What Does "Softening" Mean?

You "soften" your language when you speak less directly and avoid blaming or judging others. Instead, your communication is more neutral and open.

For example, calling someone "overweight" sounds much different than saying they're "fat." In a similar way, telling a coworker, "I'm not sure I agree" isn't quite the same as "No, that's a bad idea."

Softening is useful for sharing opinions, giving feedback and making requests politely. That means it's a helpful tool in many situations. Let's look at some different ways to make our language softer.

Softening Feedback

Think about these situations:

• Your partner asks how their cooking tastes.
• A new employee wants to know what you think of her report.
• Your artist friend wants your opinion of his new painting.

When we're asked for feedback and we only have positive things to say, we can usually speak freely. But when you think something could be better, you'll want to be careful when giving your opinion.

Most of the time, critical feedback should be given in a way that mentions where someone can improve without discouraging them from trying again.

Adding a positive statement

A great way to soften your feedback is to add a positive statement to lessen the impact of the criticism. Look at the following pairs of examples:

• This cake is too dry.
• I really like the icing, but I think the cake needs more milk.

• The conclusion needs to be improved.
• The introduction and body are great, but the conclusion could be stronger.

The first sentences are a little too direct. The second sentences are softer because they include good points alongside the criticism.

Responding to incorrect answers

No one enjoys being told they're wrong, especially in a direct way. So "no," "incorrect," "wrong," etc. are poor choices to express this. Even adding a simple "Sorry, but ~" will soften your language a lot.

However, there are also other options you can use:

• Good guess! But the correct answer is ~
• That's close! Actually ~
• Not quite. The answer is ~
• Well, not exactly. It's actually ~

Of course, with very close friends, you don't have to be so careful. But for other times, a softened correction will help to keep the communication friendly and positive.

Using qualifiers

Terms like "a bit" and "a little" are simple, effective ways to soften language. Let's look at how to use them when expressing your opinion.

• Your music is too loud.
• Excuse me, but your music is a bit too loud.

Both statements say the same thing, but the sentence with "a bit" doesn't sound as aggressive or judgmental.

You can replace "a bit" with "a little" or "slightly" to get the same effect.

This sauce is a little too spicy. / This sauce is slightly too spicy.

The opposite of this is "not quite ~~ enough."

This sauce isn't quite spicy enough. Add some more seasoning!

Softening Requests

Just like feedback and opinions, questions and requests can be softened with the right words and phrases.

While adding a simple "please" to your request is nice, try some other options for a stronger softening effect.

Asking about ability

One soft way of making a request is to ask if someone is able to do something for you.

• Please take out the garbage.
• Can you take out the garbage for me, please?

• Please pass the salt.
• Could you pass the salt, please?

These requests are basically all the same, but the second examples are much more polite.

Using "we" instead of "you"

Try using "we" and "let's" to encourage a feeling of teamwork and shared responsibility. This is especially useful if you don't agree with someone's idea or method.

A

I want to make this whole section red.

A

How about we make just this area red and try black for the other part?

A

Should I do it all now?

B

Let's focus on the first part for now. We'll do the rest later.

Wrap-up

There are times when using direct, straightforward language is the best choice. But generally, softening what you say will create a friendlier feeling that can help your relationships to stay healthy.

The suggestions we've introduced here may seem small, but their effects can be large. If you'd like to practice using them in a real conversation, give them a try in a lesson with an Engoo tutor!

The post How to "Soften" Your English appeared first on Engoo Blog.

This time, we'll take a look at five phrases you can use instead.

1. It seems …

If you're on a call with someone and the line starts breaking up, you might say:

Sorry, but it seems like my line is breaking up.

Here’s another example from our IELTS (test prep) lessons:

“It seems probable” means “From what I can tell, I think it is probable.” As you can see, you can use “It seems (that) + [clause]” or “It seems + [adjective].” 

