How to Say “I Can’t Do This” Professionally – 7 Alternatives for Work

Q: How do I choose which phrase to use?

Match the phrase to the situation: Formal: “I’m already committed to other projects” / “I don’t have the capacity at the moment” / “I don’t have the resources.” Neutral: “I’m not able to handle this right now” / “I can’t take this on right now.” Informal: “My plate is full right now” / “I don’t have the bandwidth.”

Erin West
4 days ago
5 min read

Updated: 2 hours ago

Business professional stressed at work – Business English article on alternatives to I can’t do this — Learn polite Business English alternatives to “I can’t do this” for workplace communication.

In business, saying I can’t do this may sound too negative or blunt. In professional English, it’s often better to express the same idea in a way that shows respect, teamwork, and problem-solving.

This article gives you seven natural alternatives to I can’t do this that professionals in the U.S. often use. Each phrase is polite, clear, and useful for workplace communication.

1. I’m not able to handle this right now.

(neutral-formal)

Use this phrase when you want to politely say you cannot take on more work at the moment because you already have urgent tasks or deadlines.

Ethan (Manager):	Hey, Julia, can you take a look at the client’s revised contract today? They’re asking for feedback before tomorrow morning.
Julia:	Honestly, I’m not able to handle this right now — I’ve got three deadlines coming up.
Ethan:	Okay, I’ll find someone else to review it.
Julia:	Thanks, I appreciate it.

2. I can't take this on right now.

(neutral)

Use this phrase when you want to politely refuse extra work because you are already busy with other tasks or deadlines. It's similar to Phrase 1, but it is less formal.

Jack:	Hey Erin, could you help prepare the slides for tomorrow’s presentation?
Erin:	I’m really sorry, but I can’t take this on right now — I’ve got two reports due today.
Jack:	No problem, I’ll ask Sam.
Erin:	Great, thanks a lot!

3. I don’t have the bandwidth right now.

(informal-neutral)

Use this phrase when you need to let someone know you can’t take on more work at the moment. It’s often used in meetings or emails to politely explain that your schedule is already full.

Sophia:	Hey Mark, do you have a minute? It's about the client call tomorrow. We need someone reliable to take notes. Are you available?
Mark:	Hi, Sophia. Sorry, I don’t have the bandwidth right now. I’m already preparing the sales presentation for Friday and finishing two reports.
Sophia:	Okay, I get it. That sounds rough. Alright, I’ll check if Mia's available.

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4. I don’t have the resources...

(neutral-formal)

Use this phrase when you need to explain that you don’t have enough support, budget, time, or tools to complete something properly.

Robert (Manager):	Laura, I was thinking of assigning you the new report for the board. Do you think you can take it on this week?
Laura:	The truth is, I don’t have the resources to take on another report right now. My team is already busy with the rollout, and we’re working long hours as it is.
Robert:	Okay, I get that. We’ll need to see who else is available.
Laura:	Thanks, I just don’t want to commit if I can’t give it the attention it needs.

5. My plate is full right now.

(informal)

Use this phrase when you want to politely say that you’re already busy. It works well in casual conversations with colleagues or during team chats.

Karen:	David, can you work on the project update this week?
David:	I’d like to help, but my plate is full right now. I’ll be available only after I finish this quarterly report.
Karen:	Right. That’s ok. We’ll see if someone else can pick it up.
David:	Thanks, I appreciate your understanding.

6. I don’t have the capacity at the moment.

(neutral-formal)

Use this phrase when you want to politely say you don’t have enough time, energy, or team support for additional work. It’s clear and professional, without sounding negative.

Olivia:	Daniel, can you run the training session next week?
Daniel:	Well, I’d love to, but...
Olivia:	You’re always so great at those sessions.
Daniel:	Thanks, but I don’t have the capacity at the moment. My team is fully focused on the release.
Olivia:	I figured as much. No problem, I’ll see if Mia is available instead.
Daniel:	Appreciate that.

7. I’m already committed to other projects.

(formal)

Use this phrase when you want to politely explain in a professional setting that your time is already reserved for other work. It’s more formal than saying “I’m busy” and is common in emails, meetings, and conversations with managers or clients.

Ethan:	Hey, Linda, could you take on the new client report?
Linda:	I can’t right now — I’m already committed to other projects this week.
Ethan:	Will you be able to help with it once you wrap those up?
Linda:	Possibly, but not before next week.
Ethan:	Okay, that works. I’ll see if someone else can cover it in the meantime.
Linda:	Sounds good.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why shouldn’t I say “I can’t do this” at work?

It can come across as blunt or negative. In a professional setting, it’s usually better to phrase it in a way that shows you’re being respectful and collaborative, even if you can’t take on the task.

What’s the difference between “I can’t take this on right now” and “I’m not able to handle this right now”?

They mean almost the same thing. The first sounds a little more casual and conversational, while the second feels slightly more formal.

When should I use “I don’t have the bandwidth”?

This is common in everyday office talk in the U.S. Use it when your schedule is packed and you want to politely say you can’t take on anything else.

What does “I don’t have the resources” really mean?

It’s another way of saying you don’t have enough time, support, budget, or tools to get the job done properly.

Is “my plate is full” professional enough?

Not really in formal situations. It’s an informal phrase that works fine in casual chats with coworkers, but you should avoid it in emails to managers, clients, or anyone outside your immediate team.

What’s the most formal way to say I can’t do something?

“I’m already committed to other projects” works well. It’s polite, professional, and sounds good in emails or meetings with managers and clients.

How do I choose which phrase to use?

Match the phrase to the situation:

Formal: “I’m already committed to other projects” / “I don’t have the capacity at the moment” / “I don’t have the resources.”
Neutral: “I’m not able to handle this right now” / “I can’t take this on right now.”
Informal: “My plate is full right now” / “I don’t have the bandwidth.”

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