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Introduction
Ever wondered about the right way to invite someone over for dinner or to join you for a movie night? Curious about the appropriate responses when you receive an invitation in English?
In this blog post, we’ll explore the common expressions used for making invitations and responding to them.
Mastering these phrases will help you interact in specific social situations with ease.
So, let’s explore the various expressions invitations to elevate your English conversational skills!
Making and Responding To Invitations
Here are some common expressions you can use when making and responding to invitations:
Inviting:
- Do you want to go to the movies tonight?
- Would you like to go to the theater tomorrow?
- Would you be interested in going to the stadium next Sunday?
- How do you fancy going to the restaurant for dinner?
- How about going to the movies?
- Care to come over for lunch?
- I was just wondering if you would like to come over for a drink.
- We’d be delighted to have you over for my birthday party.
- Are you up for grabbing coffee sometime?
- Let’s catch up over brunch this weekend.
- Fancy joining us for a picnic in the park?
- Care to accompany me to the art exhibition on Friday?
- Would you care to join us for a barbecue this Saturday?
- How about a game night at my place?
- I’d love for you to join me for a hike this Saturday morning.
- What do you think about having a potluck dinner at my house next week?
- We’re planning a beach day this Sunday. Would you like to join us?
- Let’s explore the new restaurant downtown together. Would you be interested?
- Want to check out the live music at the pub tonight?
- I’ve got an extra ticket to the concert. Would you like to come with me?
Accepting invitations:
- Sure. What time?
- I’d love to, thanks.
- That’s very kind of you, thanks.
- That sounds lovely, thank you.
- What a great idea, thank you.
- Sure. When should I be there?
- Absolutely, count me in!
- Sounds perfect. I’ll see you then.
- Thank you for the invitation. I’ll definitely be there.
- I’d be delighted to join you.
- That sounds like a fantastic plan. I’m in!
- Yes, please. I’m looking forward to it.
- Great! I’ll mark it on my calendar.
- Thanks for thinking of me. I’ll be there with bells on!
- I appreciate the invite. I’ll make sure to be there on time.
- Definitely! I’ll clear my schedule for it.
- Thank you so much for including me. I’ll be there without fail.
- Absolutely! Can’t wait for it.
- I’m thrilled to accept. See you then!
- That’s wonderful. I’ll definitely make it.
Declining invitations:
- I can’t. I have to work.
- This evening is no good. I have an appointment.
- I’m busy tomorrow. Can I take a rain check* on that?
- That’s very kind of you, but actually, I’m doing something else this afternoon.
- Well, I’d love to, but I’m already going out to the restaurant.
- I’m really sorry, but I’ve got something else on.
- I really don’t think I can – I’m supposed to be doing something else.
- Unfortunately, I have a prior commitment.
- I wish I could, but I have a family obligation.
- Thanks for the invitation, but I have a conflicting engagement.
- I appreciate the offer, but I’m tied up with another commitment.
- I’m afraid I can’t make it due to a scheduling conflict.
- Thanks for thinking of me, but I have a full schedule that day.
- I have a prior engagement that I can’t reschedule.
- I’d love to, but I already have plans.
- I’ll have to pass this time, but thank you for inviting me.
- I’m afraid I have to decline due to a prior commitment.
- I’m unable to make it, but I appreciate the invitation.
- Unfortunately, I’m already booked for that day.
- Thanks for the invite, but I won’t be able to make it.
(*rain check: used to tell someone that you cannot accept invitations now, but would like to do so at a later time)
Sample Dialogue:
Mike and Ann are at a wedding party:
Mike: Do you want to dance?
Ann: No thanks. I’m a bit tired right now
Mike: How about having a drink?
Ann: Sure, I’d love to!
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