These are some of the most common adjectives that follow “It seems”:

1. likely
2. unlikely
3. clear
4. obvious
5. reasonable
6. odd
7. impossible
8. strange
9. logical
10. appropriate

Here are some more examples of “It seems + [adjective]” in action:

It seems unlikely that it will rain tomorrow.

It seems clear that the project will go ahead as planned.

It seems impossible, but it's not!

In addition to “It seems,” you’ll also hear people say “It appears” (slightly more formal), “It seems to me,” and simply “Seems” (very informal).

It appears to be a pretty popular place to eat.

It seems to me that we need to rethink our strategy.

Seems fine to me.

2. It sounds …

In many cases, “It sounds” and “It seems” are interchangeable. However, while “It seems” is used for opinions on general observations, “It sounds” is only for opinions on things you read or heard about. 

For example, if you're talking about a new game, you could say either of the following:

• A friend told me about this game. It sounds fun!
• A friend told me about this game. It seems fun!

However, if you directly saw someone playing the game yourself, you would say “It seems fun” not “It sounds fun.”

Another difference is that “It sounds” is more common in short phrases like “It sounds great!” and “It sounds good!” Here are some adjectives it’s often used with:

1. simple 
2. crazy 
3. better 
4. silly 
5. weird 
6. amazing 
7. obvious
8. strange 
9. easy 
10. awesome

Examples:

John's idea sounds silly, but it just might work.

From the reviews I read, the movie sounds strange, but I'm curious to see it.

A

Do you understand what you need to do?

B

Yeah, it sounds simple.

3. Judging from …

Use “Judging from” to say what your observation is based on. In other words, the statement you're making is the result of something else you've seen or heard. For example: 

Judging from your social media posts, it seems like you had fun in China!

Judging from the look on her face, I knew that Sally didn’t like the pasta I made her.

Judging from the questions he asked, he doesn’t seem to know anything about programming.

4. Perhaps

"Perhaps” is another way to say “maybe.” But did you know that it can also be used at the start of a sentence as a gentler way of saying “I think”? It’s often used to suggest reasons for something.

Perhaps they're late because the bad weather is affecting the traffic.

Besides suggesting reasons, you can also use “Perhaps” any way you’d use “I think.”

Perhaps it would be better if you got another job.

Perhaps the best solution is to use their strategy against them.

5. It might/could be that …

Another way to say “I think it’s possible that” is to say “It might be that” or “It could be that.” These phrases are often used to suggest reasons for something that’s a bit complicated. 

For example, if your phone suddenly stops working, someone might say the following:

It might be that it’s low on battery.

It could be that it’s old. You’ve been using it for six years already!

Or if a friend seems irritated recently, you might say the following to another friend.

It could be that he’s burnt out from work.

It might be that he’s still recovering from his breakup.

Try it yourself

Judging from your interest in this blog post, you probably want to improve your English conversation skills. Why not book an online English lesson with an Engoo tutor?

Make sure to request a lesson using our free news and discussion materials. You’ll have many chances to use the phrases covered in this post!

The post Best Ways to Express Your Opinion Without Saying “I” [Updated] appeared first on Engoo Blog.

In situations like these, what can you say?

There are actually many more phrases you can use to express thanks. Check out the options in the list below and choose the one that's best for your situation.

Other Ways to Say "Thank You"

Thank you so much.

“Thank you so much” is a stronger way to say “Thank you.” People also say, “Thanks so much" for short.

This is amazing. Thanks so much!

Thank you so much for your help!

I appreciate it!

It’s common to add “I appreciate it!” after a thank-you.

Thanks for your help. I really appreciate it!

I owe you one.

If you “owe” something to someone, you need to give something back to them.

If someone has done you a favor, you can reply by saying “I owe you one.” “One” in this situation means “a favor.” So basically you’re saying “I owe you a favor” or “I need to help you out next time!”

Thanks for covering for me while I was sick. I owe you one.

Some people also just say “I owe you” for short.

I appreciate your help on this report. I owe you!

You’re a lifesaver!

