer to watch this lesson on video? Here\u2019s our full length tutorial on <strong>\u2018How to say \u2018No Politely\u2019:<\/strong><\/p>\n<h3>\u2018How to Say No Politely\u2019:<\/h3>\n<p><iframe src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/chfcLE3VTtY\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p><em>Click below to listen to a recording of this passage.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wsite-html5audio\" title=\"Audio: how_to_say_no_politely_-_introduction.mp3\">\n<audio class=\"wp-audio-shortcode\" id=\"audio-2542-1\" preload=\"none\" style=\"height: auto;\" controls=\"controls\"><source type=\"audio\/mpeg\" src=\"https:\/\/magoosh.com\/english-speaking\/files\/legacy\/how_to_say_no_politely_-_introduction.mp3?_=1\" \/><a href=\"https:\/\/magoosh.com\/english-speaking\/files\/legacy\/how_to_say_no_politely_-_introduction.mp3\">https:\/\/magoosh.com\/english-speaking\/files\/legacy\/how_to_say_no_politely_-_introduction.mp3<\/a><\/audio>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div id=\"653949723991463107\" class=\"wcustomhtml\" style=\"width: 100%\" align=\"left\">\n<p>When speaking English, many non-native speakers feel insecure about saying no to people. After all, you don\u2019t want to sound rude. Fortunately, there are polite ways to say no and impolite ways to say no (we will focus on the former). In this guide, we are going to show you how to say no politely with more than 50 different examples!<\/p>\n<h2>Why is it so difficult to say no?<\/h2>\n<p>The inability to say no is more common than you may realize. Whether you want to keep your boss happy or avoid hurting a friend\u2019s feelings, it can be hard to say no. However, saying no isn\u2019t always a bad thing. In fact, many <a href=\"https:\/\/magoosh.com\/english-speaking\/how-to-ask-questions-in-english\/\">Yes\/No Questions<\/a> simply require information. Here are a few examples:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Question<\/strong>: <em>Have you ever been to France?<\/em> <strong>Answer<\/strong>: <em>No, I\u2019ve never been to France.<\/em><\/li>\n<li><strong>Question<\/strong>: <em>Do you have to work tomorrow?<\/em> <strong>Answer<\/strong>: <em>No, I don\u2019t have to work tomorrow.<\/em><\/li>\n<li><strong>Question<\/strong>: W<em>ere you born in September?<\/em> <strong>Answer<\/strong>: <em>No, I was not born in September.<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>In all of these situations, it\u2019s pretty easy to say no! However, it becomes difficult to say no when people make requests or ask for your personal opinion. Let\u2019s look at a few difficult examples:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Question<\/strong>: <em>Do you want to go on a date with me?<\/em> <strong>Answer<\/strong>: <em>No, I don\u2019t want to go on a date with you.<\/em><\/li>\n<li><strong>Question<\/strong>: <em>Can you do me a favor?<\/em> <strong>Answer<\/strong>: <em>No, I can\u2019t do you a favor.<\/em><\/li>\n<li><strong>Question<\/strong>: <em>Do you like my cooking?<\/em> <strong>Answer<\/strong>: <em>No, I don\u2019t like your cooking.<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>As you can see, answering honestly and directly can sound rude. This is why it is so difficult to say no at times! You don\u2019t want to sound mean or hurt the other person\u2019s feelings. As a result, you may feel like you need to lie just to be polite.<\/p>\n<p>Fortunately, you don\u2019t necessarily have to lie. There are plenty of polite ways to say no without sounding like a jerk. <strong><em>In fact, we have more than 50 polite ways to say no in English!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"wsite-image wsite-image-border-none\" style=\"padding-top: 10px;padding-bottom: 10px;margin-left: 0px;margin-right: 0px;text-align: center\">\n<p><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone\" style=\"width: auto;max-width: 100%\" title=\"how to say no in english\" src=\"https:\/\/magoosh.com\/english-speaking\/files\/legacy\/how-to-say-no-in-english_orig.png\" alt=\"Illustration of a man thinking of polite ways to say no in english\" width=\"512\" height=\"466\" \/><\/p>\n<div style=\"font-size: 90%\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div id=\"968189361709823424\" class=\"wcustomhtml\" style=\"width: 100%\" align=\"left\">\n<h2>10 Tips to Help You Say No Politely<\/h2>\n<p><em>Click below to listen to a recording of this passage.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wsite-html5audio\" title=\"Audio: how_to_say_no_politely_-_10_ways.mp3\">\n<audio class=\"wp-audio-shortcode\" id=\"audio-2542-2\" preload=\"none\" style=\"height: auto;\" controls=\"controls\"><source type=\"audio\/mpeg\" src=\"https:\/\/magoosh.com\/english-speaking\/files\/legacy\/how_to_say_no_politely_-_10_ways.mp3?