You Are Writing to Refuse a Request

Multiple Choice

You are writing to refuse a request. However, instead of stating your refusal explicitly, you cushion the bad news by implying your refusal. You re-read your message, remembering an important caution mentioned in the text about using this strategy. What is that caution?

A) When the refusal isn't explicitly stated, the reader may assume that you believe he or she was at fault.
B) Implying the refusal generally makes the tone of the message unnecessarily harsh.
C) The refusal may be so subtle that the reader may not understand that you are refusing the request.
D) The reader may be offended because the refusal was indirect.