If someone has helped you a lot, you can call them a “lifesaver” — even if they didn’t literally save your life!

Thanks so much for your help with this. You’re a lifesaver!

You’re a lifesaver! I would have been in big trouble if it weren’t for you.

You may also hear people say words like “hero” or “star” instead of “lifesaver.”

Related article: "The Best Blog Post Ever!" How to Use Hyperbole

Thanks a lot/bunch/ton/million.

All versions of this phrase are very casual ways to thank someone. 

This is super helpful. Thanks a lot!

“A bunch” is a casual way to say “a lot.”

This is so nice of you. Thanks a bunch!

Thanks a bunch for helping me cook dinner.

"Thanks a ton" and "Thanks a million" are the most casual of these phrases. A "ton" is a lot of weight (exactly 2000 pounds) and a million dollars is a lot of money, so these expressions are for when you are very thankful for someone's help!

Thanks a ton for helping me with this project. I owe you one.

Thanks a million for all you do! You’re a lifesaver.

Keep in mind that people don’t say “Thank you a lot/bunch/ton/million.” It’s always “Thanks a lot/bunch/ton/million.”

Cheers!

“Cheers” is an informal way people in the UK say "Thanks."

Cheers, mate!

Cheers for that!

It's also commonly used in countries such as Ireland, Australia and New Zealand. And you might even hear some Americans use it!

Related article: Should You Learn British or American English?

I can't thank you enough.

If someone has done something very helpful for you, you might feel like it's impossible to fully thank them. If that's how you feel, you can express that with this phrase.

You've been so much help to me; I can't thank you enough!

I'm forever in your debt.

This expression has the same meaning and usage as "I can't thank you enough."

Your support helped me get through a very difficult time. I'm forever in your debt.

Much obliged/appreciated.

"Oblige" is a verb that means "to force to do something." It isn't very common in most daily conversations — except for when expressing thanks!

"Much obliged" basically means "I must do something nice for you (since you've helped me)." However, it's mostly used as a casual alternative to "Thank you."

Can I borrow a pen from you? Much obliged.

You're the best!

One way to express thanks is by complimenting the person who has helped you. So instead of simply saying "Thank you," tell them how great they are!

Thanks a lot for helping me move my sofa last weekend. You're the best!

"You're" sounds very similar to "your," so you may confuse the two when speaking. When writing, however, be sure to use the correct word: "you're." Even native speakers sometimes make this mistake!

Thank you kindly.

Simply adding a "kindly" after a thank-you is yet another way to show appreciation. This expression has a formal tone. 

Be careful: It's "Thank you kindly," not "Thanks kindly."

Like "much obliged," it's often said alone, with nothing before or after it.

Could you pass the salt, please? Thank you kindly.

Wrap-up

Once you've mastered thanking someone for their help, you may want to learn ways to tell them that you are available to help.

When you want someone to know that you're available to offer assistance, use one of the phrases in this article. And don't forget to book a one-on-one lesson with an Engoo tutor to practice these expressions in a real chat!

The post 11 Different Ways to Say "Thank You" in English appeared first on Engoo Blog.

When you need to apologize, "I'm sorry" is a simple and effective phrase to use, but it's only one example of many other possibilities. 

This article will introduce ten alternatives to "I'm sorry" along with example sentences. Some of these alternatives are appropriate in professional settings, while others are better to use with friends. Let's take a closer look.

Other Ways to Say "I'm Sorry"

"My bad/mistake."

These two phrases are great to use with friends in casual situations when your mistake wasn't too serious.

Oops! I forgot to take out the trash this morning. My mistake.

"My bad" sounds more casual than "My mistake."

A

You're late.

B

My bad; I couldn't find my keys.

"I messed up."

This casual phrase is a short way of saying that you've made a mess of a situation.

I shouldn't have lost my temper like that. I messed up.

We messed up; we should have asked you first.

"Messed up" doesn't always mean "I'm sorry" — in some situations, it simply means "I made a mistake."

