Better Ways to Say Yes, No, Maybe, and I Can't in English (2024)

Did you know there are better ways to say yes, no, and maybe in English? Here’s an example…

Last night I was at the grocery store. I needed a few things to make dinner. Just before I left, I saw a friend I haven’t seen for a long time. I was so happy to see her!

Like typical Americans, we hugged, we chatted, we asked some small talk questions. And then she said, “We should get together! What are you doing this weekend? Why don’t you and your husband come over for dinner Saturday night?”

There was just one problem. I honestly couldn’t remember if we were free or if there was already something on our calendar.

The truth is, I needed to say, “Maybe.”

But maybe sounds awkward, even rude. In this situation, if I said maybe, it’s similar to saying, “I don’t really want to but I’ll think about it.”

I really did want to see her. I really did want to make plans to have dinner together Saturday night. But to be polite, I used a different way to say maybe.

Just like in your language, we have many ways to say yes, no, maybe and I can’t in English. And today you’re going to learn them.

In the video lesson, I share common examples for casual and professional life in English. Then I’ve added more examples below.

Watch the video, review the lesson, and then check out my challenge question for you.

Better Ways to Say Yes, No, Maybe, and I Can't in English (2024)
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