When faced with questions or inquiries that are too personal or irrelevant, responding with “none of your business” can come off as blunt or impolite. Using alternative phrases allows you to maintain boundaries while still communicating your message effectively.
This blog post explores various ways to convey that something is not someone else’s concern, offering scenarios, examples, and explanations for each expression.
1. “That’s a private matter”
Scenario: Politely declining to share personal information.
Example 1: “That’s a private matter and I prefer to keep it to myself.”
Example 2: “I appreciate your concern, but that’s a private matter.”
Explanation: This phrase emphasizes that the topic is personal and should not be discussed publicly.
2. “I’d rather not discuss it”
Scenario: Choosing not to engage in a particular conversation.
Example 1: “I’d rather not discuss it; it’s a personal issue.”
Example 2: “I’d rather not discuss it at this time.”
Explanation: This phrase indicates a preference to avoid talking about a specific topic.
3. “I’d like to keep that to myself”
Scenario: Expressing a desire to maintain privacy.
Example 1: “I’d like to keep that to myself for now.”
Example 2: “I’d like to keep that to myself; it’s not relevant here.”
Explanation: This phrase shows that you want to keep certain information private.
4. “That’s not something I’m comfortable sharing”
Scenario: Setting boundaries about personal topics.
Example 1: “That’s not something I’m comfortable sharing at the moment.”
Example 2: “That’s not something I’m comfortable sharing with others.”
Explanation: This phrase communicates discomfort with sharing certain information.
5. “I prefer not to answer that”
Scenario: Declining to respond to a question.
Example 1: “I prefer not to answer that question.”
Example 2: “I prefer not to answer that as it’s quite personal.”
Explanation: This phrase directly states that you choose not to provide an answer.
6. “That’s not relevant to this conversation”
Scenario: Redirecting a conversation to more pertinent topics.
Example 1: “That’s not relevant to this conversation.”
Example 2: “That’s not relevant to what we’re discussing right now.”
Explanation: This phrase helps steer the conversation back to more appropriate topics.
7. “I’d rather keep my personal life separate”
Scenario: Maintaining a boundary between personal and professional matters.
Example 1: “I’d rather keep my personal life separate from work discussions.”
Example 2: “I’d rather keep my personal life separate from this conversation.”
Explanation: This phrase emphasizes the desire to keep personal matters distinct from other discussions.
8. “I’m not prepared to discuss that”
Scenario: Indicating a lack of readiness to talk about a topic.
Example 1: “I’m not prepared to discuss that at the moment.”
Example 2: “I’m not prepared to discuss that in this setting.”
Explanation: This phrase indicates that you are not ready or willing to discuss a certain topic.
9. “I’d like to keep that off the record”
Scenario: Requesting to exclude information from formal discussion.
Example 1: “I’d like to keep that off the record, if you don’t mind.”
Example 2: “I’d like to keep that off the record for now.”
Explanation: This phrase requests that certain information not be included in official records or discussions.
10. “That’s a sensitive topic for me”
Scenario: Explaining that a subject is emotionally charged or personal.
Example 1: “That’s a sensitive topic for me, so I’d prefer not to discuss it.”
Example 2: “That’s a sensitive topic for me, and I’d like to avoid it.”
Explanation: This phrase communicates that the topic is emotionally sensitive and should be avoided.
11. “I’d prefer not to go into details”
Scenario: Avoiding detailed discussion of a subject.
Example 1: “I’d prefer not to go into details about that.”
Example 2: “I’d prefer not to go into details at this time.”
Explanation: This phrase expresses a desire to avoid providing specific details.
12. “I’m not at liberty to discuss that”
Scenario: Indicating that you are not authorized to share certain information.
Example 1: “I’m not at liberty to discuss that at the moment.”
Example 2: “I’m not at liberty to discuss that due to confidentiality.”
Explanation: This phrase suggests that there are restrictions on sharing certain information.
13. “That’s beyond the scope of this discussion”
Scenario: Redirecting a conversation away from unrelated topics.
Example 1: “That’s beyond the scope of this discussion.”
Example 2: “That’s beyond the scope of what we’re talking about.”
Explanation: This phrase indicates that the topic is not relevant to the current discussion.
14. “I’m not comfortable with that question”
Scenario: Expressing discomfort with a specific question.
Example 1: “I’m not comfortable with that question.”
Example 2: “I’m not comfortable discussing that topic.”
Explanation: This phrase communicates that you do not feel at ease discussing a particular subject.
15. “That’s not appropriate to ask”
Scenario: Addressing inappropriate or intrusive questions.
Example 1: “That’s not appropriate to ask in this setting.”
Example 2: “That’s not appropriate to discuss right now.”
