"No"
Although it's good to cooperate and help people, there are times when other people ask too much of us.
Then it's useful to have ten ways of looking them in the face and saying no.
Ten ways to say "No"
casual · neutral · formal
- In a word, no.neutral"Will you lend him money again?" "In a word, no."
- Not on your life.casualstrongJump off that rock? Not on your life.
- Not likely.casual"Will he pay you back?" "Not likely."
- Over my dead body.casualstrongYou'll sell this house over my dead body.
- Count me out.casualA 5 a.m. hike? Count me out.
- I'd rather not (if you don't mind).neutral"Can you sing for us?" "I'd rather not, if you don't mind."
- I'd love to, but...neutral"Join us for dinner?" "I'd love to, but I have an exam tomorrow."
- No chance.casualstrong"Can we leave early?" "No chance."
- Not on your nelly!casualWear that silly hat? Not on your nelly!
- No way!casualstrong"Can I have your last biscuit?" "No way!"
How to use them
- is refusing to do something and also refusing to discuss the matter any more.
- are expressing refusal in an emphatic way.
- We use to say that we will not allow somebody to do something.
- We use to say that we don't want to be included in a group action or activity.
- are less strong and more polite/diplomatic than the other phrases.
- is a little old fashioned and can sound humorous.
- is very emphatic that you will not do something
Quick check
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Which "no" is the kindest?
"Count me out" means:
"Over my dead body" shows:
See also: Refusing to do something
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