DIVERBO PROFESSIONAL ENGLISH

DISAGREEING AND
SAYING “NO”
FORMALLY
Sometimes we have to disagree with people or say no to somebody. It happens all the
time, but there are many different ways to do it, and once again, the language we use
should be appropriate to the particular situation in terms of formality.

Some structures to use in this type of situation include:

I disagree with John on this point/issue/matter. I think we should reduce the price
in order to increase sales. - No estoy de acuerdo con

I totally disagree with the technician’s report, and my team members feel the
same way. - Estoy totalmente en desacuerdo con

I am sorry to have to inform you that we have decided not to accept your
proposal. - Lamento tener que informarle que

I regret to inform you that your recent job application was not successful.
- Lamento comunicarte que

I must say that I am not convinced at all about the chairman’s idea. (“at all” is
only used in a negative structure.) - No estoy convencida en absoluto de

I am not sure that I agree with you on that point – I think Michelle performed very
well in her last job and I am sure she is ready to be team leader now.
- No estoy seguro de estar de acuerdo con

Unfortunately, I am afraid your proposal was rejected. - Me temo que

INFORMALLY
I’m sorry to be the one to have to tell you, but the answer is no. - Lo siento

Sorry about this, but the boss said no to your idea. - Perdón por esto

Hard luck, but your proposal was knocked back. (to knock back = to reject)
- Mala suerte

There’s no way I can agree with this suggestion – it’s crazy. - No hay forma

I don’t agree with this idea at all. I really think we should try to think of another
way forward. - No estoy de acuerdo con