Making Invitations
Making Invitations
Do you know how to invite someone to your house for dinner or to go to the movies? What do you say in English when someone invites you? Here are some common expressions you can use when making or 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.
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?
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.
(Note: "Rain check" is used to politely decline an invitation now, but express interest in accepting it at a later time.)
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!