{"id":5689,"date":"2025-09-19T01:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-09-19T01:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/engoo.com\/blog\/?p=5689"},"modified":"2025-09-19T01:00:01","modified_gmt":"2025-09-19T01:00:01","slug":"how-to-avoid-answering-sensitive-questions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/engoo.com\/blog\/language-tips\/how-to-avoid-answering-sensitive-questions\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Avoid Answering Sensitive Questions [Updated]"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_80 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/engoo.com\/blog\/language-tips\/how-to-avoid-answering-sensitive-questions\/#Saying_%E2%80%9CNo%E2%80%9D\" >Saying &#8220;No&#8221;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/engoo.com\/blog\/language-tips\/how-to-avoid-answering-sensitive-questions\/#Being_Vague\" >Being Vague<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/engoo.com\/blog\/language-tips\/how-to-avoid-answering-sensitive-questions\/#Returning_the_Question\" >Returning the Question<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/engoo.com\/blog\/language-tips\/how-to-avoid-answering-sensitive-questions\/#How_to_Politely_Ask_Your_Own_Questions\" >How to Politely Ask Your Own Questions<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/engoo.com\/blog\/language-tips\/how-to-avoid-answering-sensitive-questions\/#Wrap-up\" >Wrap-up<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<p>Has anyone ever asked you a question you didn't want to answer? <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Maybe the question was too personal or the answer was too embarrassing for you to say.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Saying_%E2%80%9CNo%E2%80%9D\"><\/span><strong>Saying &#8220;No&#8221;<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>I'm sorry, but I'd prefer not to say.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>I'm sorry, but I don't want to share that information.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>I don't mean to be rude, but I don't want to answer that question.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>In more casual situations, you can replace \"I'm sorry\" with \"No offense.\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>No offense, but I'd rather not say.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Related article: <a href=\"https:\/\/engoo.com\/blog\/language-tips\/no-way-jose-other-ways-to-say-no\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">\"No Way, Jos\u00e9!\" Other Ways to Say \"No\"<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Being_Vague\"><\/span><strong>Being Vague<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"630\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2023\/02\/02025559\/shutterstock_1921949990-1024x630.jpg\" alt=\"A cartoon image of a detective following footsteps on the ground\" class=\"wp-image-5692\" srcset=\"https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2023\/02\/02025559\/shutterstock_1921949990-1024x630.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2023\/02\/02025559\/shutterstock_1921949990-300x185.jpg 300w, https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2023\/02\/02025559\/shutterstock_1921949990-768x473.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Another way to deal with unwanted questions is to reveal only some information. This is called being \"<a href=\"https:\/\/engoo.com\/app\/words\/word\/vague\/zga0ELstQmCjlQAAAABjmg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">vague<\/a>,\" which means \"unclear or uncertain.\" <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Expressions like \"Let's just say ~\" and \"All I will say ~\" are common ways to be vague in both formal and informal situations.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"unified-block unified-chat-bubble pos-left\"><div class=\"unified-chat-bubble-user\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2023\/02\/22141657\/avatar_22.png\" class=\"unified-chat-bubble-avatar\" width=\"50\" height=\"50\"><div class=\"unified-chat-bubble-name\">Don<\/div><\/div><div class=\"unified-chat-bubble-content\"><div class=\"block-align-none\">How much did your jacket cost?<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"unified-block unified-chat-bubble pos-right\"><div class=\"unified-chat-bubble-user\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2023\/02\/22141737\/avatar_28.png\" class=\"unified-chat-bubble-avatar\" width=\"50\" height=\"50\"><div class=\"unified-chat-bubble-name\">Nelly<\/div><\/div><div class=\"unified-chat-bubble-content\"><div class=\"block-align-none\"><strong>Let's just say<\/strong> it cost more than my old one.<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"unified-block unified-chat-bubble pos-left\"><div class=\"unified-chat-bubble-user\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2023\/02\/22141536\/avatar_3.png\" class=\"unified-chat-bubble-avatar\" width=\"50\" height=\"50\"><div class=\"unified-chat-bubble-name\">Sam<\/div><\/div><div class=\"unified-chat-bubble-content\"><div class=\"block-align-none\">Did the negotiation go well?<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"unified-block unified-chat-bubble pos-right\"><div class=\"unified-chat-bubble-user\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2023\/02\/22141850\/avatar_37.png\" class=\"unified-chat-bubble-avatar\" width=\"50\" height=\"50\"><div class=\"unified-chat-bubble-name\">Joe<\/div><\/div><div class=\"unified-chat-bubble-content\"><div class=\"block-align-none\"><strong>All I will say<\/strong> is that both sides are happy with the result.