Sometimes you need to say no when someone makes a suggestion, offers something or asks you to do something for them. Of course, saying just 'no' can be rather rude. Here are some of the most common ways to say 'no' nicely - or at least not rudely.

• Would you like to see a film tonight?
  I'm afraid I can't go out tonight. I've got a test tomorrow.
• Why don't we have some chinese food?
  Sorry, but I don't particularly like chinese food.
• How about taking a nice walk?
  I'd really rather not take a walk this afternoon.
• Would you like to come to the museum with us?
  Thank you, but it's not my idea of a fun afternoon out.
• Let's go for a drive
  Sorry, I'm not really fond of driving for the fun of it.
• Why don't you stay the night?
  That's very kind of you, but I really have to get back to the city.

NOTE: Notice how we often say 'thank you' in some way before refusing the offer. When someone makes an offer it is polite to first thank that person and then say no, often offering an excuse for not wanting or being able to do something. Just saying 'no' is considered very rude behavior indeed!

 

 

Construction

Formula	Verb Form
I'm afraid I can't...	Use the base form of the verb without 'to' I can't go/ be there/ do that
I don't particularly like...	Use the '-ing' form of the verb with the verb 'like' in the present simple. like swimming/drinking coffee/ going out
I'd (really) rather not...	Use the base form the verb without 'to' with 'rather' I'd rather not go / see/ drink
It's not my idea of...	Use the '-ing' form following a preposition, or a noun ... not my idea of having fun/ relaxing
I'm not (really) fond of...	Use the '-ing' form following a preposition, or a noun ... fond of swimming/drinking coffee/ going out
Thank you (thank you for asking, thank you very much, etc.) but, I have to...	Use the base form the verb without 'to' following the modal form 'have to do' ... have to go / stay / get up early

Quiz

1. Would you like to see a film tonight? - I'm _____ I can't go out tonight. I've got a test tomorrow.
fear
afraid
fearful

2. Why don't we have some chinese food? - Sorry, but I don't _____ Chinese food.
particularly like
particular like
surely like

3. How about taking a nice walk? - I'd really _____ take a walk this afternoon.
rather
rather not
prefer not

4. Would you like to come to the museum with us? - Thank you, but _____ of a fun afternoon out.
it's not my belief
it's not my thought
it's not my idea

5. Let's go for a drive. - Sorry, I'm not really _____ driving for the fun of it.
fond to
fond of
fond from

6. Why don't you stay the night? - That's very kind of you, _____ get back to the city.
but I really have to
and I really have to
since I really have to

7. Why don't we go out tonight? - I'm sorry. _____ stay home tonight.
I rather
I'd rather
I'd prefer

8. Let's go jogging! - I'm _____ I don't feel well today.
afraid
unluckily
feared