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Let's say I am carrying a couple of bags or something like that and some random stranger offers to carry one of them.

Do you want me to hold one of these?

I have seen in movies that if you don't have any problem with the bags you will most likely say I have got it, rather than saying No I don't or explaining how it is not a problem for you to carry the bags which is what I tend to do.

My question is that what else can I use besides this?

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3 Answers 3

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7

The polite thing to say is 'That's very kind of you, but I think I can manage, thank you.'

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4

In general, this phrase is used in situations like what you described: Someone offers to do something, but you don't want/need the help and use this phrase to refuse.

Usually it's said colloquially in it's shortened form, as in "I've got it".

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  • 1
    Or even shorter and more colloquial: Nah, I got it.
    – Jim
    Commented Feb 8, 2013 at 20:33
  • Or just as colloquial but a tad more polite: No thanks, I got it.
    – J.R. ♦
    Commented Feb 8, 2013 at 20:37
  • @J.R. Wouldn't it be No thanks, I've got it?
    – WendiKidd
    Commented Feb 8, 2013 at 22:27
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    @WendiKidd: Jim's answer was "shorter and more colloquial." Mine was "just as colloquial but a tad more polite." I'd classify your version as "more grammatical and a tad more polite." 8^) Barrie's suggestion, as usual, would be "very courteous and grammatically impeccable."
    – J.R. ♦
    Commented Feb 8, 2013 at 23:27
  • Regardless, the reply should include "thanks" or "thank you", since someone offered to help you, even if you refuse it. Otherwise it may be considered rude or self-centered.
    – user485
    Commented Mar 10, 2013 at 1:39
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  • I'm fine thanks.
  • No, but thanks for asking.
  • I can manage, thanks.
  • No, it's ok. Thanks, though.
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