_=2\" \/><a href=\"https:\/\/magoosh.com\/english-speaking\/files\/legacy\/how_to_say_no_politely_-_10_ways.mp3\">https:\/\/magoosh.com\/english-speaking\/files\/legacy\/how_to_say_no_politely_-_10_ways.mp3<\/a><\/audio>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div id=\"273169026612610381\" class=\"wcustomhtml\" style=\"width: 100%\" align=\"left\">\n<p>In part one of this guide, we will offer 10 tips for how to say no politely. In part two, we will provide you with an additional 50 examples of polite ways to say no in English. So, let\u2019s get started!<\/p>\n<h3>1. Add Thank You To Your Answer<\/h3>\n<p>One of the easiest ways to say no politely is to add thank you. However, you have to keep in mind that this won\u2019t work in every situation. It only works when someone offers you something that you can either accept or refuse. Here are a few examples:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Question<\/strong>: <em>Do you want my help?<\/em> <strong>Answer<\/strong>: <em>No, thank you.<\/em><\/li>\n<li><strong>Question<\/strong>: <em>Do you want a slice of cake?<\/em> <strong>Answer<\/strong>: <em>No, thank you.<\/em><\/li>\n<li><strong>Question<\/strong>: <em>Can I give you a ride?<\/em> <strong>Answer<\/strong>: <em>No, thank you.<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Adding thank you to your answer shows that you appreciate the offer, allowing you to say no without sounding rude.<\/p>\n<h3>2. Say No Without Saying No<\/h3>\n<p>Oftentimes, the best way to refuse an offer is to find another word to say no. This works especially well if you\u2019re trying to figure out how to say no in business settings. Thankfully, saying no without saying no is easier than it sounds. How you word your answer will depend on the context and the question, so let\u2019s look at a few examples:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Question<\/strong>: <em>Can you help me write this report?<\/em> <strong>Answer<\/strong>: <em>Unfortunately, I can\u2019t at the moment.<\/em><\/li>\n<li><strong>Question<\/strong>: <em>Did my presentation go well?<\/em> <strong>Answer<\/strong>: <em>I think there was room for improvement in some areas.<\/em><\/li>\n<li><strong>Question<\/strong>: <em>Do you want to have lunch with me?<\/em> <strong>Answer<\/strong>: <em>Sadly, I can\u2019t right now.<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>As you can see, the word \u201cno\u201d doesn\u2019t appear in any of the answers. However, it is implied and softened. Using words like sadly, unfortunately, and regrettably can also help you sound more polite.<\/p>\n<h3>3. Say Sorry<\/h3>\n<p>Apologizing is a great way to show that you feel bad for saying no. Additionally, it can function as another word to say no, which automatically softens your answer. However, like thank you, saying sorry only works when someone makes an offer that you can either accept or refuse. Here are a few examples:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Question<\/strong>: <em>Can we talk?<\/em> <strong>Answer<\/strong>: <em>Sorry, I can\u2019t right now.<\/em><\/li>\n<li><strong>Question<\/strong>: <em>Do you want to see a movie?<\/em> <strong>Answer<\/strong>: <em>I\u2019m sorry, but I can\u2019t today.<\/em><\/li>\n<li><strong>Question<\/strong>: <em>Do you have time to review my notes?<\/em> <strong>Answer<\/strong>: <em>Sorry, but I don\u2019t.<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>So, if you\u2019re worried about refusing someone\u2019s offer, apologize first to avoid hurting their feelings!<\/p>\n<h3>4. Provide a Reason for Saying No<\/h3>\n<p>It\u2019s easy to say \u201cno, I can\u2019t\u201d or \u201cNo, thank you,\u201d but doing this may lead to follow-up questions. People will often want to know <em>why<\/em> you\u2019re refusing their offer. So, provide a reason for saying no. Here are a few examples:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Question<\/strong>: <em>Can you watch my dog tomorrow?<\/em> <strong>Answer<\/strong>: <em>Actually, no. I have to work tomorrow.<\/em><\/li>\n<li><strong>Question<\/strong>: <em>Do you have time to help me with something?<\/em> <strong>Answer<\/strong>: <em>Sorry, but I don\u2019t. I\u2019ve got a million errands to run today.<\/em><\/li>\n<li><strong>Question<\/strong>: <em>Would you mind washing the dishes?<\/em> <strong>Answer<\/strong>: <em>I can\u2019t. I have a huge project due tomorrow.<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Providing a reason for saying no reduces the risk of follow-up questions. It also doesn\u2019t make it seem like you\u2019re saying no just to be mean. You actually have an excuse!