No Means No Deal
Grammar: Noticing hedging and softening devices used to avoid direct negatives
A Business English English lesson exploring business.
What's in this lesson
A Business English ESL lesson on business, practising noticing hedging and softening devices used to avoid direct negatives. The worksheet has a reading, target vocabulary, a grammar reference with practice and discussion questions.
From the reading: No Means No Deal
A customer asks a question. The agent types one word: no. The chat ends there. The customer leaves. This happens every day, in every industry. A single blunt word can break trust in seconds.
Vocabulary
- chance
- difficulty
- tactful
- for
- in
- on
- to
- with
Grammar
- Hedged refusal
- That could be difficult to arrange. — softer than 'no, that's impossible'
- Softened opinion
- I'm not sure that works for us. — avoids a flat 'no'
Discussion questions
- Tell me about a time someone told you 'no' at work.
- When did you last have to say 'no' to a client or boss?
- Describe a moment a blunt reply made you stop trusting someone.
No Means No Deal
Grammar: Noticing hedging and softening devices used to avoid direct negatives
What's in this lesson:
Full lesson plan with reading, grammar, vocabulary, and discussion.
Sign up to access full lesson plans
Start with a free trial — 5 lesson generations included
Get Started Free