Explanation: This phrase indicates that the question or topic is not suitable for the current context.
Other Ways to Say “I Was Referred to You By”
16. “I’d rather avoid that subject”
Scenario: Preferring not to engage with a particular topic.
Example 1: “I’d rather avoid that subject if you don’t mind.”
Example 2: “I’d rather avoid that subject altogether.”
Explanation: This phrase shows a desire to steer clear of a specific topic.
17. “I’d like to keep that information confidential”
Scenario: Emphasizing the need for discretion.
Example 1: “I’d like to keep that information confidential.”
Example 2: “I’d like to keep that information private and not discuss it.”
Explanation: This phrase requests that certain information remain confidential.
18. “That’s not something I wish to discuss”
Scenario: Declining to talk about a specific matter.
Example 1: “That’s not something I wish to discuss right now.”
Example 2: “That’s not something I wish to talk about.”
Explanation: This phrase expresses a reluctance to engage in a particular conversation.
19. “I’m not in a position to answer that”
Scenario: Indicating inability or lack of authority to respond.
Example 1: “I’m not in a position to answer that question.”
Example 2: “I’m not in a position to discuss that topic.”
Explanation: This phrase suggests that you are not able to provide an answer or engage in a discussion.
20. “I prefer not to get into that”
Scenario: Choosing to avoid detailed discussion of a topic.
Example 1: “I prefer not to get into that right now.”
Example 2: “I prefer not to get into that at this time.”
Explanation: This phrase communicates a desire to avoid in-depth discussion of a particular subject.
21. “That’s not for discussion”
Scenario: Declaring a topic off-limits for conversation.
Example 1: “That’s not for discussion in this setting.”
Example 2: “That’s not for discussion at this time.”
Explanation: This phrase indicates that the topic should not be discussed.
22. “I’d rather not say”
Scenario: Opting to withhold information.
Example 1: “I’d rather not say anything about that.”
Example 2: “I’d rather not say more on that subject.”
Explanation: This phrase expresses a preference to remain silent about a particular topic.
23. “I’m not inclined to share that”
Scenario: Indicating a lack of willingness to disclose information.
Example 1: “I’m not inclined to share that at the moment.”
Example 2: “I’m not inclined to share that information with others.”
Explanation: This phrase conveys a reluctance to disclose certain details.
24. “That’s not my concern”
Scenario: Declining to engage with a topic or issue.
Example 1: “That’s not my concern at this time.”
Example 2: “That’s not my concern and I prefer not to discuss it.”
Explanation: This phrase communicates that the topic is not relevant to you.
25. “I’d prefer not to comment”
Scenario: Choosing to avoid commenting on a topic.
Example 1: “I’d prefer not to comment on that issue.”
Example 2: “I’d prefer not to comment further on this matter.”
Explanation: This phrase indicates a desire to refrain from making comments.
26. “That’s not something I can discuss”
Scenario: Indicating inability to discuss a certain topic.
Example 1: “That’s not something I can discuss right now.”
Example 2: “That’s not something I can comment on.”
Explanation: This phrase suggests that discussing the topic is not possible.
27. “I’m not willing to divulge that”
Scenario: Refusing to share specific information.
Example 1: “I’m not willing to divulge that information.”
Example 2: “I’m not willing to divulge details about that.”
Explanation: This phrase indicates unwillingness to share certain information.
28. “That’s outside my area of expertise”
Scenario: Redirecting a question to someone more knowledgeable.
Example 1: “That’s outside my area of expertise, so I can’t provide an answer.”
Example 2: “That’s outside my area of expertise and I recommend consulting someone else.”
Explanation: This phrase redirects questions to those who are more qualified.
29. “I prefer to keep that confidential”
Scenario: Ensuring that information remains private.
Example 1: “I prefer to keep that confidential for now.”
Example 2: “I prefer to keep that confidential and not discuss it further.”
Explanation: This phrase emphasizes the need for confidentiality.
30. “That’s not something I’m at liberty to discuss”
Scenario: Indicating restriction on discussing certain matters.
Example 1: “That’s not something I’m at liberty to discuss at this time.”
Example 2: “That’s not something I’m at liberty to talk about.”
Explanation: This phrase suggests that there are restrictions on discussing the topic.
Conclusion
Finding alternative ways to express “none of your business” helps maintain politeness and professionalism while setting boundaries.
Whether you’re keeping personal matters private or redirecting conversations, these phrases offer a range of options to handle inquiries tactfully and effectively.
Hi! I’m Ethan-Matthews, author of Grammar Glides. I create engaging content to make learning English grammar simple and enjoyable. Join me to master the nuances of the language with ease and confidence.
