{"id":629,"date":"2025-04-23T01:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-04-23T01:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/engoo.com\/blog\/?p=629"},"modified":"2025-04-23T01:00:01","modified_gmt":"2025-04-23T01:00:01","slug":"5-tips-on-saying-no-to-invitations-in-the-nicest-way-possible-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/engoo.com\/blog\/language-tips\/5-tips-on-saying-no-to-invitations-in-the-nicest-way-possible-2\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Tips on Saying \u201cNo\u201d to Invitations in the Nicest Way Possible"},"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\/5-tips-on-saying-no-to-invitations-in-the-nicest-way-possible-2\/#Decline_the_pre-invitation\" >Decline the pre-invitation<\/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\/5-tips-on-saying-no-to-invitations-in-the-nicest-way-possible-2\/#Say_that_you_cant_go\" >Say that you can&#8217;t go<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/engoo.com\/blog\/language-tips\/5-tips-on-saying-no-to-invitations-in-the-nicest-way-possible-2\/#I_wont_be_able_to_%E2%80%A6\" >I won\u2019t be able to &#8230;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/engoo.com\/blog\/language-tips\/5-tips-on-saying-no-to-invitations-in-the-nicest-way-possible-2\/#Ill_have_to_%E2%80%A6\" >I\u2019ll have to &#8230;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/engoo.com\/blog\/language-tips\/5-tips-on-saying-no-to-invitations-in-the-nicest-way-possible-2\/#Sorry_I_cant_I_cant_sorry\" >Sorry, I can\u2019t. \/ I can\u2019t, sorry.<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/engoo.com\/blog\/language-tips\/5-tips-on-saying-no-to-invitations-in-the-nicest-way-possible-2\/#Show_that_youre_interested\" >Show that you&#8217;re interested<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/engoo.com\/blog\/language-tips\/5-tips-on-saying-no-to-invitations-in-the-nicest-way-possible-2\/#Id_love_to_but_%E2%80%A6_I_wish_I_could_but_%E2%80%A6\" >I\u2019d love to, but \u2026 \/ I wish I could, but \u2026<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/engoo.com\/blog\/language-tips\/5-tips-on-saying-no-to-invitations-in-the-nicest-way-possible-2\/#If_Id_known_earliersooner_%E2%80%A6\" >If I\u2019d known earlier\/sooner &#8230;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/engoo.com\/blog\/language-tips\/5-tips-on-saying-no-to-invitations-in-the-nicest-way-possible-2\/#Im_Sad_%E2%80%A6\" >(I\u2019m) Sad \u2026&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/engoo.com\/blog\/language-tips\/5-tips-on-saying-no-to-invitations-in-the-nicest-way-possible-2\/#Say_you_already_have_plans\" >Say you already have plans<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/engoo.com\/blog\/language-tips\/5-tips-on-saying-no-to-invitations-in-the-nicest-way-possible-2\/#I_already_have_plans_Ive_already_made_plans\" >I already have plans. \/ I\u2019ve already made plans.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/engoo.com\/blog\/language-tips\/5-tips-on-saying-no-to-invitations-in-the-nicest-way-possible-2\/#Ive_already_committed_to_something_else\" >I\u2019ve already committed to something (else).<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/engoo.com\/blog\/language-tips\/5-tips-on-saying-no-to-invitations-in-the-nicest-way-possible-2\/#Im_away_Im_out_of_town\" >I\u2019m away. \/ I\u2019m out of town.<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/engoo.com\/blog\/language-tips\/5-tips-on-saying-no-to-invitations-in-the-nicest-way-possible-2\/#Thank_the_host_and_wish_them_well\" >Thank the host and wish them well<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/engoo.com\/blog\/language-tips\/5-tips-on-saying-no-to-invitations-in-the-nicest-way-possible-2\/#Thanks_for_%E2%80%A6_I_appreciate_%E2%80%A6_Its_kind_of_you_to_%E2%80%A6\" >Thanks for \u2026 \/ I appreciate &#8230;. \/ It\u2019s kind of you to &#8230;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/engoo.com\/blog\/language-tips\/5-tips-on-saying-no-to-invitations-in-the-nicest-way-possible-2\/#I_hope_%E2%80%A6_Im_sure_%E2%80%A6\" >I hope \u2026 \/ I\u2019m sure \u2026<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/engoo.com\/blog\/language-tips\/5-tips-on-saying-no-to-invitations-in-the-nicest-way-possible-2\/#Ill_be_there_in_spirit\" >I\u2019ll be there in spirit!<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/engoo.com\/blog\/language-tips\/5-tips-on-saying-no-to-invitations-in-the-nicest-way-possible-2\/#Wrap-up\" >Wrap-up<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<p>A friend has just invited you to a picnic. Or a birthday party. Or a wedding. But unfortunately, you can\u2019t go or just aren\u2019t interested. What do you say?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Especially if the event is very important to your friend, you'll want to <a href=\"https:\/\/engoo.com\/app\/words\/word\/decline\/zga0ELstQmCjlQAAAEaeQA\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">decline<\/a> their invitation gently to avoid hurting their feelings. So below are five tips for nicely saying \u201cNo\u201d to invitations in English.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Decline_the_pre-invitation\"><\/span>Decline the pre-invitation<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Someone who wants to invite you to something will probably first ask something like: \u201cWhat are you doing [tonight, this weekend, etc.]?