The last time I tried this recipe, I messed up, so I'm going to try it again. Hopefully I'll do better this time!

"I screwed up."

"Screwed up" is even more informal than "messed up," so use it carefully.

I accidentally told John about the surprise party we were planning for him. I screwed up!

"You were right."

Telling someone that they were correct when you originally thought they weren't is an effective way to say you're sorry.

You were right. I shouldn't have been so stubborn.

"I dropped the ball."

"Dropping the ball" is making a mistake. This phrase is often used in business situations.

It was our team's job to handle it, and we dropped the ball. I take full responsibility.

Don't forget that you can use some of these phrases together with "I'm sorry" to form a fuller apology.

I'm sorry for dropping the ball. I won't let it happen again.

Related article: 7 Business English Expressions That Come from Sports

"Please forgive me."

Asking someone for forgiveness is a strong way to show that you were wrong.

I shouldn't have yelled at you like that. Please forgive me.

You can also use this phrase together with other examples from the list. You'll see this demonstrated later in the article.

"I owe you an apology."

Use this phrase before explaining what you need to apologize for.

I owe you an apology. I was really angry last night, and I said some things that I shouldn't have.

"My apologies."

"My apologies" is a more formal alternative to "I'm sorry."

My apologies for keeping you waiting. Are you ready to begin?

If you want to sound even more formal, you can say, "Please accept my apologies."

Please accept my apologies for the poor service you received. Your meal is on the house.

"I feel terrible about … "

If you're unhappy about something you've done or the way you treated someone, tell them that you feel terrible about it.

I feel terrible about how I treated you. Please forgive me.

"I was out of line."

Someone who's "out of line" is acting inappropriately, so use this phrase to admit that you weren't acting like a good friend, colleague, etc.

My behavior at yesterday's event was out of line, and I apologize.

Those comments were way out of line. I don't know what I was thinking — please forgive me.

Related article: Useful Idioms and Phrasal Verbs With "Line"

Wrap-up

While "I'm sorry" is effective, if you want to be a fluent speaker, you need to expand your vocabulary with alternatives to fit various situations.

If you'd like to practice your English in a real conversation, book a lesson on Engoo. Engoo lessons are just 25 minutes, and tutors from around the world are ready to help you any time of day. Give it a try!

The post Other Ways to Say "I'm Sorry" in English appeared first on Engoo Blog.

Maybe the question was too personal or the answer was too embarrassing for you to say.  

Most people have probably been in a situation like this, either at work, at a social event or even with friends. So how can you respond to these questions in English?

Saying "No"

In most situations, you should not have to give information you're uncomfortable giving. The most direct way to do this is to simply refuse to answer the question. However, you can still do this politely with the phrases below.

I'm sorry, but I'd prefer not to say.

I'm sorry, but I don't want to share that information.

I don't mean to be rude, but I don't want to answer that question.

In more casual situations, you can replace "I'm sorry" with "No offense."

No offense, but I'd rather not say.

Related article: "No Way, José!" Other Ways to Say "No"

Being Vague

Another way to deal with unwanted questions is to reveal only some information. This is called being "vague," which means "unclear or uncertain."

Expressions like "Let's just say ~" and "All I will say ~" are common ways to be vague in both formal and informal situations.

Don

How much did your jacket cost?

Nelly

Let's just say it cost more than my old one.

In some cultures, it's impolite to ask about money. With this response, Nelly has given Don some information without saying the exact price of the jacket.

Sam

Did the negotiation go well?

Joe

All I will say is that both sides are happy with the result.

Joe's vague response lets Sam know the negotiation was successful without sharing important business details that may be private.

In addition to your vague answer, you can change the subject by adding a comment or question of your own. For example:

Let's just say it cost more than my old one. By the way, that's a nice jacket you're wearing.

All I will say is that both sides are happy with the result. Anyway, how is business with you?

Returning the Question

Instead of refusing to answer or being vague, you can ask the other person why they want this information from you. Be sure to do this with a smile and polite tone of voice.

