Refusing Politely - Functional Language
Practise refusing politely at A2–B1 level with useful phrase patterns and short situation-based responses. A separate page of suggested answers supports checking and discussion of other appropriate responses.
What’s in the worksheet?
- Useful phrase patterns
- Situation-based response practice
- Space for written responses
- Suggested answers on page 2
Decline everyday invitations and requests clearly while preserving a considerate tone.
Worksheet preview
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Page 1 of 2 · A4 printable PDF
Page 2 of 2 · Answer key · A4 printable PDF
A simple way to teach it
Before the lesson
Give learners page 1 and keep the suggested answers on page 2 for discussion after they write.
- Compare a clear refusal with Maybe another time or Can we do it later, which suggest an alternative.
- Write responses to dinner, extra work, food, borrowing a car and the remaining situations.
- Read two exchanges aloud and check whether the listener knows it is no, not now or another possible time.
Support and extension
Provide a thank-you/refusal/reason frame. Extend by offering a genuine alternative, not an unwanted commitment. Learners may use fictional reasons and need not disclose private plans or finances.
Suggested approach. Adjust the pace and number of questions to suit your class.
