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Ways To Say Yes

Phrase

No, thanks

Universal polite no

Phrase

That’s not an option.

Unnegotiable no

Phrase

If only it worked, but …

Wistful refusal

Phrase

I think not

Playful/sarcastic no

Phrase

My body says yes, but my heart says no

Poetic internal conflict

Phrase

I’m afraid I can’t.

Polite British-style no

Phrase

That’s not going to work for me.

Practical refusal

Phrase

Not for me, thanks

Polite decline

Phrase

Maybe another time

Open-ended decline

Phrase

I have something else

Prior commitment

Phrase

Unfortunately not

Regretful refusal

Phrase

Unfortunately, that’s not something I can do at this time.

Regretful refusal

Phrase

I’m really booked.

Scheduled refusal

Phrase

I’d like to, but I know I’ll regret it.

Self-aware refusal

Phrase

I’m sorry, I’m busy.

Simple excuse

Phrase

Not for me, my friend, thanks

Friendly decline

Phrase

I wish I could make it work

Sincere regret

Phrase

Maybe next time

Future possibility

Phrase

Thanks for thinking of me, but I can’t.

Grateful decline

Phrase

Thanks for thinking of me. I really wish I could

Grateful decline

Phrase

I really appreciate you asking me, but I can’t do it.

Grateful refusal

Phrase

I’m slammed.

Overloaded (casual)

Phrase

Sounds tempting, but I’ll have to pass.

Playful decline

Phrase

Brilliant!

Shows strong approval or excitement

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