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Sometimes we want to say "yes" but can't or want to say "no" but don't know how to without creating a problem. In Western culture, you can use polite vocabulary and phrases to avoid too many problems at work or in your private life.
How would you invite a colleague to have lunch with you or socialise with you after work?
How would you tell a colleague that you don't want to or don't have time to spend with them?
These structures are common but there are many more.
For example, could you help me?
If you are too busy to help or it isn't your responsibility to keep helping this person then you might need to say no.
For example, I'm sorry but I'm not the right person to help you.
Study the vocabulary below and try to match 1-7 with A-G.
How could you use this vocabulary if you are too busy now but would like to accept the invitation at another time?
You could say that now isn't a good time because you are in a rush but you'd like to take a raincheck.
If you would like some help learning how to accept or recline invitations politely then book a Business English Pre-Intermediate lesson with me for more chances to practice.
You might find these responses helpful in the meantime.
There are more examples of how to decline an invitation than how to accept one because it is much easier to offend people when we say no.
I invite you to join me in a lesson using high-quality materials with lots of opportunities to develop your language skills.
