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How smart people say "That's impossible" | English from movies

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第1句，共10句 0:00 Barbie: Mariposa and the Fairy Princess

, be .

边听边读逐句跟读专心听

选择一句，就能再听一遍。点击任意单词查看意思。带下划线的是本视频的重点词。

Barbie: Mariposa and the Fairy Princess , be .
Tutor Say , the . It at or people you don't . Don't use it the is a no, the may there's a .
The Professor I'm not 's , but I'm you we try.
Tutor Use it you but don't to say no yet. It to try. it if you the is no.
Comanche Territory I'm won't , Jim.
Tutor Use it to say a no in a way. "I'm " the no softer, but the is . It isn't the you are .
Tutor be a bit .
Tutor Use it or coworkers the is but not . It . In a , " be " is a safer .
Tutor I don't we can do by .
Tutor Use it the is and you can the . "" to the or . It's , so add a or a new .

每题先选答案，再展开答案核对。

第1题

Your manager asks for something you know you can't do. Which line gives a clear but polite no?

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第2题

Which line shows doubt but leaves room to try?

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第3题

What does "I'm afraid" mean in "I'm afraid that won't work"?

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第4题

A friend asks you for a ride at 6 a.m. Which line sounds the most relaxed?

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第5题

You said "That could be difficult." What should usually come next?

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先看简短解释

How smart people say 'That's impossible'

To say "That's impossible" politely, use a softer line such as "That could be difficult," "I'm not sure that's possible," or "I'm afraid that won't work." Each line still tells the other person there's a problem, but it sounds calm and respectful. After the line, explain the problem or offer a smaller option.

视频重点词汇

点击任意单词查看意思。带下划线的是本视频的重点词。

逐句讲解

That could be difficult. Soft and polite

Say this first, then explain the problem. It works well at work or with people you don't know well. Don't use it when the answer is a clear no, because the other person may think there's still a chance.

“Well, that could be difficult.”

出自Barbie: Mariposa and the Fairy Princess (2013)
I'm not sure that's possible. Honest but kind

Use it when you have real doubts but don't want to say no yet. It leaves room to try. Avoid it if you already know the answer is no.

“I'm not sure that's possible, but I'm promising you that we will try.”

出自The Professor (2018)
I'm afraid that won't work. Firm and polite

Use it to say a clear no in a polite way. "I'm afraid" makes the no softer, but the decision is final. It isn't the right choice when you are still unsure.

“I'm afraid that won't work, Jim.”

出自Comanche Territory (1950)
That might be a bit tricky. Light and friendly

Use it with friends or coworkers when the request is hard but not serious. It sounds relaxed. In a formal email, "That could be difficult" is a safer choice.

“That might be a bit tricky.”
I don't think we can do that by Friday. Clear and specific

Use it when the problem is time and you can name the deadline. Change "Friday" to the real date or time. It's direct, so add a reason or a new date.

“I don't think we can do that by Friday.”
That's not realistic with the time we have. Professional and direct

Use it in meetings when a plan needs more time or people than you have. It points to the situation, not the person. It can sound too strong with a manager unless you add a suggestion.

“That's not realistic with the time we have.”

常见错误

不太合适 ~~I'm afraid of that won't work.~~

更合适的说法 I'm afraid that won't work.

"Afraid of" means you feel fear about something. In this polite phrase, "I'm afraid" just means "I'm sorry to say," so don't add "of."
不太合适 ~~I'm not sure that's impossible.~~

更合适的说法 I'm not sure that's possible.

Putting "not sure" together with "impossible" flips the meaning. Now it sounds like you think the plan might work. To show doubt, say "not sure" plus "possible."
不太合适 ~~That could difficult.~~

更合适的说法 That could be difficult.

After "could," you need a verb. With an adjective like "difficult," use "be": could be difficult, might be tricky.