Table 5 Frequency of Semantic Formulas in Refusals of Invitations (Allami & Naeimi 2011: 394)

Strategies Higher Equal Lower
Explanation 93% 93% 67%
Regret 67% 48% 48%
Direct 37% 27% 44%
Statement of Positive Opinion 31% 13% 20%
Avoidance (Postponement) 13% 6% 27%
Gratitude 10% 17% 10%
Set Condition 3% 17% 3%
Pause Fillers 3% 3% 3%
Alternative 0% 0% 0%