Saying “No” Nicely

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!

Saying “No” Nicely: Saying “No” Nicely is een cursus voor gevorderden (in de categorie lower – medium – intermediate level), waarbij de nadruk ligt op het gebruik van praktisch toepasbare taalfuncties in allerlei dagelijkse situaties. In de cursus worden deze situaties “nagespeeld” met behulp van dialogen, die we dan in tweetallen met elkaar oefenen.

U leert vooral nieuwe of toepasselijke uitdrukkingen, frasen en zegswijzen waarmee u zich in allerlei situaties op een nette en duidelijke manier verbaal kunt uiten. Zo ook de volgende taalfuncties:

  • Asking and giving opinions;
  • Asking for information;
  • Explaining Things;
  • Making complaints;
  • Making suggestions;
  • Showing preferences.

Deze cursus is bedoeld voor gevorderden (lower – medium intermediate), en beslaat 12 lessen van elk 1,5 uur, 1x per week.

Heeft u interesse in deze cursus of wilt u hier meer over weten? Neem dan gerust contact op.

Saying “No” Nicely