Invitation and Response

CONVERSATION 1 – INFORMAL
A: “What are you doing on Friday night?”

B: “Nothing special. Why?”
A: “Do you wanna see a movie?”
B: “Sure! What time?”
A: “Can I pick you up around 7?”
B: “Sounds good.”
Notes:
 “pick you up” means that person A will go to person B’s house and take person B
to the movie.
 “Sounds good” means that person B approves of this plan.
CONVERSATION 2 – INFORMAL
A: “Would you like to come over for dinner tonight?”
B: “I can’t. I have to study.”
A: “OK, then how about getting together for coffee tomorrow afternoon?”
B: “Sorry. I have other plans.”
Notes:
 “Would you like to…” can be used in formal or informal conversation.
 “How about” is always followed by the -ing form. “How about to get together” is
incorrect.
 In this conversation, person B’s responses show that she is NOT interested in
spending time with person A, and they give the impression that she will not be
interested in the future – differently from formal conversation 4 below.
CONVERSATION 3 – FORMAL
A: “Are you free next Saturday?”
B: “I believe so.”
A: “We were wondering if you’d like to go to a baseball game with us. We
have an extra ticket.”
B: “I’d love to!”
Notes:
 “We were wondering if…” makes the invitation less direct. It can be used in
formal situations, or in informal situations if the person making the invitation is a
little shy
CONVERSATION 4 – FORMAL
A: “We’re going to the Italian restaurant. Would you care to join us?”
B: “I’d love to, but I’m afraid I have another commitment this evening.
Maybe another time.”
Notes:
 “Would you care to join us?” is used in more formal conversation.
 “Maybe another time” means that person B would like to be invited by person A
again in the future. Another phrase used for this is “Can I take a raincheck?”
Accept and Decline Invitations in English Easily
How to Say Yes
STEP 1: Say Thank You
 Thank you.
 Thanks for the invitation.
 That is so kind of you.
 Thanks for thinking of us.
 That sounds great.
 How wonderful!
 Awesome!
 How fun!
STEP 2: Be Clear about Your Yes

 We will be there. (Make it clear who is coming so the host is sure, by saying
for example: John and I will be there, OR the kids and I will be there)
 We can’t wait.
 Count me in.
 We will be there will bells on.*
 Wouldn’t miss it!
 Absolutely!
 I’ll be there for sure.
 I’d love to come.
 I’m in/ I’m down/ Sure thing (Casual)**
STEP 3: Confirm the Details

 So we will see you on the 10th then.
 We look forward to seeing you there.
 How lovely! I can’t wait.
 It is going to be great!
 What would you like us to bring?
 Let me know if I can help with the preparations.
 Is there anything I can do to help?
 Fabulous, see you then!
How to Say Maybe
STEP 1: Start with Thank You
 Thank you.
 Thanks for the invitation…
 That sounds great.
 How wonderful!
 Awesome!
 How fun!
STEP 2: Use a Polite Way to Say Maybe*

 I’m not sure whether I can but I’ll check my calendar and let you know.
 Perhaps I can make it. Let me check my calendar.
 Perhaps I can reschedule something. I will see what I can do.
How to Say No
STEP 1: Start with Thank You
 Thank you.
 Thanks for the invitation but…
 I appreciate the invite but…
STEP 2: Explain You Cannot Go with an Apologetic Tone

 But I am not able to make it.
 But I am not able to come.
 But I’m sorry, I’m afraid we can’t make it.
 Unfortunately I already have plans.
 So sorry, I’ll have to take a rain check.
 I would love to come but…
 That sounds fabulous but…
 I wish I could join you but…
 I am so sorry we can’t make it…
 It is a shame we can’t be there…
 I am disappointed that I can’t make it…
 That would have been wonderful, so sorry we can’t be there.
STEP 3: Give a Simple, Clear Reason
 It is my sister’s birthday that day.
 Joe leaves for his trip that afternoon.
 The children have a school event we have to attend.
 We will be away on vacation then.
 We have a prior engagement.
 We already have plans.
 We have a clash in our schedule.
STEP 4: Close Positively

 I hope it goes well.
 We will be thinking of you.
 Enjoy it!
 We will make it up to you another day.
 I would love to catch up another time.
 How about another time?

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CONVERSATION 1 – INFORMAL

A: “What are you doing on Friday night?”

STEP 2: Be Clear about Your Yes

STEP 3: Confirm the Details

STEP 2: Use a Polite Way to Say Maybe*

STEP 2: Explain You Cannot Go with an Apologetic Tone

STEP 4: Close Positively

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