How to refuse someone's unreasonable demand tactfully?
If you are very strict with your job and you must refuse someone's unreasonable demand, you are a gentleman,you want to be more polite, how to say tactfully? If "I am sorry" can be used suitable here ?

Question

How to refuse someone's unreasonable demand tactfully?
If you are very strict with your job and you must refuse someone's unreasonable demand, you are a gentleman,you want to be more polite, how to say tactfully? If  "I am sorry" can be used suitable here ?

Answer

Hi Natalia

Bill has a good suggestion.  It is almost identical in meaning to "I am sorry".
In UK, it is common to hear "I am sorry but ...." when a request is being refused.
ex: "I am sorry, but I cannot allow you to do that"
ex: "I am sorry, but that is not correct"
ex: "I am sorry, we have to find another way to ..."
ex: "I'm sorry, the answer is no", 
or even the very simple "Sorry, but no".

Answer

I would like to help you, but it's not possible at the moment. 
I'm very busy right now with [ insert something here]. Can you ask [ insert another employee's name]?

Answer

No, I'm sorry. You cannot do that.

Answer

"I'm afraid I have to turn down your request..."

Answer

don't lie - be as clear as you can / or are allowed to be - truthful but never insulting.
Sir/Madam, this is not possible because......
"        "        you cannot do that here..
"        "        I cannot allow this because.....

Answers · 8

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