Useful Expressions

Avoiding giving information

Sometimes somebody asks you a question and you don't want give the answer. If you know the answer but you don't want them to know, you can use one of these ten phrases.

Ten Expressions to Use In Speaking And Writing

1. No comment.
2. I'm not at liberty to say.
3. Wait and see.
4. Let me get back to you.
5. I'm sorry, that's confidential.
6. (Sorry) That's personal.
7. I'd rather not talk about it.
8. Mind your own buisness.
9. Never you mind.
10. I'll tell you when you're older.

How To Use These Phrases In Your English

1. Phrase 1 is often used by politicians and celebrities when they are asked difficult or embarrassing questions by journalists.
2. We use phrases 2 and 5 to say there is a rule that prevents you giving information.
3. Phrase 3 is refusing to tell somebody something about the near future. We often use it when we are preparing a surprise for somebody.
4. Phrase 6 is telling the other person that you consider the information to be private. You are also criticising the other person for asking.
5. Phrase 7 is a more polite way to say that the information is private and you don't want to talk about it.
6. Phrases 8 and 9 are not very polite and are criticising the other person for asking for private information.
7. Parents often say phrase 10 to their children to avoid answering difficult or embarrasing questions. Usually they have no intention of ever answering the question.