<\/p>\n<h3>5. Lengthen Your Answer<\/h3>\n<p>Giving one-word answers is often seen as rude, regardless of what you say. It makes it seem like you\u2019re disinterested in the other person or trying to cut the <a href=\"https:\/\/magoosh.com\/english-speaking\/learning-english-conversation-with-phrases\/\">conversation<\/a> short. So, if you need to say no, don\u2019t just say no and move on. Try to lengthen your answer to sound friendlier. Here are a few examples:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Question<\/strong>: <em>Do you think I deserve a promotion?<\/em> <strong>Answer<\/strong>: <em>I\u2019m not sure. You do an amazing job, but there are a lot of great people trying to get the same promotion.<\/em><\/li>\n<li><strong>Question<\/strong>: <em>Will you accompany me to the meeting?<\/em> <strong>Answer<\/strong>: <em>No, because I have to pick up a few things from my office first. But I\u2019ll see you there!<\/em><\/li>\n<li><strong>Question<\/strong>: <em>Should I ask my boss for a raise?<\/em> <strong>Answer<\/strong>: <em>No, but not because you don\u2019t deserve it. The company is not doing very well right now, so your boss will probably say no anyway. I would just wait and ask for one at your next performance evaluation!<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>In the examples above, you can see that lengthening your answer gives you the opportunity to provide more details and add a friendly ending!<\/p>\n<h3>6. Emphasize Your Honesty<\/h3>\n<p>In many cases, your efforts to avoid saying no can do more harm than good. People might know that you\u2019re avoiding telling the truth to spare their feelings. As you can imagine, the other person might be more hurt that you\u2019re lying to them. Instead, just tell the truth and emphasize that you\u2019re being completely honest. Here are a few examples:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Question<\/strong>: <em>Do you like what I\u2019m wearing?<\/em> <strong>Answer<\/strong>: <em>Honestly, I\u2019m not a big fan of plaid.<\/em><\/li>\n<li><strong>Question<\/strong>: <em>Is my writing good enough to get published?<\/em> <strong>Answer<\/strong>: <em>I want to be honest with you. I think you need to practice your craft more before getting published.<\/em><\/li>\n<li><strong>Question<\/strong>: <em>Can I borrow your car?<\/em> <strong>Answer<\/strong>: <em>If I can be honest with you, I really don\u2019t feel comfortable letting other people drive my car.<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Sometimes, honesty really is the best policy!<\/p>\n<h3>7. Answer With a Question<\/h3>\n<p>When you need to say no, answering a question with a question can divert attention away from your answer. It may sound like you\u2019re avoiding the question, but it\u2019s simply one more way to say no implicitly. Here are a few examples:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Question<\/strong>: <em>Are you worried about your presentation?<\/em> <strong>Answer<\/strong>: <em>Should I be worried about my presentation?<\/em><\/li>\n<li><strong>Question<\/strong>: <em>Do you want to go see a movie?<\/em> <strong>Answer<\/strong>: <em>Do YOU want to go see a movie?<\/em><\/li>\n<li><strong>Question<\/strong>: <em>Can you help me finish this sandwich?<\/em> <strong>Answer<\/strong>: <em>Do you think I need the extra calories?<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>This forces the other person to answer the question while also implying that you\u2019re not interested in their offer!<\/p>\n<h3>8. Set Your Own Terms<\/h3>\n<p>When someone asks you to do something, you may just want to delay accepting. You might want to fulfill their request at a later date or in a different way. So, rather than just saying no, you can set your own terms. Here are a few examples:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Question<\/strong>: <em>Do you want to go shopping tomorrow?<\/em> <strong>Answer<\/strong>: <em>Actually, I can\u2019t tomorrow. Do you want to go this weekend instead?<\/em><\/li>\n<li><strong>Question<\/strong>: <em>Can you help me with this?<\/em> <strong>Answer<\/strong>: <em>Not right now, but I can in a few hours.<\/em><\/li>\n<li><strong>Question<\/strong>: <em>Would you help me review my application?<\/em> <strong>Answer<\/strong>: <em>I&#8217;ve got a headache. Let\u2019s review it when I\u2019m feeling better.<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>When someone is making a request or asking for a favor, it\u2019s not impolite to make a counter-offer. This way you don\u2019t have to say no at all!<\/p>\n<h3>9. Replace No With Maybe<\/h3>\n<p>Depending on the question, it may be hard to say no without sounding impolite. So, rather than giving a definitive answer to the question, soften your answer by leaving the door open to say yes. You\u2019re not saying yes; you\u2019re just saying that there\u2019s a possibility that you <em>could<\/em> say yes. Here are a few examples:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Question<\/strong>: <em>Can you give me a ride to the airport?