We Are Not in a Position to Respond in the Affirmative

That phrase"we are not in a position to respond in the affirmative"is a formal, careful way to say no. It can sound distant or overly legal, and when used without warmth it can leave the other person unsure or hurt. But it can also be a respectful, accurate answer in many situations: when you truly can't agree, when you need more information, or when circumstances prevent a yes.

Why people use that phrasing

• Professional tone: It keeps things official and neutral.
• Clarity without bluntness: It avoids a flat "no" while still declining.
• Time or authority limits: Often used when the decision rests with others or resources are unavailable.

When it helps and when it harms

Use it when you need to be measured: in contracts, formal communications, or when you can't commit for legal or budget reasons. Avoid it when a human connection matters morelike with a colleague you want to keep motivated or a friend who needs empathy. In those cases, a more personal reply will land better.

How to say it in a human, kind way

Being honest and brief is better than hedging endlessly. Pair the phrase (or a simpler "we can't") with context, appreciation, and an alternative when possible. Here are patterns you can use:

• Acknowledge: "Thank you for asking / for the proposal."
• State: "We are not in a position to respond in the affirmative at this time." or "We can't accept / agree right now."
• Explain briefly: "Due to budget constraints / current priorities / lacking authority, we can't commit."
• Offer an alternative or next step: "We could..." or "Let's revisit this in X weeks."

Short scripts for different contexts

Formal / business

Thank you for your proposal. After review, we are not in a position to respond in the affirmative at this time due to budget priorities. We appreciate your work and would welcome the opportunity to reconsider at the next funding cycle.

Casual / colleague

I appreciate you bringing this up. I can't say yes right now because I'm tied up with current deadlines. Can we discuss options next week?

When you need more time or authority

I don't have the authority to confirm that. Let me check with the team and get back to you by Friday.

Short and kind

Thanks for asking. We can't agree to that right now, but here's what we can do instead...

Tips to keep the conversation constructive

• Be specific about why you can't say yesvagueness breeds frustration.
• Offer timelines if a future yes is possible: "We can revisit this in three months."
• Provide alternativespeople often want a solution more than a yes.
• Be empathetic: "I know this may be disappointing," goes a long way.
• Follow up: If you promised to check, do it. Reliability builds trust.

Affirmations for saying no without guilt

Saying no can feel uncomfortable. Use these gentle affirmations to center yourself before responding:

• "My boundaries help me do my best work and show up fully."
• "It's okay to decline when I don't have the capacity."
• "I can be kind and clear at the same time."
• "Offering an alternative is still helpful."

Final thought

"We are not in a position to respond in the affirmative" is a useful phrase when accuracy and formality are needed. But pairing it with clarity, warmth, and options makes it land with dignity and keeps relationships intact. You don't have to soften your truthjust deliver it with respect.