How to reply to "I don't think so"

Someone just said "I don't think so". Now it is your turn. The right reply depends on what they were answering: a fact, a request, an idea at work or a joke. Here are 22 replies sorted by situation, and a short note on when the best reply is simply "OK".

First, work out which "I don't think so" it was

• A doubt about a fact. "The shop closes at six." "I don't think so." They believe something different. Ask what.
• A no to a request or an invitation. "Can you come on Saturday?" "I don't think so." It is a polite no. Accept it.
• A no to an idea at work. "Let's launch on Friday." "I don't think so." There is a concern behind it. Find it.
• A joke. "I'm the best driver in this car." "I don't think so." Play along.

Tone helps too. A light, rising "I don't think so?" is open to discussion. A slow, flat one is a firm no. More on that in what "I don't think so" means.

When it answers a question of fact

• "What makes you think that?"
• "Really? I read the opposite. Where did you see it?"
• "You might be right. Let me check."
• "Fair. I'm not sure either."
• "Interesting. What do you know that I don't?"

When it turns down a request or an invitation

• "No problem, thanks for telling me."
• "Totally fine. Maybe another time."
• "Understood. I'll ask someone else."
• "All good, thanks for being straight with me."
• "No worries. The offer stands if you change your mind."

At work

• "Fair enough. What's the main concern?"
• "What would you need to see to feel better about it?"
• "Could we try a small version first and see?"
• "Understood. I'll write up the reasons and you can decide."
• "OK. Is it a no for now, or a no for good?"
• "Thanks. Who else should I talk to about it?"

Playful replies (for friends)

• "I don't think you don't think so."
• "Bold of you to doubt me before lunch."
• "Noted. Appeal filed with the Department of Doubt."
• "I'll take that as a strong maybe."
• "That's what they said about sliced bread."
• "Your objection has been stamped and ignored."

When to let it go

If "I don't think so" was a no to something personal, such as an invitation, a favour or a plan, the best reply is short and friendly, and then the subject changes. One reason, offered once, is fine for ideas and facts. Asking again and again turns a small no into a big one. If you are the one who has to say no, the polite ways to say no and saying no without feeling guilty are the other side of this page.

Replies to avoid

1. "Why not?" three times in a row. Once is a question. Three times is a cross-examination.
2. "You always say that." It turns one answer into a verdict on the person.
3. Silence, then bringing it up a week later. If it mattered, say so now.

For ideas and facts, the guide to disagreeing politely has more ways to keep talking without a fight.

The Department hears this a lot

The Department of Doubt says "I don't think so" to one claim from the internet every day, and people do reply. The only accepted appeal is a better argument. See today's ruling, or stamp your own reply in Stamp Anything.

Questions about replying to "I don't think so"

What is the best reply to "I don't think so"?

It depends on what was said before it. If it answered a question of fact, ask what they know ("What makes you think that?"). If it turned down a request or an invitation, accept it lightly ("No problem, thanks for letting me know"). If it was a joke, play along.

Is "I don't think so" rude?

Usually not. It is a softened no: the speaker could have said "no" or "you're wrong" and chose something gentler. Tone decides it. A flat, slow "I don't think so" can be a firm refusal, but the words themselves are polite.

How do you reply to "I don't think so" at work?

Treat it as the start of a conversation, not the end. Ask what the concern is, offer the evidence you have, or suggest a small test. "Fair enough. What would you need to see to feel better about it?" keeps things moving without arguing.

Should I try to change their mind?

Once, with a reason, if it matters. If the answer is still no, or if it was a no to something personal like an invitation, let it go. Pushing past a clear no rarely changes the answer and often changes how people feel about asking you anything.

What does "I don't think so" mean?

It is a polite no or a careful "probably not". There is a full guide to the phrase, its tone and 40 other ways to say it on this site.

Part of How to say no.

Satire. The Department of Doubt is not a real department. See the satire notice. All guides are on the guides page.