<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Joe's vague response lets Sam know the negotiation was successful without sharing important business details that may be private.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition to your vague answer, you can change the subject by adding a comment or question of your own. For example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>Let's just say it cost more than my old one. <strong>By the way, that's a nice jacket <em>you're<\/em> wearing.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>All I will say is that both sides are happy with the result. <strong>Anyway, how is business with you?<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Returning_the_Question\"><\/span><strong>Returning the Question<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"unified-block unified-chat-bubble pos-left\"><div class=\"unified-chat-bubble-user\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2023\/02\/22141544\/avatar_5.png\" class=\"unified-chat-bubble-avatar\" width=\"50\" height=\"50\"><div class=\"unified-chat-bubble-name\">Charlie<\/div><\/div><div class=\"unified-chat-bubble-content\"><div class=\"block-align-none\">Do you live in this neighborhood?<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"unified-block unified-chat-bubble pos-right\"><div class=\"unified-chat-bubble-user\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2023\/02\/22141743\/avatar_29.png\" class=\"unified-chat-bubble-avatar\" width=\"50\" height=\"50\"><div class=\"unified-chat-bubble-name\">Aya<\/div><\/div><div class=\"unified-chat-bubble-content\"><div class=\"block-align-none\"><strong>Why do you want to know?<\/strong><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-dots\"\/>\n\n\n<div class=\"unified-block unified-chat-bubble pos-left\"><div class=\"unified-chat-bubble-user\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2023\/02\/22141615\/avatar_14.png\" class=\"unified-chat-bubble-avatar\" width=\"50\" height=\"50\"><div class=\"unified-chat-bubble-name\">Cashier<\/div><\/div><div class=\"unified-chat-bubble-content\"><div class=\"block-align-none\">May I have your phone number?<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"unified-block unified-chat-bubble pos-right\"><div class=\"unified-chat-bubble-user\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2023\/02\/22141619\/avatar_15.png\" class=\"unified-chat-bubble-avatar\" width=\"50\" height=\"50\"><div class=\"unified-chat-bubble-name\">Buyer<\/div><\/div><div class=\"unified-chat-bubble-content\"><div class=\"block-align-none\"><strong>Can I ask why you need that information?<\/strong><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p>In some cases, the other person may realize that their question was too sensitive or personal. However, this doesn't always happen! <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If they still expect you to answer their question, you can use one of the strategies from earlier in the article as a response.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Politely_Ask_Your_Own_Questions\"><\/span><strong>How to Politely Ask Your Own Questions<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh3.googleusercontent.com\/odLE5K4l_nRba_7HXZajlnA91lRSC8I8wtsYE3RNxb2GbW3qA5zCM0DYvF2co_boun7SNcl7GgDmsOU9vtP2yDJKEeuM7mIgl1508_vykROVglfeiI3Ygb1Ojcip_dF98PotBxMbpnlThd8S-EjZt-U\" alt=\"A cartoon image of a person hiding\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>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:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>Do you mind if I ask you a personal question?<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>I hope I'm not being rude by asking you \u2026<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>Is it OK if I ask you about \u2026?<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>With these expressions, you make it easier for your conversation partner to refuse if they don't want to answer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Wrap-up\"><\/span><strong>Wrap-up<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Learning how to avoid difficult or inappropriate questions is a useful communication skill in any language. With the expressions we\u2019ve introduced here, you can politely let the other person know that you'd like to keep some things private.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Has anyone ever asked you a question you didn't want to answer? Maybe the question was too personal or the answer was too embarrassing for you to say.\u00a0\u00a0 Most people have probably been in a...<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":432,"featured_media":5691,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"unified_meta_tagline_field":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[58,50],"class_list":["post-5689","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-language-tips","tag-other-ways-to-say","tag-politeness"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v26.7 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>How to Avoid Answering Sensitive Questions [Updated] | Engoo Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"If you don\u2019t want to answer a personal or sensitive question, how can you respond in English? Here are three ways to do it politely.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/engoo.com\/blog\/language-tips\/how-to-avoid-answering-sensitive-questions\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"How to Avoid Answering Sensitive Questions [Updated] | Engoo Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"If you don\u2019t want to answer a personal or sensitive question, how can you respond in English? 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