The English Breakfast ☕
Hi there,
Welcome back to The English Breakfast — the newsletter for Italian professionals who want to feel more confident in English at work.
Let’s jump straight in.
Quick Fix 🔧
What’s the missing word in this sentence?
She turned ….. the job offer
Watch the video to check your answer.
Now it’s your turn
Have you ever turned down an invitation or a job offer?
Hit reply with your answer and let me know. Try to use the phrasal verb turn down in your answer. 📧
We can’t say no 💂♂ 🇬🇧
British people find it difficult to say "no" directly. We prefer to use other phrases that either stall for time (temporeggiare) or hint at a negative response—I know, we’re complicated! 😆
This is especially true in the world of business, where no one wants to be seen as disagreeable or difficult to work with.
So, here are 5 common phrases a Brit might use when they really want to say no—and what they actually mean:
"Yeah, we could do."
Literal meaning: "Yes, that is a physical possibility."
Actual meaning: "I have zero intention of doing this, but I don't want to argue about it right now."
"I'll have a think about it."
Literal meaning: "I will give this proposal serious consideration."
Actual meaning: "No, but I am letting you down gently so we can move on."
"That's an interesting idea."
Literal meaning: "Your idea is engaging and merits further discussion."
Actual meaning: "That is unrealistic or flawed, but I appreciate you trying."
"With respect..." / "With all due respect..."
Literal meaning: "I hold your opinion in high regard."
Actual meaning: "I disagree with you entirely and am about to explain why you are wrong."
"I'm not sure that would work for us."
Literal meaning: "There might be minor operational friction."
Actual meaning: "Absolute non-starter. We will not be doing this."
So, how can you really know if a British person is literally saying they could do something, or if they really mean "no"?
The answer is in the intonation and body language.
The video below was posted by a comedian, but it perfectly shows the way a British person would deliver these kinds of phrases. Watch and see if you can spot any of the phrases we mentioned above!
Have you ever experienced this while speaking English? - Hit reply and let me know 😄 📧
Fantastic Phrasal Verbs
One thing I’m never going to apologise for is hitting you with more phrasal verbs!
This week, you need to check your understanding of 5 phrasal verbs you might hear while chatting with your international colleagues.
Do you think you can get them all right?
OK, that’s it for this week’s edition.
Let me know if you enjoyed it and I’ll see you next time.
Have a great week. 😎
All the best,
Dan
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