5 ways to politely say no in business English

Pearson Languages
Four business people sat at a desk, one is on a laptop and another is pointing at whats in front of them

Knowing how to say no politely and professionally is important in the business world. Whether you're declining a job offer, rejecting a sales pitch, or turning down a project, saying no can be difficult. Especially if English is not your native language and you're new to learning business English.

However, using the right phrases can make all the difference in maintaining positive relationships and avoiding misunderstandings. This blog post will explore five phrases to say no in business English politely.

 

5 ways to politely say no in business English
Play
Privacy and cookies

By watching, you agree Pearson can share your viewership data for marketing and analytics for one year, revocable by deleting your cookies.

"Thank you for considering me, but I must respectfully decline."

This phrase expresses appreciation for the opportunity while also firmly declining. It shows that you value the other person's time and effort, but that you have made a decision that cannot be changed. This is handy when declining job offers or business proposals.

"I appreciate your interest, but unfortunately, I'm unable to commit at this time."

This saying acknowledges the other person's interest while being clear and direct about your decision. It shows that you are taking their request seriously but cannot fulfill their request at the moment. This phrase is helpful when declining invitations or business proposals.

"I understand where you're coming from, but I don't think it's the right fit for me."

This is a polite way to decline a business proposal or sales pitch. It acknowledges the other person's effort and interest. At the same time, it is honest about your decision. This one is helpful for declining a product or service that doesn't meet your needs or expectations.

"Thank you for the opportunity, but I'm afraid it's not something I can take on right now."

This expression is an excellent way to decline a business request, such as a speaking engagement or additional projects. It shows that you appreciate the offer but cannot accept it now. This is particularly useful when you're declining an opportunity that you may be interested in in the future.

"Thank you for thinking of me, but I'm afraid I won't be able to."

This phrase is a straightforward way to decline an offer. It's important to remember that this phrase should be used sparingly and only in situations where a longer explanation is unnecessary. This is good for declining a small request or a minor opportunity.


Saying no in business can be tricky. However, these phrases can help you decline politely and professionally while still preserving positive relationships. Show appreciation and thankfulness. Explain the logic behind your decision and be courteous.

These steps will help to avoid confusion and hurt feelings. By using these phrases, you can improve your communication skills and effectively say no in business English. Being able to navigate around saying no politely can also help you learn English in general, working on negotiation and explanations, as well as your corporate English learning.

More blogs from Pearson

  • Two friends sat outide smiling and looking at a phone

    English tongue twisters to test your English skills

    By Pearson Languages
    Reading time: 6 minutes

    “She sells seashells by the seashore” and "If a woodchuck could chuck wood" are classic tongue twisters and aren’t just whimsical phrases but one of many tools language learners use to polish their pronunciation and articulate troublesome English sounds. For students and enthusiasts alike, tongue twisters are not only entertaining but they also serve as an effective and fun way to test and improve your English skills.

    In this blog post, we’ll explore some challenging English tongue twisters perfect for language learners seeking to refine their pronunciation. Of course, the best way to use these tongue twisters is to say them out loud–so don’t just read them; try to repeat them and see how fast you can go without stumbling. Incorporating funny tongue twisters into your practice can make learning more enjoyable for kids and adults alike.

  • A teacher with children stood over a globe of the world, with children pointing to it

    Using gamification in teaching: Engage, educate and excite

    By Pearson Languages
    Reading time: 6 minutes

    In an era where student engagement can be as challenging as the teaching itself, educators are constantly seeking innovative ways to capture attention and enhance learning. Gamification has emerged as a dynamic solution, promising to turn education into a more engaging and enjoyable experience. But what does gamification really entail, and how can it be effectively implemented in teaching? Let’s have a look:

  • A teacher stoof over computers that students are sat at

    Boosting your learners' English language speaking skills

    By Pearson Languages
    Reading time: 4 minutes

    Teaching a language goes beyond imparting the rules of grammar and vocabulary. It's about unlocking the confidence in students to use that language in real-life conversations. Confidence in speaking is the bridge that connects classroom learning with the world outside.

    In the era where digital solutions can complement traditional teaching methods, Mondly by Pearson can play a pivotal role in boosting learners' speaking confidence.

    Why is it important to build students confidence?

    Before we explore Mondly by Pearson's strengths, it's crucial to understand why speaking confidence matters. Communication is the heart of language, and confident speakers are more likely to use their language skills actively. They're more open to participating in conversations, which reinforces their learning and fosters better retention of the new language used.

    Research has shown that 52% of English Learners leave their formal education without confidence in their speaking skills. Mondly by Pearson is your ultimate solution in tackling this challenge head-on, with 500+ minutes of English-speaking practice to build your learners' skills and confidence.

    What causes a lack of confidence in speaking English?

    There are a multitude of factors that contribute to a lack of confidence in speaking the English language well or any language for that matter. Some English learners feel self-conscious when their accent doesn't match what they perceive as the standard or desired accent.

    Additionally, a lack of practice opportunities or speaking practice, especially in a supportive and constructive environment, can hinder students from becoming comfortable and fluent speakers. Understanding these challenges is the first step in overcoming them, allowing educators to tailor their teaching strategies to address these specific concerns and build a more inclusive and encouraging learning atmosphere.

    What is Mondly by Pearson?

    Mondly by Pearson is an English language learning application aligned to the Global Scale of English. With Pearson pedagogy at its core, Mondly by Pearson offers over 500 minutes of speaking practice. Immersive AI-powered conversations, advanced speech recognition and engaging role plays, accelerate learning and build confidence.