I'd love to, but…

Informal Polite

What it really means

A polite refusal formula. The warmth of "I'd love to" cushions the "but" that follows. Sometimes the person genuinely wishes they could come; the phrase works either way.

Chinese explanation

礼貌拒绝的固定句式。前半句的热情缓冲了后面的 but。有时对方是真心想来却来不了；无论真假，这个句式都适用。

Example conversation

A: Fancy coming hiking with us on Sunday? B: I'd love to, but I've got an exam on Monday.

A：周日跟我们去远足怎么样？ B：我很想去，但我周一有考试。

What you could say back

“Good luck with the exam — next time!”

Related phrases

I'm afraid I can't make it Maybe another time I might join you later

Go deeper

British Politeness Explained: Why "Interesting" Means "No"

All Politeness Decoder

Reviewed by the UK Decoded editorial team · Last checked 24 July 2026 · Report a mistake