How to Say "No"

There are a few ways to say "No", depending on the importance of the request.

• Please join us for the dinner on Friday night.
• I'd love to, but I've made plans. Thanks for asking.
• Are you going to the lunch meeting?
• Please excuse me. Something has just come up.
• Would you like to join us at the bar later?
• Well, I'm not sure...let me think about it.
• Do you think you will be able to finish the job by Friday?
• Hmm...I'm not sure. Maybe./Well, I would like a little more time.
• Would you like to join our sports team?
• I'm sorry. I wish I could, but I do appreciate your asking.
• We would like you to come to our weekend party.
• That's kind of you to ask, thank you. I wish I could, but I'm afraid I must go home.