Charlie

Do you live in this neighborhood?

Aya

Why do you want to know?

Cashier

May I have your phone number?

Buyer

Can I ask why you need that information?

In some cases, the other person may realize that their question was too sensitive or personal. However, this doesn't always happen!

If they still expect you to answer their question, you can use one of the strategies from earlier in the article as a response.

How to Politely Ask Your Own Questions

Now, let's look at some ways to ask questions that don't make others uncomfortable. If you aren't sure if a question is too sensitive, try starting with one of the following phrases:

Do you mind if I ask you a personal question?

I hope I'm not being rude by asking you …

Is it OK if I ask you about …?

With these expressions, you make it easier for your conversation partner to refuse if they don't want to answer.

Wrap-up

Learning how to avoid difficult or inappropriate questions is a useful communication skill in any language. With the expressions we’ve introduced here, you can politely let the other person know that you'd like to keep some things private.

The post How to Avoid Answering Sensitive Questions [Updated] appeared first on Engoo Blog.

Insisting might seem rude, but it depends on the situation. For example, when serving guests, insisting is a sign of hospitality. 

But in professional settings, when plans and prices are sensitive, it may be necessary to insist for the sake of the business.

So how can you insist politely? Here are seven expressions you can use to do just that.

Phrases for Making Demands Politely

I must insist

This is the simplest way to make a strong request. It's bold while still being polite. 

I must insist that you let us pay for dinner.

I must insist that we meet to discuss the project's status ASAP.

I can't budge

"Budge" is a verb meaning "to move slightly." It's used in a literal sense when talking about very heavy objects.

We tried pushing the big rock, but it wouldn't budge.

Used figuratively, being unable to budge means you cannot — or will not — change something, such as a price or other details of an agreement.

We'll need delivery by January 31. I'm afraid we can't budge on that date.

I talked to a representative, and he says they can't budge on the price.

As far as I can go

Use this phrase to politely express that you've reached your limit on something.

After discussing it with my supervisor, $30 per pound is as far as I can go.

We can offer a 10% discount, but that's as far as we can go.

I'm not prepared to __ more

Use this expression with verbs such as "pay" or "offer" to talk about the maximum you can do.

I'm sorry, but we aren't prepared to offer more than our original amount.

I'm not prepared to pay more unless you can guarantee faster delivery.

Non-negotiable

As you might have guessed, something non-negotiable cannot be negotiated. In other words, it must be part of the agreement without being changed.

We're flexible on the price, but delivery within three weeks is non-negotiable.

These points are non-negotiable.

Off the table

In negotiation, something "on the table" can be discussed and debated. Something "off the table," however, is not available or can't be negotiated.

Our offer will be off the table soon, so please make your decision quickly.

Not take no for an answer

This bold phrase means you're determined to make your negotiating partner agree to your requirements. 

Rather than saying this directly to clients or customers, people often use it among colleagues when discussing an important meeting or project.

We need to close this deal tonight, so don't take no for an answer.

It's also common in casual situations, such as when extending friendly invitations.

You have to join us for dinner tonight, and I'm afraid we won't take no for an answer.

Wrap-up

Flexibility is important in many areas of life. In business, however, there are times when accepting alternatives is impossible or simply too risky. Prepare for these situations by learning these polite ways to make demands. 

Remember that your words, facial expression and tone of voice all work together to create a polite, professional feeling, so be sure to use them all!

If you'd like some practice making demands politely, book a lesson with an Engoo tutor to prepare for your negotiations!

The post 7 English Expressions for Making Demands Politely appeared first on Engoo Blog.

We've prepared a simple guide to the different ways to talk about permission in English. Each way is demonstrated with example sentences that show you how it can be used. Be sure to choose the words and phrases that are appropriate for your situation.

Asking for Permission

We'll begin with a list of basic words and phrases for asking for permission.

Can

Can I pet your dog?

Is it OK if … ?

Is it OK if we turn the music up a little louder?

