10 ways to say ‘Yes’ and ‘No’ in English

Learning English is an exciting journey! At Oxford International, we’re committed to helping students like you improve your language skills and unlock new opportunities. Today, we’ll explore different ways to say “yes” and “no” in English. These phrases will help you sound more natural and confident when speaking English.

Why learn other words for yes or no?

Using different expressions for agreement and disagreement can:

1. Make your English sound more natural
2. Help you in conversation with native speakers
3. Show different levels of enthusiasm or politeness
4. Make your conversations more interesting

Let’s dive into 10 easy ways to say “yes” and “no” in English!

1. Positive responses: other words for yes

1. a) “Absolutely”: A strong and enthusiastic way to agree. Example: “Do you enjoy studying English?” “Absolutely! It’s fascinating.”
2. b) “Certainly”: A polite and formal way to say yes. Example: “Can you explain this grammar rule?” “Certainly, I’d be happy to help.”
3. c) “Sure”: A relaxed and friendly way to agree. Example: “Would you like to join our study group?” “Sure, that sounds great!”

1. Casual agreement: different words for yes

1. a) “Yeah” or “Yep”: Very common, informal ways to say yes. Example: “Are you coming to the party?” “Yeah, I’ll be there!”
2. b) “Okay” or “OK”: Simple, versatile ways to agree. Example: “Shall we meet at the library at 3 PM?” “Okay, see you then.”
3. c) “Definitely”: Shows strong agreement or certainty. Example: “Is Oxford a good place to practise English?” “Definitely! There are so many opportunities.”

1. Polite refusals: other words for no

1. a) “I’m afraid not”: A gentle way to decline. Example: “Can you stay late for extra practice?” “I’m afraid not, I have plans tonight.”
2. b) “Unfortunately”: Used to express regret when saying no. Example: “Will you join us for the weekend trip?” “Unfortunately, I can’t make it this time.”

1. Strong negatives: direct ways to say no

1. a) “Absolutely not”: A firm and definitive refusal. Example: “Should we skip our English class?” “Absolutely not, it’s important for our progress.”
2. b) “No way”: An informal, emphatic negative response. Example: “Would you ever bungee jump?” “No way! I’m scared of heights.”

1. Uncertain responses: when you’re not sure

1. a) “Perhaps”: A non-committal way of saying “maybe”. Example: “Do you think you’ll study abroad next year?” “Perhaps, I’m still considering my options.”
2. b) “It depends”: Indicating that your answer relies on certain factors. Example: “Will you take the advanced English course?” “It depends on my test results and schedule.”

1. Slang words for no

British English has some unique informal expressions for refusing:

1. a) “Nah”: A very casual way of saying no. Example: “Want to grab a coffee?” “Nah, I’m good, thanks.”
2. b) “No ta”: Combining “no” with “ta” (thank you) for a polite refusal. Example: “Would you like another biscuit?” “No ta, I’m full.”
3. c) “Nope”: An informal, slightly more direct way of saying no. Example: “Are you planning on working late tonight?” “Nope, I’m heading home on time.”

1. Agreeing with negative statements

English can be tricky when agreeing with negative statements. Here’s how to do it:

1. a) “Neither do I”: Agreeing with a negative statement. Example: “I don’t like studying late at night.” “Neither do I, it’s hard to concentrate.”
2. b) “Me neither”: A more informal version of “neither do I”. Example: “I can’t understand this Shakespeare play.” “Me neither, the language is so different.”

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1. Partial agreement: when you agree and disagree

Sometimes, you may agree with part of a statement but not all of it:

1. a) “To some extent”: Indicating partial agreement. Example: “Do you think social media helps with learning English?” “To some extent, yes, but it can also be distracting.”
2. b) “Yes and no”: Acknowledging both positive and negative aspects. Example: “Is living in the UK expensive?” “Yes and no. Some things are costly, but others are quite affordable.”
3. Regional ways to say yes or no

The UK has a rich variety of regional dialects, each with unique ways to express agreement or disagreement:

1. a) “Aye”: Used in Scotland and Northern England to mean “yes”. Example: “Are you going to the pub?” “Aye, I’ll be there in a bit.”
2. b) “Naw”: Common in Scotland and parts of Northern Ireland as an informal “no”. Example: “Fancy a cuppa?” “Naw, I’m alright, thanks.”
3. c) “Aye up”: A greeting in the Midlands and North of England that can also mean “yes” or “hello”. Example: “Aye up, mate! Ready for the match?”
4. d) “Cannae”: Scottish way of saying “cannot” or “can’t”. Example: “Want to go out tonight?” “Sorry, I cannae. I’m busy.”

1. Formal ways to agree or disagree

In academic or professional settings, you might use these expressions:

1. a) “Indeed”: A formal way to say yes, often used in writing. Example: “Is this the correct approach for the essay?” “Indeed, it is.”
2. b) “By all means”: A polite and formal way to give permission or agree. Example: “May I use the library resources?” “By all means, they’re available to all students.”
3. c) “I’m afraid I must disagree”: A polite way to express disagreement in formal situations. Example: “Do you think this theory is correct?” “I’m afraid I must disagree. Here’s why…”

Some additional variations:

Practice tips to master these expressions

1. Use a new phrase each day: Try incorporating one new expression into your daily conversations.
2. Listen actively: Pay attention to how native speakers use these phrases in movies, TV shows, or in real-life situations.
3. Practice with classmates: Use these expressions when talking with your fellow students.
4. Role-play different scenarios: Act out situations where you might need to agree or disagree.
5. Write it down: Keep a journal and use these new expressions when writing about your day.
6. Don’t fear mistakes: Remember, making errors is a natural part of learning. Keep practising!

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Why these skills matter

At Oxford International, we believe in “Learning without Limits.” By expanding your vocabulary with these alternative ways to say “yes” and “no,” you’re not just learning words – you’re gaining the tools to express yourself more clearly and confidently in English.

These skills will help you in various situations:

• Academic discussions: Express agreement or disagreement in class debates.
• Social interactions: Navigate casual conversations with native speakers.
• Professional settings: Communicate clearly in job interviews or workplace scenarios.
• Cultural understanding: Grasp the nuances of British communication styles.

Remember, language learning is a journey. Every new phrase you learn brings you one step closer to fluency. Whether you’re saying “absolutely” to new opportunities or politely declining with “I’m afraid not,” these expressions will help you in many social and professional situations.

As you continue your studies with Oxford International, we encourage you to practise these phrases in real-life situations. Engage with your classmates, join in on discussions and don’t be afraid to use these new expressions. Our experienced teachers are always here to guide you and provide feedback as you expand your English vocabulary.

By mastering these alternative ways to say “yes” and “no,” you’re not just learning a language – you’re unlocking a world of opportunities.

So go ahead, embrace these new phrases and watch as your confidence in English communication grows. Keep exploring, practising and most importantly, saying “yes” to new learning opportunities!

At Oxford International, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Happy learning!