Saying, “NO!” How do you do it? Is there a right or wrong way to say, “NO,” without hurting someone’s feelings? Saying “NO” can be challenging in any language, but especially when you’re trying to learn English speaking. If English isn’t your native language, this article will guide you on ways to say NO to a date in American English. Are you ready? Let’s go!
Have you ever been in a social situation, like at a bar or with friends, and been asked out on a date? What did you say? You want to say, “NO,” but still sound polite. Here are three ways to say, “NO” and not hurt someone’s feelings.
As you say this, did you hear the flap T sound in the word, “flattered? The “tt” sounds like a “d.” In the word, but, there is a stop T. So the sentence would read, “I’m fladered, bu no thanks.” Now you try!
Do you hear the “d” sound in the middle of the words, “not interested?” The words, “not interested” are linked together to sound more like, “no [d] interested.” The sentence would then read, “No thanks, I’m no [d] interested.” Go ahead, give it a try. Did you hear the “d” sound?
Saying this means that you have a partner or are in a relationship. As you say the word, “already,” there is no “l” sound. You just hear the “r” sound. So the word sounds like, “aready.” When you say “seeing,” the “g” sounds like a “n.” The word then sounds like, “seein.”
“Thanks, but I’m aready seein someone.” Try practicing yourself. What did you hear?
As you can see there are a few ways to say “NO” when turning someone down for a date. However, sometimes people will say, “Thanks, but I’m already seeing someone,” when really they are not. Some think this is wrong because it’s lying. What do you think? Do you think it’s OK to lie about being in a relationship when you just want to turn down the date? ChatterFox wants to know. Tell us what you think!