May … ?

May I have your name, please?

Do/Would you mind if … ?

Do you mind if I sit here?

Would you mind if we shared your picture on our social media channel?

Would it be possible for … ? [formal]

Would it be possible for me to interview you for my school assignment?

Could I possibly … ? [very formal]

Could I possibly borrow your pen for a moment?

Might I … ? [very formal]

Might I ask you for restaurant recommendations near here?

Verbs for Giving Permission

Instead of simply asking for permission, the following words can be used to talk about permission in a variety of ways. 

• Let
• Allow
• Permit
• Grant

These words all have the same general meaning of giving someone permission to do something. The only difference between them is the level of formality, with "let" being the least formal and "permit" and "grant" being the most formal.

My parents won't let me drive the family car until I pass my driver's test.

The old man doesn't allow anyone to enter his private property.

Smoking is permitted only in special areas.

A gold membership grants access to exclusive privileges.

Extra points related to "let"

"Let" is also used for non-living things such as machines and tools.

The program won't let me print the document. What's wrong?

These special glasses let you look at the eclipse without damaging your eyes.

While it's often followed by an action, "let" can also be followed by a pronoun if it comes at the end of a sentence.

Jane can't come out tonight because her mom won't let her.

With and without an apostrophe

Pay special attention to the differences below:

Lets (no apostrophe) = Present simple form of "let"

This pass lets you ride the bus as many times as you want in one week.

Let's (with apostrophe) = "Let us," as used in invitations and suggestions

Let's go out for dinner tonight.

More Formal Terms for Permission

Authorize

Meaning: give permission to do or access something

Only senior members are authorized to enter this part of the building.

The junior employee was not authorized to speak to journalists about the matter.

Agree to / Consent to

Meaning: to accept or allow

The client agreed to our price, so we have a deal.

The actor consented to his image being used in the ad campaign.

We can also say "have someone's consent."

Do I have your consent to begin the project?

Get (someone's) approval

Meaning: to be told that it's OK to do something

We need to get our supervisor's approval of this budget before we can spend any money.

I want to get my partner's approval before I make a decision.

Idioms for Permission

Give the OK

"Giving the OK" is telling someone that they have permission to do something.

Has the head office given us the OK to start construction?

(Get) the green light

This is a reference to traffic signals. Since green means “go,” "getting the green light" means getting the signal that it's OK to perform an action.

We're just waiting for the green light from the boss before we get started.

It can also be used as a verb.

The project's been green lit, so let's begin.

Blessing

This is a slightly formal term for permission. Someone’s blessing can be either given or received.

I know it's old-fashioned, but I want to get your father's blessing before we get married.

Max has given us his blessing to use his equipment as long as necessary.

Wrap-up

Understanding the different nuances of permission can help you communicate more effectively in both formal and informal settings.

Simple phrases like "May I" and "Would you mind" are great to start with, but you should aim to master the verbs and idioms that are common in higher levels of communication in order to speak confidently in a wide variety of situations.

Why not practice using what you've learned here in a one-on-one lesson with an Engoo tutor? Thousands of tutors from around the world are waiting to help you 24 hours a day. Give it a try!

The post A Guide to Asking for and Giving Permission in English appeared first on Engoo Blog.

Especially if the event is very important to your friend, you'll want to decline their invitation gently to avoid hurting their feelings. So below are five tips for nicely saying “No” to invitations in English.

Decline the pre-invitation

Someone who wants to invite you to something will probably first ask something like: “What are you doing [tonight, this weekend, etc.]?” This is the “pre-invitation.” For example:

A

What are you up to this weekend?

B

Not much.

A

My band is having a concert Saturday night. Wanna come?

If you know you’re going to be busy and want to avoid an invitation, you can hint that you already have plans.

A

What are you up to this weekend?

B

I'm moving this weekend.

A

Really? Where's your new place?

Say that you can't go

When saying why you can't accept an invitation, a good strategy is to mention reasons that you cannot control. This shows that you're refusing the invitation because you have to, not because you want to. 

