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Declining the Sample Politely

The customer is offered a sample but politely declines, perhaps giving a brief reason or just a 'No, thank you.'

Dialogue

Listen and follow along with the conversation

1
Lisa (Female)
Hi there! Would you like to try a sample of our new artisanal cheese?
2
David (Male)
Oh, thank you, but I'll pass today. I just had a really big breakfast.
3
Lisa (Female)
No problem at all! Feel free to stop by another time.
4
David (Male)
I will, thanks! It looks delicious, though.

Vocabulary

Essential words and phrases from the dialogue

sample

A small amount of food or product given for free so you can try it before buying. Useful in stores for asking about or offering tastes.

artisanal

Made by hand using traditional methods, often high-quality and special. Use it to describe handmade foods like cheese or bread.

pass

In this context, it means to politely decline or say no to an offer. It's a casual way to refuse something without being rude.

stop by

To visit a place briefly, often casually. Common for suggesting someone come back later, like to a store.

delicious

Very tasty and enjoyable to eat. Use it to compliment food positively, even if you're not trying it.

Key Sentences

Important phrases to remember and practice

Would you like to try a sample of our new artisanal cheese?

This is a polite offer question using 'Would you like to' for suggestions. It's useful for service workers inviting customers to taste something; the structure is question word + polite modal + verb.

Oh, thank you, but I'll pass today. I just had a really big breakfast.

A polite way to decline an offer with a reason. 'I'll pass' is an idiomatic expression for refusing; 'but' connects thanks to the refusal. Great for everyday polite rejections in social situations.

No problem at all! Feel free to stop by another time.

This shows understanding and openness. 'No problem at all' is a casual reassurance; 'feel free to' means you're welcome to do something. Use it to respond positively when someone declines.

I will, thanks! It looks delicious, though.

A friendly agreement to return, with a compliment. 'Though' adds contrast to show interest despite declining now. Helpful for ending interactions politely while keeping the door open.