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1. using would could or might to make what you say more tentative. start learning
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tentative -A tentative idea, plan, agreement, etc is not certain. - doing something in a way that shows you are not confident
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2. Presenting your view as a question not a statement. start learning
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3. Using a grammatical negative (adding n't) to make a suggestion more open and therefore more negotiable.
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4. Using an introductory phrase to prepare the listener for your message. start learning
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5. Adding I'm afraid to make clear that you recognise the unhelpfulness of your response.
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6. Using words which qualify or restrict what you say to make your position more flexible (a bit difficult, a slight problem). start learning
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7. Using not with a positive word instead of the obvious negative word (not very convenient, I' don't agree).
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8. Using a comparative (better, more convenient) to soften your message. start learning
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9. Using continuous form (I was wondering) instead of a simple form (I wondered) to make suggestion more flexible.
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10. Using stress as an important way of making the message more effective (It is important). start learning
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That would be unacceptable. That would not meet our requirements.
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We would need further reassurance. That would be too late. start learning
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Is that too late? Would that be too late?
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Isn't that too late? Wouldn't that be too late? start learning
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Introductory phrases: Actually; Well; Frankly; With respect; To be honest; As a matter of fact; In those circumstances; In fact; To put it bluntly
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Actually, George, the financial picture isn't too bright here at Head Office. start learning
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Could I speak to Jack please? I'm afraid he's out of the country at the moment.
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Would next Tuesday be convenient? I'm afraid I'm tied up all day. start learning
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Qualifiers: a slight misunderstanding; a little bit too early; some reservations; a short delay; a bit of a problem, a little more time
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1. that would leave me with a slight problem. start learning
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2. I have some doubts about that.
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3. We need a little more time. start learning
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4. We have some production difficulties.
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5. We have had a slight disagreement with our German colleagues. start learning
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6. We need some changes before I can give the proposal my unqualified support.
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7. I would need a little more time. start learning
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8. That would leave me with some slight problems with my Personnel Manager.
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9. I really do need a little more time. start learning
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10. I think there must be a slight misunderstanding. Of course there are other possibilities - these are only suggestions.
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The hotel was dirty. The hotel wasn't very clean. start learning
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The food was not very hot. Not + very + positive adjective
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1. that is not very convenient. start learning
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2. That's not very suitable.
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3. That's not a very intelligent suggestion. start learning
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4. This year's figures are not very good.
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5. That's not a very positive way of looking at the problem. start learning
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6. That proposal is not very sensitive to local conditions.
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7. that suggestion is not very practical. start learning
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8. That was not a very helpful remark.
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9. That's not a very constructive approach. start learning
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10. That's not a very useful line of argument.
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11. I'm not a very happy with that idea. start learning
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I disagree completely. I don't agree at all.
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I dislike that idea. I don't like that idea at all. start learning
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I reject what you say. I don't accept what you say.
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Comparatives In offering an alternative suggestion start learning
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Wouldn't the 31st be more convenient? It might be cheaper to go by air. (would, might)
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start learning
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I was trying to ring you yesterday.
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We were intending to make new arrangements for next year. start learning
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I was wondering if you'd come to a decision yet.
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We were hoping you'd accept 8%. start learning
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We were discussing the problem yesterday.
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