I won’t be able to ...

• I have a business trip then, so I won’t be able to come. Sorry!
• I have an important meeting then, so I won’t be able to attend the party. Have a good time without me, though!

I’ll have to ...

• Sorry, but it looks like I’ll have to miss your baby shower. I have a doctor’s appointment that day.
• I’ll have to pass. My soccer team has practice scheduled for that time.

Sorry, I can’t. / I can’t, sorry.

These might seem direct, but they're OK if used carefully. It means “Sorry, I can’t (come to your event) and I feel bad,” and it’s usually said in a sad tone and with a disappointed facial expression.

• Sorry, I can’t! I’m up to my ears in work.
• I can’t, sorry. I'm taking my kids to the movies that day.

Show that you're interested

If someone was nice enough to invite you to something, it’s polite to show that you’re interested even if you can’t (or don't want to) go. Here are some ways to do this.

I’d love to, but … / I wish I could, but …

• I’d love to come, but I have so much stuff to do at the office, so I can't make it. Sorry!
• I wish I could, but I’m working my shift at the coffee shop then.

If I’d known earlier/sooner ...

• If I had known sooner, I’d definitely have made time for this!
• If only I’d known earlier! My schedule is all full now, unfortunately.

(I’m) Sad … 

This is best for text messages and emails rather than face-to-face conversations.

• So sad I’m missing your big day. Make sure to post lots of pictures!
• Sad I can’t make it to your concert. Let me know how it goes!

Say you already have plans

If you need to miss something important, it’s best if you can provide reasons why. For example, some of the sentences above mention sickness, business trips, moving and other reasons for not being able to attend something.

However, if the invitation isn’t for a major event, or if you simply prefer not to mention details, you can use one of the following expressions.

I already have plans. / I’ve already made plans.

• I already have plans that evening. Sorry!
• I would love to come, but I’ve already made plans that week!

I’ve already committed to something (else).

• Unfortunately, I’ve already committed to something else this Wednesday. How about the same time next Wednesday?
• I just committed to something that day, so I’ll have to pass. Maybe next time!

I’m away. / I’m out of town.

• I’m away this whole week. What about next week?
• Sorry, but we’ll be out of town then.

Thank the host and wish them well

Use these phrases to express that even though you won't attend, you want your friend's event to be a success.

Thanks for … / I appreciate .... / It’s kind of you to ...

• Thanks for the invitation. I really appreciate you thinking of me!
• Unfortunately, we’ve already made other plans, but thanks for thinking of us!
• We’ll be out of town then, but it’s really kind of you to invite us!

I hope … / I’m sure …

• I can’t go, but I hope it goes well!
• I can’t come to your art gallery opening, but I’m sure it’ll be a success!

I’ll be there in spirit!

“In spirit” means that even if you’re not there physically, you’ll be thinking of the friend who invited you and supporting them through hopes and wishes.

• I’m sad I can’t make it to your concert, but I’ll be there in spirit.
• I can’t come to the celebration in person, but I’ll definitely be there in spirit!

Wrap-up

If we accepted every invitation we receive, we'd have little time for ourselves! Luckily, declining politely is easy if you know the correct phrases to use.

For a list of ways to say "No" much more casually, be sure to read "No Way, José!" Other Ways to Say "No". And for more tips on polite English usage, we have a collection of helpful articles you can find here.

Finally, if you'd like practice using any of these phrases with the right tone of voice and facial expressions, book a lesson with an Engoo tutor. They're available any time of day and would be happy to help you!

The post 5 Tips on Saying “No” to Invitations in the Nicest Way Possible appeared first on Engoo Blog.

This time, however, we'd like to highlight articles that focus on the basics. The articles below contain essential information English speakers in the business world should know.

When you're ready for more advanced tips, we have what you need! But for now, study these fundamentals and build a strong foundation for your professional life in English.

What's the Difference Between Business English and Regular English?