\u201d This is the \u201cpre-invitation.\u201d For example:<\/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\">A<\/div><\/div><div class=\"unified-chat-bubble-content\"><div class=\"block-align-none\">What are you up to this weekend?<\/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\/22141631\/avatar_17.png\" class=\"unified-chat-bubble-avatar\" width=\"50\" height=\"50\"><div class=\"unified-chat-bubble-name\">B<\/div><\/div><div class=\"unified-chat-bubble-content\"><div class=\"block-align-none\">Not much.<\/div><\/div><\/div>\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\">A<\/div><\/div><div class=\"unified-chat-bubble-content\"><div class=\"block-align-none\">My band is having a concert Saturday night. Wanna come?<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p>If you know you\u2019re going to be busy and want to avoid an invitation, you can hint that you already have plans.<\/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\">A<\/div><\/div><div class=\"unified-chat-bubble-content\"><div class=\"block-align-none\">What are you up to this weekend?<\/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\/22141631\/avatar_17.png\" class=\"unified-chat-bubble-avatar\" width=\"50\" height=\"50\"><div class=\"unified-chat-bubble-name\">B<\/div><\/div><div class=\"unified-chat-bubble-content\"><div class=\"block-align-none\"><strong>I'm moving this weekend.<\/strong><\/div><\/div><\/div>\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\">A<\/div><\/div><div class=\"unified-chat-bubble-content\"><div class=\"block-align-none\">Really? Where's your new place?<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Say_that_you_cant_go\"><\/span>Say that you can&#8217;t go<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=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/06\/01022129\/polite_no_1-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"A yellow sticky note with &quot;Sorry' written on it\" class=\"wp-image-10012\" srcset=\"https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/06\/01022129\/polite_no_1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/06\/01022129\/polite_no_1-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/06\/01022129\/polite_no_1-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>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.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">I won\u2019t be able to ...<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>I have a business trip then, so <strong>I won\u2019t be able to come<\/strong>. Sorry!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>I have an important meeting then, so <strong>I won\u2019t be able to attend<\/strong> the party. Have a good time without me, though!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">I\u2019ll have to ...<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Sorry, but it looks like <strong>I\u2019ll have to miss<\/strong> your baby shower. I have a doctor\u2019s appointment that day.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>I\u2019ll have to pass.<\/strong> My soccer team has practice scheduled for that time.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Sorry_I_cant_I_cant_sorry\"><\/span>Sorry, I can\u2019t. \/ I can\u2019t, sorry.<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>These might seem direct, but they're OK if used carefully. It means \u201cSorry, I can\u2019t (come to your event) and I feel bad,\u201d and it\u2019s usually said in a sad tone and with a disappointed facial expression.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Sorry, I can\u2019t!<\/strong> I\u2019m <a href=\"https:\/\/engoo.com\/blog\/2021\/05\/25\/10-ways-to-say-youre-busy-without-being-rude\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">up to my ears<\/a> in work.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>I can\u2019t, sorry.<\/strong> I'm taking my kids to the movies that day.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Show_that_youre_interested\"><\/span>Show that you&#8217;re interested<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If someone was nice enough to invite you to something, it\u2019s polite to show that you\u2019re interested even if you can\u2019t (or don't want to) go. Here are some ways to do this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Id_love_to_but_%E2%80%A6_I_wish_I_could_but_%E2%80%A6\"><\/span>I\u2019d love to, but \u2026 \/ I wish I could, but \u2026<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>I\u2019d love to come, but<\/strong> I have so much <a href=\"https:\/\/engoo.com\/blog\/language-tips\/what-does-stuff-mean-and-how-do-you-use-it\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">stuff to do<\/a> at the office, so I can't make it. Sorry!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>I wish I could, but<\/strong> I\u2019m working my shift at the coffee shop then.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">If I\u2019d known earlier\/sooner ...<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>If I had known sooner,<\/strong> I\u2019d definitely have made time for this!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>If only I\u2019d known earlier!<\/strong> My schedule is all full now, unfortunately.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Im_Sad_%E2%80%A6\"><\/span>(I\u2019m) Sad \u2026&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This is best for text messages and emails rather than face-to-face conversations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>So sad<\/strong> I\u2019m missing your big day. Make sure to post lots of pictures!