“I'm ignoring this”: how to say it politely

Say this instead

1. 01

   Thanks for flagging this. I've looked at it and decided not to act on it, so I'm going to keep my focus on my current priorities.

   Coworker · Chat

   Fits a peer who keeps raising something you've already weighed up, since it shows you read it and made a choice.

   Use for my message
   Copy
2. 02

   I've seen the comments on the draft and I'm going to leave them for now so I can finish the launch work. If you'd like them to take priority, let me know.

   Boss · Email

   Suits deprioritized feedback because your manager can still redirect you if they disagree.

   Use for my message
   Copy
3. 03

   Thank you for the suggestion. We've reviewed it and won't be taking it forward in this project, so we'll continue with the agreed plan.

   Client · Email

   Good for a client request outside the agreed scope, closing it politely without a long debate.

   Use for my message
   Copy
4. 04

   I've read your note about the desk change. I'm not going to act on it, so please carry on as you are.

   Someone you manage · Chat

   Useful for a minor request from someone you manage that you've decided against, kept short and clear.

   Use for my message
   Copy
5. 05

   Hello, we've read your message, but our earlier answer stands and we won't be taking any further action on this.

   Customer · SMS

   Right after a decision has been explained and repeated messages are not changing it.

   Use for my message
   Copy
6. 06

   Thanks for getting in touch. I'm not planning to follow up on this role, so you won't hear more from me about it.

   Recruiter / HR · Email

   Handy when you want a recruiter to stop chasing you and would rather be clear than leave them waiting.

   Use for my message
   Copy
7. 07

   I saw the group thread about the rota. I'm staying out of it and won't be replying, so please don't wait on me.

   Coworker · SMS

   Fits a noisy group thread that isn't your business, and it spares you from being asked for an opinion.

   Use for my message
   Copy
8. 08

   I've seen the email chain but I'm not going to engage with it. I think replying would only make it bigger.

   Boss · Chat

   Lets your manager know you spotted a tense exchange and are choosing not to feed it.

   Use for my message
   Copy

Examples

What to avoid

• Leaving a message unanswered when the person expects a reply, since one clear line is kinder than silence.
• Sarcasm or phrases like “as I already said” turn a plain decision into a jab.
• Saying “I'll look into it” when you've already decided not to only delays the disappointment.
• Copying other people in to show you've dismissed the issue can feel like public pressure.
• Long explanations tend to invite more argument, so keep the reason brief.

Related phrases

• Better ways to say “that's a slap in the face”→
• Alternatives to “slow down and pay attention” at work→
• A kinder way to say “someone is lying”→
• What to say instead of “accept constructive criticism”→
• What to say instead of “I received your escalation”→
• “I can't accept the interview”: how to say it politely→