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STOP using "NO"! Use these alternatives to SOUND LIKE A NATIVE

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Lily
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The word "no" is short, negative and emphatic. However, sometimes it's better to use more polite alternatives. There are a number of different ways to say "no" in English that you can use in different circumstances.
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(1) FORMAL ALTERNATIVES
- I am afraid not
This is probably one of the most polite ways to say "no" in English. You may be asked to go to a party or meet your friends for something to eat. You would like to go but for some reason you are unable to attend. In this situation, you can turn down the invitation in a polite way.
- Not really
Not quite, not particularly. In this situation you are asked what you might like to do. You would prefer to do something else or indeed you might prefer to do nothing.
- Probably/possibly not
Where you may not feel that you are likely to succeed but you are still going to try then you can use either "probably/possibly not".
- Not to my knowledge
This is a much more formal denial. This would be best used in a business context where you do not really know the person, to whom you are talking, very well.

(2) INFORMAL ALTERNATIVES
- Certainly not
This is a much more firm denial or refusal and can be used when you want the person you are talking to, to be clear as to what you mean.
- You must be joking
When you cannot believe that someone is serious about something you can use the phrase "you must be joking"
- No way
Sometimes said as a joke or also as a more serious statement. Usually used to tell somebody that you cannot agree with what they have said.

(3) CASUAL ALTERNATIVES
- I'm good
- Not right now
- Nah
- Nope
- Never

Time codes:
0:00 Why using "no" is not always a good idea
1:07 Formal alternatives
3:58 What you need to know about Western culture
5:22 Informal alternatives
6:35 Important questions for you!
7:22 Informal alternatives
7:45 Casual alternatives
9:00 About my English workbook

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Category
English
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