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Sad<\/strong> I can\u2019t make it to your concert. Let me know how it goes!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Say_you_already_have_plans\"><\/span>Say you already have plans<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you need to miss something important, it\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, if the invitation isn\u2019t for a major event, or if you simply prefer not to mention details, you can use one of the following expressions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"I_already_have_plans_Ive_already_made_plans\"><\/span>I already have plans. \/ I\u2019ve already made plans.<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>I already have plans<\/strong> that evening. Sorry!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>I would love to come, but <strong>I\u2019ve already made plans<\/strong> that week!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Ive_already_committed_to_something_else\"><\/span>I\u2019ve already <a href=\"https:\/\/engoo.com\/app\/words\/word\/commit\/zga0ELstQmCjlQAAADIwBw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">committed<\/a> to something (else).<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Unfortunately, <strong>I\u2019ve already committed<\/strong> to something else this Wednesday. How about the same time next Wednesday?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>I just committed<\/strong> to something that day, so I\u2019ll have to pass. Maybe next time!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Im_away_Im_out_of_town\"><\/span>I\u2019m away. \/ I\u2019m out of town.<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>I\u2019m away <\/strong>this whole week. What about next week?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sorry, but <strong>we\u2019ll be out of town<\/strong> then.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Thank_the_host_and_wish_them_well\"><\/span>Thank the host and wish them well<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=\"721\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/06\/01022217\/polite_no_2-1024x721.jpg\" alt=\"A man holding a hand to his chest to express regret over saying no to an invitation\" class=\"wp-image-10013\" srcset=\"https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/06\/01022217\/polite_no_2-1024x721.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/06\/01022217\/polite_no_2-300x211.jpg 300w, https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/06\/01022217\/polite_no_2-768x541.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Use these phrases to express that even though you won't attend, you want your friend's event to be a success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Thanks for \u2026 \/ I appreciate .... \/ It\u2019s kind of you to ...<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Thanks for the invitation<\/strong>. I really appreciate you thinking of me!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Unfortunately, we\u2019ve already made other plans, but <strong>thanks for thinking of us!<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>We\u2019ll be out of town then, but <strong>it\u2019s really kind of you<\/strong> to invite us!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"I_hope_%E2%80%A6_Im_sure_%E2%80%A6\"><\/span>I hope \u2026 \/ I\u2019m sure \u2026<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>I can\u2019t go, but <strong>I hope it goes well!<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>I can\u2019t come to your art gallery opening, but <strong>I\u2019m sure it\u2019ll be a success!<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Ill_be_there_in_spirit\"><\/span>I\u2019ll be there in spirit!<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cIn spirit\u201d means that even if you\u2019re not there physically, you\u2019ll be thinking of the friend who invited you and supporting them through hopes and wishes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>I\u2019m sad I can\u2019t make it to your concert, but <strong>I\u2019ll be there in spirit.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>I can\u2019t come to the celebration in person, but <strong>I\u2019ll definitely be there in spirit!<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Wrap-up\"><\/span>Wrap-up<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For a list of ways to say \"No\" much more casually, be sure to read <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>. And for more tips on polite English usage, we have a collection of helpful articles you can find <a href=\"https:\/\/engoo.com\/blog\/language-tips\/topic-focus-polite-english\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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 <a href=\"https:\/\/engoo.com\/tutors?v=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Engoo tutor<\/a>. They're available any time of day and would be happy to help you!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A friend has just invited you to a picnic. Or a birthday party. Or a wedding. But unfortunately, you can\u2019t go or just aren\u2019t interested. What do you say? 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