<\/em> <strong>Answer<\/strong>: <em>Possibly. What time is your flight?<\/em><\/li>\n<li><strong>Question<\/strong>: <em>Can you help me move into my new apartment?<\/em> <strong>Answer<\/strong>: <em>Maybe. When are you moving?<\/em><\/li>\n<li><strong>Question<\/strong>: <em>Do you want to have dinner together?<\/em> <strong>Answer<\/strong>: <em>I\u2019m not sure. I\u2019m feeling a little under the weather today.<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>When you replace no with maybe (or a similar phrase), you usually need to request more information or provide a reason for saying maybe.<\/p>\n<h3>10. Use a Polite Tone<\/h3>\n<p>At the end of the day, your tone is just as important as the words you say. Being polite requires a tone that shows that you want to be friendly, even when you have to say no. It\u2019s difficult to understand tone in text, but here are a few examples that allow you to sound extra friendly:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Question<\/strong>: <em>Would you let me borrow your notes?<\/em> <strong>Answer<\/strong>: <em>No, but only because I didn\u2019t take good notes! I\u2019m a little embarrassed about it\u2026<\/em><\/li>\n<li><strong>Question<\/strong>: <em>Can you help me talk to my boss?<\/em> <strong>Answer<\/strong>: <em>Sorry, but I don\u2019t think so. I\u2019m not good in high-pressure situations!<\/em><\/li>\n<li><strong>Question<\/strong>: <em>Should I wear this to my date? <strong>Answer<\/strong><\/em>: <em>No! You should wear something that complements your eyes!<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>As you can see, even if you have to use the word \u201cno,\u201d you can do so with a friendly tone!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div id=\"818804150276723338\" class=\"wcustomhtml\" style=\"width: 100%\" align=\"left\">\n<h2>50 Polite Ways to Say No in English<\/h2>\n<p><em>Click below to listen to a recording of this passage.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wsite-html5audio\" title=\"Audio: how_to_say_no_politely_-_50_ways.mp3\">\n<audio class=\"wp-audio-shortcode\" id=\"audio-2542-3\" preload=\"none\" style=\"height: auto;\" controls=\"controls\"><source type=\"audio\/mpeg\" src=\"https:\/\/magoosh.com\/english-speaking\/files\/legacy\/how_to_say_no_politely_-_50_ways.mp3?_=3\" \/><a href=\"https:\/\/magoosh.com\/english-speaking\/files\/legacy\/how_to_say_no_politely_-_50_ways.mp3\">https:\/\/magoosh.com\/english-speaking\/files\/legacy\/how_to_say_no_politely_-_50_ways.mp3<\/a><\/audio>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div id=\"294807458266735499\" class=\"wcustomhtml\" style=\"width: 100%\" align=\"left\">\n<p>Now that we\u2019ve covered some good tips for how to say no in different situations, it\u2019s time to look at even more ways to say no politely. The phrases below are common ways to say no without hurting anyone\u2019s feelings. So, let\u2019s get started!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wsite-youtube\" style=\"margin-bottom: 10px;margin-top: 10px\">\n<div class=\"wsite-youtube-wrapper wsite-youtube-size-auto wsite-youtube-align-center\">\n<div class=\"wsite-youtube-container\"><iframe src=\"\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/chfcLE3VTtY?wmode=opaque\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div id=\"777670726902929773\" class=\"wcustomhtml\" style=\"width: 100%\" align=\"left\">\n<h3>Say No When You\u2019re Too Busy<\/h3>\n<ol>\n<li><em>I\u2019m afraid I can\u2019t.<\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>I don\u2019t think I\u2019ll be able to.<\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>I would if I could, but I can\u2019t.<\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>I wish I could!<\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>Unfortunately, I can\u2019t.<\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>I can\u2019t take on anything else at the moment.<\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>I\u2019ve got too much on my plate right now.<\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>I\u2019m already booked with someone else.<\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>My schedule is completely full.<\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>I have another commitment.<\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>I have something else at that time.<\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>My schedule won\u2019t allow it.<\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>I checked my calendar and I can\u2019t do it.<\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>I have a commitment that I can\u2019t get out of.