29 'Why don't you come sailing?'

Question 29

The phrase "Why don't you...?" is a suggestion. The response needs to address this suggestion.

Let's analyze the options:

• a) I can't - This indicates inability, which is a valid reason to decline a suggestion.
• b) I am not - This is grammatically incorrect as a response to "Why don't you...?"
• c) I don't - This is also grammatically awkward and doesn't fit the context as well as "I can't".

A common and natural response to "Why don't you...?" when declining is "I can't" (due to some reason) or "No, thank you" (polite refusal).

Given the options, "I can't" is the most suitable response, implying a reason for not being able to go sailing.

Answer: a