Expression of invitation

Content

1. Inviting
2. Accepting
3. Declining
4. Practice speaking
INVITING
An invitation consists of requesting
someone’s presence, stating the specific
event, and setting the time and place.
Making the invitation in one of two ways:
- states what kind of party, excursion,
etc., is being planned; or
- asks if the listener is free at such-and-
such a time and then says why.
Invitations are usually made privately, in
person or by phone.
PHRASES FOR MAKING AN
INVITATION
 I’d like to invite you to...
 I was wondering if you’d like to...
 Would you join us...?
 Would you like to...?
 Why don’t you...?
 How about...?
 Let’s...
ACCEPTING

Express pleasure at being invited and

then get details of place and time.
Then, ask the host or hostess whether
you can help by bringing something,
such as a bottle of wine.
Should not bring children when being
invited out by an American unless
being specific invited.
Thank the person for the invitation
Picnics and barbecues are usually good
parties for children.
PHRASES FOR ACCEPTING

 Thank you. I’d be delighted to accept.

 Thank you. I’d love to.
 That would be wonderful.
 Thank you. I’d enjoy that.
 Yes, thank you. What time?
 Sounds great.
 Ok.
 All right.
DECLINING

If an invitation must be refused, most

people expect a reason. The following
sequence would be appropriate: apology,
reason for refusal, thanks for the
invitation, and perhaps a second apology.
If someone asks if you are free at a certain
time, but doesn’t say what the invitation is
for, you are not required to commit
yourself until you know what the invitation
is for. If this happens, tell the person who
invited you that you have to check and
that you’ll tell him or her later.
 PHRASES FOR DECLINING
 I’m awfully sorry, but I have other plans.
 I wish I could, but...
 I’d love to, but (I’m afraid I can’t).
 I’d really like to, but...
 Thanks a lot, but (I’ve made another arrangement).
 Sorry. I’ve already made plans for Saturday.
 Oh darn! Have to...
PRACTICE SPEAKING

Situation 1
A and B are good friends. They work in the
same office. A has just finished moving into a
new house and wants to invite B over to
celebrate.
A B
 Greets B  Returns greeting
 Invites B to housewarming  Accepts invitation, asks
about time
 Gives time
 Offers to bring
 Accepts or rejects the something
offer
 Expresses pleasure,
thanks A for invitation
Situation 2
A is a professor at a large university where B,
a foreign student, is a candidate for the Ph.D.
degree. A and B have met each other only
once before. Now A wants to invite B to his or
her house for a barbecue

A B
 Greets B  Greets A
 Invites B  Asks about time
 Gives time  Accept invitation,
 Expresses pleasure thank A
 Role-play 1
A and a friend , B, are standing in the hall
talking. C comes up to them and greets them.
C wants to invite A to a dinner party, but
doesn't want B to come.

Useful expressions:

A C B
Nice to see you What’s happening? Haven’t seen you
again Just passing by in a long time
We were just Give me a call A I think she’s avoiding me
talking
Role-play 2
Work in pairs, A invites B to the birthday
party, B accepts and expresses pleasure

Useful expressions:

A B
Come over for birthday Awfully busy schedule
party Reports to write for the
Love to have you president