A2Invitations20 min
Invite a friend to an event, then reply to an invitation: say yes, or say no politely and suggest another plan.
We write invitations to ask people to join us for a party, a meal or a trip. A good invitation says what the event is, when and where it is, and asks the person to reply. A good reply thanks the person, gives a clear answer and, if you cannot come or need to change something, explains why. Both messages are informal and friendly.
Model text
Hi Kofi,
I'm having a small picnic for my birthday on Saturday 14 June at Riverside Park. We're meeting by the big fountain at 1 pm. My brother is making his famous lemon cake! Would you like to come? Please bring a game if you have one. Let me know by Thursday.
Best wishes,
Mina
Hi Mina,
Thanks for inviting me! I'd love to come, but I'm working until 2 pm on Saturday. Is it OK if I arrive at about 3? I'll bring my football and some fruit.
See you soon,
Kofi
| Purpose | Useful language |
|---|---|
| Invite | Would you like to come to ...? / Do you want to join us? |
| Give details | It's on Saturday at 7 pm. / We're meeting at ... |
| Ask for a reply | Let me know by Friday. / Can you tell me if you can come? |
| Accept | Thanks for inviting me! I'd love to come. / That sounds great. |
| Say no politely | I'm sorry, but I can't come because ... / I'm afraid I'm busy that day. |
| Suggest something else | How about next weekend? / Maybe we can meet another day. |
| Offer to bring something | I'll bring some snacks. / Can I bring anything? |
Exercise 1 of 2
Choose the best word or phrase.
Exercise 2 of 2
Type the missing word. Use: about, afraid, bring, know, love, would.
you like to come to the cinema with us on Sunday?
Thanks for the invitation. I'd to come!
I'm I can't come on Sunday. I have an exam on Monday.
Can I anything to the party? Some drinks or a salad?
Please let me by Friday if you can come.
I can't come on Thursday. How Friday?
Your turn
Write an invitation to a friend for an event you are planning (for example a picnic, a film night or a cooking evening). Say what the event is, when and where it is, and ask your friend to reply. Then write your friend's reply: they say thank you and accept, but they need to change something (for example, they will be late).
0 words
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Hi Tomás,
We're having a cooking evening at our flat on Friday 3 May. We're making pizza and everyone can add their favourite things. It starts at 7 pm. Would you like to join us? Can you bring some vegetables? Please let me know by Wednesday.
Best wishes, Aiko
Hi Aiko,
Thanks for the invitation! That sounds great and I'd love to come. I'm afraid I have a football match on Friday evening, so I'll be about an hour late. Is that OK? I'll bring peppers and mushrooms.
See you on Friday, Tomás
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Original lesson by Joy English.
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