Refusing Politely - Functional Language
Practise refusing politely at B2–C1 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
Set professional and personal boundaries with tactful but unambiguous refusals.
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.
- Distinguish lack of availability, lack of authority and choosing not to commit.
- Write replies to the extra project, expense approval, supplier decision and other requests.
- Compare I'm not in a position to approve… with I would prefer not to…; check that each gives the correct reason.
Support and extension
Offer purpose-based phrase choices. Extend with an appropriate next contact or alternative only when relevant. No elaborate excuse is required; the investment example is a refusal-language task, not financial advice.
Suggested approach. Adjust the pace and number of questions to suit your class.
