Has someone tried to put into a private conversation that doesn’t concern them? Maybe it’s tempted you to write “mind your own business” in an angered email.
However, you need to remain professional. That’s why it’s good to have some formal alternatives to “mind your own business.”
This article has compiled a list of some of the best synonyms available.
Is It Rude to Say “Mind Your Own Business”?
It is rude to say “mind your own business” in most cases. You should only ever use it as a last resort when someone refuses to keep their nose out of a private conversation.
It is unprofessional to use this phrase in an email. It shows that you’re not very polite, which is a bad trait to showcase through an email.
Here’s an example to show you when it might apply:
You should mind your own business and keep out of the situation.
Pros
- It’s a useful way to get someone to leave you alone.
- It works well in conversational situations when you’re tired of someone eavesdropping.
Cons
- It’s almost always rude and unnecessary.
- It’s harsh to include something like this in professional situations.
“Mind your own business” is clearly not the best phrase to use in professional situations. So, you should have a few alternatives ready to ensure you sound as polite as possible.
Keep reading to see how to say “mind your own business” professionally.
What to Say Instead of “Mind Your Own Business”
- This doesn’t concern you
- This is none of your concern
- Please keep out of this private conversation
- This is a private matter
- This is a personal situation
- We are handling this internally
- I’m not comfortable with you here
- I cannot say more
- I’d rather not tell you more
1. This Doesn’t Concern You
If you don’t know how to politely tell someone to mind their own business, start with “this doesn’t concern you.”
It’s both polite and respectful, making it an excellent choice in most business emails.
You should use it when someone oversteps the mark. For instance, try it when emailing an employee who has been trying to get inside information about changes in the workplace.
It encourages them to back off without being too mean. Usually, they’ll get the message and stop asking questions.
This email example should also help you understand it:
Dear Thomas,
I’m afraid this doesn’t concern you, so I cannot share more information. I’m very sorry about that.
Kind regards,
Dan Hunt
2. This Is None of Your Concern
We also recommend “this is none of your concern” to tell a coworker to mind their own business. It’s a simple phrase that keeps things formal.
It’s not offensive, though it might come across as a bit rude.
Whatever the case, if someone is trying to put their nose in where it doesn’t belong, you need to call them out. So, “this is none of your concern” will help you do exactly that.
Here’s a great sample email to show you how it works:
Dear Suzie,
This is none of your concern. I would appreciate it if you could stop asking questions while we sort out our next steps.
Kind regards,
Jon Walker
3. Please Keep Out of This Private Conversation
“Please keep out of this private conversation” is a nice way to say “mind your own business.” Including “please” in any capacity often helps to keep things polite and friendly.
You won’t often find this one in formal emails.
Instead, it works when messaging coworkers. You should use it to let them know that you’re having a private discussion with someone, and they shouldn’t try to include themselves in it.
Also, these examples will help you understand it better:
Please keep out of this private conversation. It’s not something that you should concern yourself with.
Please keep out of this private conversation. It’s very rude that you’re trying to get involved.
4. This Is a Private Matter
“This is a private matter” is useful to include instead of “mind your own business.” You should use it to encourage someone to keep out of your business without sounding too rude.
Generally, you can use it to tell an employee to mind their own business. It’s a very dominant and bossy phrase, showing that you do not want someone to keep putting their nose in your business.
This email example will help you if you’re still unsure:
Dear Alfie,
This is a private matter, so I’m afraid I cannot share any more information with you.
All the best,
George Washington
5. This Is a Personal Situation
Feel free to use “this is a personal situation” instead of “mind your own business” as well. It works well in formal emails when trying to get someone to leave you alone.
Try it the next time a colleague tries to get involved in your business.
Saying that something is “personal” shows that you are uncomfortable with them being involved. It’s a great way to let them know that it’s not their fault, but you would prefer it if they don’t listen to what you’re talking about.
Here’s a great example to show you how it works:
Dear Katie,
This is a personal situation, so you should let me handle it. I do not need you to keep asking questions right now.
All the best,
Lewis Sutton
6. We Are Handling This Internally
You may also use a professional phrase like “we are handling this internally.” This one works incredibly well when an employee has tried to learn about your business.
It shows that they should not ask questions relating to things that do not concern them.
It is not rude. Also, it gives you a chance to explain that you’re already handling matters and don’t want an employee to offer any solutions to you.
We highly recommend it to ensure you have a dominant yet respectable tone. Most employees will accept this and stop pestering you for more information.
Check out the following email sample as well:
Dear Greg,
We are handling this internally at the moment. While I appreciate your curiosity, it’s not a good time.
Yours,
Sam White
7. I’m Not Comfortable With You Here
Honesty is quite often the best policy. So, if you want to remain polite and formal when telling someone to mind their own business, try “I’m not comfortable with you here.”
It’s a great alternative for showing someone needs to avoid your business. It’s still polite, but it shows that you do not think they should know anymore.
Generally, you wouldn’t use this in formal emails. However, it works really well when messaging coworkers to let them know to stay away.
You should also refer to these examples:
I’m sorry, but I’m not comfortable with you here. You should not know what we’re talking about.
This doesn’t relate to you, and I’m not comfortable with you here. Do you mind leaving the room?
8. I Cannot Say More
If someone has asked you questions that you don’t want to answer, it’s time to tell them to mind their own business. However, the phrase “mind your own business” might be a bit too rude.
That’s why “I cannot say more” works well here.
It’s polite and honest, showing that you don’t want to answer a question.
We recommend using it when someone has asked a difficult or personal question. Instead of giving them an answer, you can use “I cannot say more” to tell them that they do not need to know your answer.
Here are some examples to help you understand it:
No, I cannot say more. You already know too much, and this isn’t something you should concern yourself with.
I’m afraid I cannot say more. Please leave the room immediately to let me continue this discussion in private.
9. I’d Rather Not Tell You More
To keep things as formal as possible, you may use “I’d rather not tell you more.” It’s an honest and direct way to show that someone does not need to know any more about your business.
You may use it when emailing employees. It shows that they’ve already asked too many questions, and you do not feel comfortable answering them.
It’s a simple way to ask someone to stop talking to you. Or, if they insist on continuing to email you, they should at least have the respect to change the subject and keep out of your business.
Here’s a useful sample email to show you how it works:
Dear Carlo,
I’d rather not tell you more. It’s not for me to say anything else, and it’s certainly not something that concerns you.
Best wishes,
Janet Adams