11 Ways to Politely Say "No" to Work Invitations & Requests

Co-authored by Leah Morris and Jennifer Mueller, JD

Last Updated: April 19, 2024 Fact Checked

A coworker or supervisor has asked you to attend an event or take on a new project—but you have other plans. How can you tell them no without seeming ungrateful or unprofessional? Well, you've come to the right place. Here, you'll find plenty of options you can use to decline an invitation in a polite and professional way. Always remember to follow up your statement by thanking the person for thinking of you.^{[1]
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1

"Unfortunately, I have a prior commitment."

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Emphasize commitment in a more formal workplace.^{[2]
X
Research source} In a formal workplace, simply let the person know that you've already promised the time to someone else. It's usually best not to go into more detail unless they ask. Here are some other formal options:
- "I'm sorry, I've already committed that time. Thanks for considering me."
- "Thank you for considering me, but I have a previous engagement."
- Unfortunately, I have a prior commitment, but I appreciate your consideration."

2

"I'm sorry, but I have something else that day."

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Tell a colleague you have plans more casually.^{[3]
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Greater Good Magazine
Journal published by UC Berkeley's Greater Good Science Center, which uses scientific research to promote happier living

Go to source} This generally lets the person know that you're busy during the time they've mentioned without going into too much detail. Keep in mind that if you use this option, the person might come back with a different time or ask when you're available. Similar ways to say the same thing:
- "Unfortunately, I'm not available then, but thanks for asking."
- "I'm booked solid that day, but thanks for thinking of me."

3

"Unfortunately, I have a scheduling conflict."

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Put the focus on your schedule rather than on yourself.^{[4]
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Greater Good Magazine
Journal published by UC Berkeley's Greater Good Science Center, which uses scientific research to promote happier living

Go to source} This is good language to use if you're talking to your boss and it's something you actually want to do. They might be able to help you resolve your conflict if they really want you on board. Otherwise, you've bowed out quite professionally. Other similar options:
- "That evening is tight for me so I don't think I can squeeze it in, but thanks anyway."
- "I have back-to-back appointments that day, sorry. I appreciate the invite, though."

4

"I'm sorry, I can't right now."

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Be vaguer if there are several reasons you can't go.^{[5]
X
Research source} Maybe you have a scheduling conflict, but even if that conflict could be resolved, you still wouldn't want to do the thing. Saying "I can't" doesn't limit you to a single reason, so you have some wiggle room if the person starts clearing obstacles for you. You might also say:
- "I'm sorry, I just have a lot on my plate right now. Thanks for thinking of me, though."
- "I don't really have the bandwidth right now to give that the attention it deserves. But I do appreciate being considered."

5

"That sounds great, but I can't."

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Give a compliment to soften the blow of your response. If someone invites you to something they've organized themselves or are in charge of, it's great to acknowledge the work they've put into it. This response can also show that you're interested in similar opportunities in the future, even though you can't take advantage of this one.^{[6]
X
Research source} Here are some other things you could say:
- "That's such a wonderful opportunity. It's too bad I already have plans that day, but thanks for letting me know about it."
- "I wish I could see your presentation, but unfortunately I've already made plans for that day."
Damon Zahariades, Productivity Expert

At work, knowing how to say 'no' protects your time and priorities. It's not being unhelpful — it's about respecting your limits. Politely decline by thanking them, expressing regret, and explaining you can't participate. For instance, "I appreciate the dinner invite, but I have a prior commitment that evening. Let's definitely connect for the next one." This respectfully declines while leaving room for future interactions. A firm yet gracious "no" maintains boundaries without shutting doors.

6

"I'm afraid I don't have time."

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Express concern about a tight schedule. This doesn't necessarily mean that you have plans at the specific time mentioned. You might have something immediately before or immediately after and are concerned about making it to everything.^{[7]
X
Research source} Here are some other ways you could say this:
- "I'm sorry, I don't have an open window for that. Thanks for thinking of me, though."
- "Oh, wow, unfortunately, I have a lot going on that evening. I appreciate it, though."