<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h3>Say No and Apologize<\/h3>\n<ol>\n<li><em>Sorry, but I\u2019m swamped (busy) right now!<\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>Sorry, but it just won\u2019t work for me.<\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>Sorry, but I have something else.<\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>Sorry, but I can\u2019t make it.<\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>My apologies, but I can\u2019t right now.<\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>My apologies, but it\u2019s not possible.<\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>I don\u2019t think it will work. I\u2019m sorry.<\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>I can\u2019t. My apologies.<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h3>Say No With Humility and Appreciation<\/h3>\n<ol>\n<li><em>I don\u2019t think I\u2019m the right person for that.<\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>I think you can find a better person for the job.<\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>I don\u2019t have the right skills.<\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>I don\u2019t have the personality for it.<\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>Thanks for the invitation, but I can\u2019t make it.<\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>Thank you for asking, but I can\u2019t.<\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>I appreciate the offer, but I just can\u2019t.<\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>You know I\u2019d love to, but I can\u2019t.<\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>I wish there were two of me, then I could do it!<\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>Darn! I wish I had known about it sooner!<\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>Darn! I could have if you had asked me earlier!<\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>Shoot! I can\u2019t this time.<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h3>Say No On Your Own Terms<\/h3>\n<ol>\n<li><em>I\u2019m not sure if that\u2019s a good idea for me.<\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>I really shouldn\u2019t.<\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>I can\u2019t, but maybe another time.<\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>Could we do it another time?<\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>Let me think about it.<\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>I\u2019ll get back to you.<\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>Not this time.<\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>Let\u2019s take a rain check.<\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>I\u2019d rather not.<\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>I\u2019ll have to say no this time.<\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>I\u2019ll have to pass this time.<\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>Ask me again in a week\/month.<\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>It\u2019s not a good time for me.<\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>Maybe later on when I have more time.<\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>I have to take care of a few things first.<\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>I won\u2019t be able to.<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>We hope you found this guide on <strong><em>how to say no politely<\/em><\/strong> useful! With the phrases above, you now have more than 50 different ways to say no in English without hurting anyone\u2019s feelings! As always, for all things English conversation, grammar, or job-related, <span style=\"font-weight: 400\">visit <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/speaking.magoosh.com\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Magoosh Speaking<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u00a0today!<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Knowing how to say no politely is a workplace skill that will allow you to be an effective leader and controlling of your own time. Learn how to say no here!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":423,"featured_media":3458,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2542","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-english-vocab"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v21.7 (Yoast SEO v21.7) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>How to Say No Politely: 50 Polite Ways to Say No in English - SpeakUp resources<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Knowing how to say no politely is a skill that will help you to be an effective leader and work efficiently. 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