Better ways to say “that's silly”

Say this instead

1. 01

   I don't think that's realistic. Can we look at what is likely to happen if we go that way?

   Coworker · Chat

   Quick chat discussions suit this one because it states your doubt plainly and moves the talk toward likely outcomes.

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2. 02

   Hi Dana, I have concerns about this approach and I don't think it will work as planned. Could I walk you through my reasons before we commit?

   Boss · Email

   Use it when you disagree with a plan from above, since it is direct but asks for a hearing instead of dismissing the plan.

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3. 03

   I don't think this idea will work. Talk me through your thinking, and I'll show you where I get stuck.

   Someone you manage · Chat

   A manager who disagrees but wants the person to learn from the exchange can use this to invite their reasoning.

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4. 04

   Thanks for the suggestion. I don't think it's a workable option for this project, and I'd like to explain why. Do you have time for a short call this week?

   Client · Email

   Clients get a clear no to the idea here, along with respect for the fact that they offered input.

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5. 05

   I don't think that idea holds up. Can we talk for five minutes before the meeting?

   Coworker · SMS

   Handy when you want to raise your disagreement privately before it comes up in front of others.

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6. 06

   That range doesn't make sense for the role as described. Is there any flexibility, or is it fixed?

   Recruiter / HR · Email

   Here the mismatch is named without insulting the offer, and the question gets you real information.

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7. 07

   I understand why you'd want that, but it isn't something we can do. I'm happy to go through what is possible.

   Customer · Chat

   Firm but courteous, this fits a customer request that is simply out of reach.

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8. 08

   I see this differently. I don't think the deadline is realistic, and I'd like to explain what I'm seeing.

   Boss · Chat

   Quick, honest pushback fits here when a target looks unachievable.

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Examples

What to avoid

• Calling the person silly, childish or naive rather than describing what is wrong with the idea.
• Sarcasm or an eye-roll emoji will make your point harder to hear.
• Vague replies like “interesting” leave people guessing when you actually disagree.
• Dismissing an idea in front of others is a mistake when you could raise it privately first.
• If you bury your disagreement under too many softeners, nobody will notice it.

Related phrases

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• “I understand you want to cancel”: how to say it politely→
• Saying “you're delusional” at work→
• Better ways to say “I disagree”→
• Better ways to say “I have family issues”→