7

"Unfortunately, I'm too busy right now."

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Say you have too many other things going on.^{[8]
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Trustworthy Source

Harvard Business Review
Online and print journal covering topics related to business management practices

Go to source} A good work-life balance is important, so don't over-book yourself. If you feel like you simply can't add another commitment, this is one way to let the person know in a professional way. Here are some others:
- "I appreciate you thinking of me, but I'm stretched too thin right now."
- Thanks for considering me, but I'm swamped. I really can't take on anything else."

8

"Can I recommend someone else?"

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Suggest someone else who might be better suited. Sometimes, your coworker or boss will invite you to something that really doesn't seem like a good fit for you. Regardless of the reason you can't attend, they'll probably appreciate it if you can recommend someone else that could come instead.^{[9]
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Trustworthy Source

Harvard Business Review
Online and print journal covering topics related to business management practices

Go to source} You might say:
- "That presentation sounds interesting, but I have plans that day. Have you asked Sarah?"
- "Marketing strategy is a bit out of my wheelhouse. Did you talk to Scott? He just gave a presentation on a similar topic last week."

9

"Thanks, but I'm not interested."

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Be firm if you have no intention of ever saying yes.^{[10]
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Trustworthy Source

Greater Good Magazine
Journal published by UC Berkeley's Greater Good Science Center, which uses scientific research to promote happier living

Go to source} This is a pretty hard-line response because you're essentially cutting off any chance of ever being involved in the future. In a work context, think about potential opportunities you might be giving up by saying this. The person might ask you to expand on your response if they want to better understand why you're not interested.
- "That sounds like a great opportunity, but it's just not for me."
- "I'm so sorry, but I don't think that's a good fit for me."

10

"Would another day work?"

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Offer another date if you want to do it. Maybe the event or project you've been invited to participate in can't be moved, but it doesn't hurt to ask. You at least signal that you have some flexibility and let them know that you might be interested in similar opportunities that open up in the future.^{[11]
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- "That sounds great, but my Friday is booked solid. Could you move it to next Monday?"
- "I can't on Tuesday. Would Thursday work for you?"

11

"Let me think about it."

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Ask for time to think about it if you're on the fence. This phrase gives you a little wiggle room. It also gives you time to further assess the situation and weigh the pros and cons of agreeing to the request.^{[12]
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Trustworthy Source

Greater Good Magazine
Journal published by UC Berkeley's Greater Good Science Center, which uses scientific research to promote happier living

Go to source} You might also say:
- "That sounds interesting, but my schedule's pretty packed. Let me see if I can shuffle some things around."
- "Thanks for the opportunity, let me look at my schedule and get back to you."

Expert Q&A

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Question

How can I stop feeling pressured to people please?

Leah Morris
Life Coach
Leah Morris is a Life and Relationship Transition coach and the owner of Life Remade, a holistic personal coaching service. With over three years as a professional coach, she specializes in guiding people as they move through both short-term and long-term life transitions. Leah holds a BA in Organizational Communication from California State University, Chico and is a certified Transformational Life Coach through the Southwest Institute for Healing Arts.

Leah Morris

Life Coach

Expert Answer

It's okay to speak up for your needs and say "no" if that's what's right for you. People pleasing isn't sustainable in the long-term. To overcome it, start by recognizing that it isn't your responsibility to make everyone happy. Your needs are just as important as everyone else's so tell people what you need from them. It might not seem like it, but you'll still be able to connect with people even if you disappoint them sometimes.

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You don't need to worry about disappointing people by saying "no." Do what works best for you.

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Warnings

Don't lie about your plans. If you're discovered, it could harm your professional reputation. It's okay to say you have plans as a way to say no politely, but if you don't actually have plans, don't go into detail.^{[13]
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