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How smart people say "I don't have time" | English from movies
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Hana I don't for . the .
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Marco So no ? the ?
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Tutor and .
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Beverly Hills Cop . I can't now.
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Tutor and .
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A Life at Stake I'm up now.
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Tutor , .
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The Real Bros of Simi Valley: The Movie . I'm now.
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Hana I can't now, Marco. me .
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Marco . By , it's a in .
Choose an answer for each question, then check it.
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Question 1
A friend wants to chat, and you want to talk later. Which line sounds kind?
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Question 2
What does "I'm swamped" mean?
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Question 3
Your manager asks for help while you're on a call. Which line fits best?
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Question 4
Which line asks the other person to agree to a later time?
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Question 5
Which line is the most informal?
Quick answer
How smart people say "I don't have time"
Instead of "I don't have time," say "I can't right now," "I'm tied up now," or "I'm swamped right now." These lines say you're busy at the moment, not that the other person doesn't matter. If you also offer a later time, like "Tell me after lunch," your no sounds kind.
Key words in this video
Tap any word to see what it means. Underlined words are the key words of this video.
Each line explained
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I can't right now. Tone: Soft and friendly
Use it when someone asks for your time and you want to say a kind no that means maybe later. Add a later time if you can, because the line alone can sound unfinished.
“Look. I can't right now.”
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I'm tied up now. Tone: Polite and busy
This one works well at work. It means you're busy with something at the moment, like a call or a task. Avoid it when you're clearly free, because people will notice.
“I'm tied up now.”
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I'm swamped right now. Tone: Honest, very busy
Swamped means you have too much work. Use it with coworkers and friends when you're honestly overloaded. It's informal, so choose a softer line for a formal email to a client.
“Look. I'm swamped right now.”
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Now's not a good time. Tone: Calm and direct
Use it when the timing is the problem, for example when someone calls during a meeting. Said with a flat voice, it can sound cold, so add a later option.
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I'm in the middle of something. Tone: Neutral, focused
Use it when you're doing a task and don't want to stop. It's fine for friends, family, and coworkers. It doesn't say when you'll be free, so give a time if the other person needs one.
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Can we talk later? Tone: Friendly, open
Use it when you want to have the conversation, just not now. It sounds polite in almost any situation. Don't use it if you never plan to talk, because the person will ask again.
Common mistakes
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Not quite
I don't have time for your story.Better I can't right now. Tell me after lunch.
The first line is grammatical but can sound like the person isn't important. The second line puts the problem on the timing and offers a later time.
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Not quite
I'm tied now.Better I'm tied up now.
Tied up is a fixed phrase that means busy. Without up, the sentence sounds like you're tied with a rope.
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Not quite
I'm swamping right now.Better I'm swamped right now.
Swamped is an adjective here, like busy or tired. You are swamped; the work swamps you.
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