Episode 2
To say more than just “no”, you can use the following strategies.
Strategy 1: Saying more than just no
When someone asks you a question and you want to give a negative answer, it’s not nice to just say no. saying more than just no is friendly and polite:
- No, not really.
- Well, no, actually…
- Well, no, I mean…
A: Do you enjoy watching sports? B: Um, no, not really. I mean, I’d rather play sports than watch them.
A: Do you like walking? B: Um, not really. I prefer running.
A: Do you have any hobbies? B: Well no, I mean, I guess I don’t have time for hobbies.
A: Would you like a dessert? B: No, thanks I’m fine for now. I mean I’m trying to watch my weight.
A: Would you like something to drink? B: No, thanks. Maybe later.
A: Do you enjoy cooking? B: Um, no, not really. I mean, I cook every day but I’m not really into it.
A: Do you have any hobbies? B: Well no, I don’t really have much time.
Strategy 2: Using “really” for emphasis and to soften our statements
The second strategy is to use the word “really” for both making your statements stronger and making your statements softer.
You can use really to make statements stronger:
I’d really like to visit Thailand in the near future. (really before a verb). I’ve seen photos of the beaches, islands, Buddhist temples. I’ve heard of the Thai massage, Thailand’s rainforest and of course, it’s cuisine.
Remember the first part of my sentence “I’d really like to…”. We can use “really” to make statements stronger. The pattern is REALLY + VERB
- I’d really like to go hiking sometime. (really before a verb).
- My boyfriend really wanted to hike the Rainbow Mountain in Cusco, after the ordeal he realized hiking is not for him.
- I’d really like to take some time off work. I’m a bit stressed out.
- I’d really enjoy running a marathon.
- I’d really like to live in a different country for a few months. I think it would really make me understand other cultures. She’d really hate to be stood up.
You can also use REALLY + ADJECTIVE
- I’m really good at photography. (really + adjective).
- I’m really good at computer design. (really + adjective)
- My best friend is really good at creative writing.
- My mom is really good at baking.
- My dad is really good at telling jokes.
- I’m really fond of cats.
- My sister’s really fond of dogs. She’s recently adopted a dog called Lily.
*fond of: to like someone very much, especially when you have known them for a long time and almost feel love for them. Example: Over the years we’ve grown very fond of each other.
You can also use really to make negative statements softer:
- You can use really with adjectives
The pattern is NOT + REALLY + ADJECTIVE
I’m not really interested in photography. (not + really + adjective)
I’m not really interested in politics. (not + really + adjective)
I’m not really good at cooking. (not + really + adjective)
I’m not really good at video games. (not + really + adjective)
- You can also use really with verbs:
The pattern is DON’T + REALLY + VERB or DOESN’T + REALLY + VERB
I don’t really have much time for hobbies. (really after don’t or / doesn’t)
I don’t really have much time for hobbies. (really after don’t or / doesn’t)
- Not really can also be a polite way to answer no:
A: Do you work out a lot? B: Not really. Actually, I don’t work out at all.
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