Making and Responding to Invitations in English (speaking lessons)

EFL/ESL English speaking lessons

Making and responding to invitations in English 

What is an invitation? 

Expressing invitation – An invitation (the verb is to invite) is a spoken or a written request for someones to do something or to go to a certain place. We all have friends and meet them from time to time. Sometimes, we may want to invite them to a cup of coffee or to our houses to have lunch with us. Sometimes, our friends invite us. So as English learners, how can we make or respond to invitations in English? In English, there are many expressions to invite people. But, these are the most used ones:

Making an invitation in English  in formal situations

Making invitations in English

  • Would you like to + verb (infinitive)?
  • I would be very glad if you + verb (infinitive)
  • I’m very pleased to invite you to…
  • I would like very much to invite you to..
  • Will you join us tonight?
  • We will have a coffee break, would you like to join us?

Accepting invitations in English

  • I’m delighted to do that!
  • That sounds great!
  • What a great idea!
  • It’s my great pleasure!
  • That’s kind of you!
  • Yes, I would love to. Thank you so much!

Declining invitations in English

  • I’m afraid I have something else to do.
  • I would like it. But, ….
  • Thank you very much. But, …
  • I have to apologize. I just can’t
  • I’m afraid I don’t have time
  • I’m awfully sorry for saying No, I’m very busy

Making invitations in English in informal situations

Making invitations in English

  • Come to my house and + verb (infinitive)
  • Let’s have some coffee in my place?
  • You must come for (noun or v + ing)
  • Shall we go to ( v +infinitive)

Accepting invitations in English

  • Sure, I will come
  • That’s fine!
  • I appreciate that!
  • Alright!
  • I would be happy to be there
  • OK, I will/would + verb (infinitive)

Declining invitations in English

  • Sorry, I can’t.
  • Can’t do it.
  • Maybe next time.
  • Sorry, I don’t think I can make it.

Examples of making and responding to invitations in English  

  • A: Would you like to join us tonight for dinner?
  • B: Yes, I would love to!

 

  • A: You must come to have lunch with us sometime.
  • B: Yes, I would be very happy!

 

  • A: I will be very pleased to invite you to our meeting on child labor?
  • B: That sounds great!

 

Invitation

Check your understanding

 

 

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