Polite Refusal
from Hands-on English, Vol. 14, No. 1, May/June, 2004
1. Request: Would you like to come for dinner with us tonight?
Answer: I would love to, but I have to go home and watch the kids
2. Request: Can you work overtime this evening?
Answer: I would love to, but my child is sick and I have to go home and take care of her.
3. Request: Can you lend me five dollars?
Answer: I wish I could, but I don’t have any money to spare today.
4. Request: Could you lend me your cell phone for a few hours?
Answer: I would love to, but I can’t because I am expecting a call from my mother.
5. Request: Could you watch my kids while I go to the medical clinic?
Answer:I wish I could, but, I have a headache and a fever.
6. Request: Would you help me lift this heavy desk?
Answer: I’m sorry, but, I can’t lift heavy things because I have a bad back.
7. Request: Would you like to go out and drink some beer this evening?
Answer: I’d love to, but, I have to go to bed early this evening.
8. Request: I can’t pay my rent this month. Could you help me out?
Answer: I am sorry, but I don’t have the money.
9. Make up your own.