Yes-But Quiz — the Answers!

1. Sure we could do that. However, it might take a long time.
Yes-But: "Sure" is the Yes, and "However" is the But.

2. You can buy a dog, so long as you promise to feed it and walk it once a day.
NOT a Yes-But: You could easily make it into a Yes-But: "You can buy a dog, but you'll have to feed it and walk it once a day."

3. This new accounting program is simple, but powerful.
NOT a Yes-But: Although there's a "but," it doesn't set up an opposition between two ideas. 

4. You’d think that would be true, but in practice it’s just the opposite.
Yes-But
 
5. The expansion you’re proposing is way too expensive.
NOT a Yes-But: There's no "Yes" here. A But without the Yes is what we call a Discount.
 
6. I agree that there are a lot of risks with this procedure; we just don’t have any other choice.
Yes-But: This is more subtle, but still presenting two competing ideas in opposition with one another.
 
7. I see what you’re saying and it makes perfect sense. Still, we can’t do what you’re suggesting without alienating many of our constituents.
Yes-But: Again, a fairly subtle Yes-But.
 
8. On the other hand, maybe it’s too risky to take out another loan.
Yes-But: Here, "On the other hand," is the But.

9. I see some advantages to your plan, as well as a few disadvantages.
NOT a Yes-But: You could present the same idea as a Yes-But — for example, "I see some advantages to your plan, but there are also a few disadvantages." Notice how this sounds a little different and can have a different impact on the conversation.
 
10. It would be easier to wait a week before making that decision. Of course, interest rates may go up during that time.
TRICKY: We think this one could go either way, depending on context and voice tone. To hear this as a non-Yes-But, imagine the second statement said in a neutral tone and followed by, "That's a risk I'm willing to take."

11. If only we had a bigger truck, we could move all the furniture on our own.
NOT a Yes-But

12. This is the best idea I’ve heard in a long time. It’s clear you were thinking creatively. Unfortunately, I know the boss won’t approve it.
Yes-But: This one comes with a relatively long, drawn out Yes before hitting the But ("unfortunately").

13. I know you have put a lot of work into this; it’s simply not the right time for it now.
Yes-But

14. I’m sorry I can’t come to the meeting; if there were any way I could make it there, I would.
NOT a Yes-But 

15. Sure, let’s do it, but we’ll have to be careful about how we make the announcement.
Yes-But: This one may not be a high-impact Yes-But, but it still sets up a contradiction.

16. I’m happy to go out to that restaurant, just not tonight.
Yes-But: This is a fairly innocuous Yes-But that may well have no negative impact on the conversation. But it's still a Yes-But.
 
17. I think spending a month in rural China would be a great experience; however, neither of us speaks Chinese.
Yes-But

18. Even if he convinced her to sign that contract, it would never stand up in court.
NOT a Yes-But: Depending on the context, this could either be a Discount (arguing against something that was just said) or a Negative prediction (if not made in response to another opposing statement).

19. We tried that last year and it didn’t work. 
NOT a Yes-But: Because there's no "Yes," this is a Discount.

20. Although I appreciate the work you’ve put into this project, the truth is, you’re way off mark on what is needed here.
Yes-But

We hope you enjoyed this exercise! We intentionally made it tough to challenge your brain. If you have any questions or comments, please share them with us.