日常英语 ：How to refuse politely

引言

针对日常生活中别人邀请你去玩、赠与礼物、邀请约会等情况，礼貌的拒绝别人的方式。

1. Vocabulary

单词	音标	释义
awkward	/ˈɔːkwərd/	difficult or causing problems
brochure	/broʊˈʃʊr/	a thin book with pictures and information, usually advertising something. 10 pages or less.
pamphlet	/ˈpæmflət/	a thin book with 2-4 pages
tract/ leaflet	/trækt/ /ˈliːflət/	1-2 pages, just one sheet of paper folded
catalogue	/ˈkætəlɔːɡ/	a big book with many pages. Usually showing all the items that a company sells
reasonable	/ˈriːznəbl/	fair and showing good judgment
stretch	/stretʃ/	to require someone to use a lot of effort, ability, skills, etc., to succeed
basis	/ˈbeɪsɪs/	a situation, fact, or idea from which something can develop

2. Phrases

词组	例句
stretch the rules	Normally we only allow people 18 or over into the club, but since your 18th birthday is tomorrow, I think we can stretch the rules and let you in.

3. Conversation

1) 拒绝邀请去玩

Jim: Hey Frank! I know it’s only Wednesday, but Casey’s Bar is having a great happy hour! You should come with us!

Frank: Ah Jim, I don’t know, tomorrow’s one of the busiest days of the month at work. I need to keep my mind sharp, get to bed at a reasonable time.

Jim: Oh come on, all the guys are going!

Frank: I appreciate it Jim, but I’m going to have to take a rain check. Next time!

2) 拒绝别人的慷慨

Kat: Hey Laura! I’m just calling to thank you for the gift you sent me! you’re too sweet sometimes.

Laura: It’s my pleasure! I got another surprise for you too, just picked it up last night.

Kat: You know, you’ve been spending too much on me lately! I know these gifts weren’t cheap, and I know you’re on a tight budget these days.

Laura: Don’t worry about it. You’re my best friend, so I don’t mind stretch for you all.

Kat: Well, that’s the thing, Laura. I appreciate everything so much, but friendship shouldn’t be based on stuff. I’d be your friend no matter what. But when you buy me so many things, I feel like it’s becoming the basis of our relationship.

Laura: Wow, I never really thought of it that way. But I think you’re right! I feel like I’ve already set the bar so high, and now I almost feel bad when I don’t have something new for you!

Kat ： Exactly, and then I feel bad that I can’t return the favor! Why don’t we cut back on gift-giving, and focus more on just being a good friend to each other?

Laura: That sounds good.

3) 拒绝约会邀请

Jake: Hey, it’s Heather, right? My name’s Jake!

Heather: Oh, hi Jake. How are you?

Jake: I’m good! Hey, I’ve seen you around the school and just really wanted to meet you. You seem like a cool girl.

Heather: Well, that’s sweet of you! Yeah, nice to meet you.

Jake: So anyway. I have these concert tickets for Friday night, it’s a great band. So I was wondering if you’d want to come with me. Maybe we could get dinner afterward.

Heather: Aw, that’s nice of you Jake! I don’t think I can make it though…

Jake: Why? Are you busy that night? Maybe Saturday, we can go out then.

Heather： No, it’s not that. I guess I’m just not looking for anything right now. You seem nice, but I don’t think I’d be comfortable with dating. I hope you understand.

Jake: Aw… that sucks. But yeah, that’s okay. I guess I’ll just see you around then?

Heather: That sounds cool. Thanks for being understanding.

4) 拒绝推销

Jack: Brookstone Publishing, Jack speaking.

Jill: Hi Jack. My name is Jill from Scranton Paper Suppliers and I was hoping I counld just have a minute of your time to tell you about an exculsive special we’re running on our paper products for a limited time.

Jack: Ah, thanks Jill but we’re happy with our current paper suppliers.

Jill: I completely understand, sir. But if you just review our new pricing, I think you’d be pretty impressed.

Jack: I’m really sorry Jill, but right now, we don’t need it. Maybe you could send me some brochures and I’ll take a look when I have time.

Jill: Allright sir. I’d be happy to send you our catalog!

Jack: Got it. Here’s the address of my office…