One of the first things to know is what exactly "business English" is. Some students think of it like a completely separate language from the English people speak in their daily lives. However, the differences aren't as big as you might think.

> Read the article

5 Popular Greetings for English Business Emails

Writing emails is a big part of many professionals' everyday tasks. If you need ideas on how to start your own letters, this article has what you need.

> Read the article

7 Ways to Politely Apologize for a Late Reply

You don't want to keep business partners waiting, but sometimes you can't respond as quickly as you would like. In situations like this, knowing the right phrases to use to apologize can help keep your relationship positive and moving forward smoothly.

> Read the article

5 Business English Expressions to Use Instead of "Contact"

Whether by email, phone or face-to-face meetings, making connections is important in the business world. This article introduces some useful alternatives to "contact" to keep your communication sounding fresh and appropriate for the situation.

> Read the article

English Expressions for Rescheduling Meetings

What if you've contacted someone to plan a meeting, but "something's come up" and you can't make it? Make sure you know these handy phrases when you need to let your partners know about a change in plans.

> Read the article

How to Write Formal Thank-You Emails in English

Sending a thank-you email after an important meeting with potential employers and business partners is a very good idea. This article presents several useful phrases along with some important tips to keep in mind when writing and sending these messages.

> Read the article

Wrap-up

These are just a small sample of the articles we have for professionals. To discover more, go to the top of any blog page and search for "Business & Work" under the Categories menu. We're sure you'll find something interesting and useful for your work life!

The post Topic Focus: Business English Basics appeared first on Engoo Blog.

But when talking about things you don't like, it can be easy to sound overly negative or critical. So what can you do? 

This time, we'll introduce some alternatives for “I don’t like ___” that express the same feelings without sounding too harsh or unpleasant. These alternatives are short and simple, so you can start using them right away in your next English conversation.

"Not my cup of tea"

This figurative expression compares something you dislike to a drink you don't enjoy.

I’ve gone skiing once, but it wasn’t my cup of tea.

Busy, crowded areas aren't my cup of tea.

Remember that this expression is only used in the negative, so if you like something, you should not say “___  is my cup of tea.” Instead, you can simply say, "I (really) like ___."

Rock climbing is my cup of tea. >> I really like/enjoy rock climbing.

"Not for me"

Saying that something is "not for you" implies that it doesn't match your tastes; it does not mean you think it's bad.

I respect her skill as a painter, but her art isn’t for me.

My girlfriend likes going to the opera, but it’s not really for me.

"Doesn’t agree with me"

We use this expression when talking about food. However, rather than not liking the food’s taste, it means the food is likely to make you feel sick.

That cake looks delicious, but dairy doesn’t agree with me.

I had some meatloaf last night that didn't agree with me.

"It’s too ___ for me."

One way of saying that you don’t like something is to give a reason why you don’t like it, like in the following examples:

I don’t usually watch football matches because they’re too long for me.

The morning trains are a bit too crowded for me, so I ride my bike instead.

"I prefer ___."

Another alternative is to simply mention something that you do like.

I prefer Jazz to pop music.

A

Do you like tea?

B

I prefer coffee, actually.

"Don’t care for ~"

This expression has a slightly stronger negative nuance than the others we've introduced. Depending on the speaker's facial expression and tone of voice, it can be quite direct, so be careful when using it.

That author’s books are really popular, but I don’t care for his writing.

A

What did you think of New York?

B

There’s lots to do, but it’s expensive and crowded. I didn’t really care for it.

Wrap-up

In most situations, saying that you don’t like something directly can sound too blunt or even rude.

However, the expressions introduced here can help you to keep a more positive atmosphere while still sharing your honest opinions.

If you’d like to learn more ways to soften your English, check out the following articles next:

• What Does it Mean to "Soften" Your Language?
• 5 Tips on Saying "No" to Invitations in the Nicest Way Possible

The post How to Politely Talk About Things You Don't Like in English appeared first on Engoo Blog.