Making Invitations Tutorial for English Learners

Making Invitations Tutorial for English Learners Making invitations is a fun part of using the English language. Inviting people to join you for dinner, social events, or other occasions is usually done using would like as a polite form rather can you This form can be used for both formal and informal invitations. Remember that would you like ... is always followed by the infinitive form of the verb (to do). Phrases for Inviting People Informal Phrases Would you like to verb? Why dont we verb? Lets verb. How about verb ing? Would you like to have a drink? Why dont we go out for dinner? Lets go out this weekend. How about going to a movie? Indicate that you are making an invitation rather than asking just to do something together by using the following phrases: Im buying.My treat.Its on me.Youre my guest. Lets get a drink. Im buying.Why dont we have breakfast. My treat.Lets go to a bar. Its on me.No, Ill pay the tab. Youre my guest. Formal Phrases Would you like to verb?Id like to ask you to verbIt would be my pleasure if you would verbMay I have the honor of your verbing? Id like to ask you to attend the open ceremonies next week.May we have the honor of your presence at dinner on Friday?It would be my pleasure if you would join us for dinner tonight.Would you like to attend the performance with me? Example Dialogues Person 1: Would you like to join us for dinner this evening?Person 2: Thank you. Yes, that would be very nice. Person 1: Would you like to come with us?Person 2: Sure! Its also common to use suggestion forms in more informal situations to invite other people to join you in doing something. These forms include lets do, how about / what about doing, shall we. Example Dialogues Person 1: Lets go out on the town tonight. Person 2: Yes, lets do that. Person 1: Shall we get some dinner tonight? Person 2: That sounds like fun. Thanking People for Invitations Always thank someone for inviting you to do something. Here are some of the most common forms used to accept an invitation. Thank you very much.That would be nice.Certainly, Id love to...Sure, that would be great! (informal) Example Dialogues Person 1: Would you like to come over for dinner?Person 2: That would be nice. Thank you. Person 1: How about joining us for ice-cream?Person 2: Sure, that would be great! If you are unable to accept an invitation, use one of the following polite phrases to respond. Thank you. Im afraid I have another engagement.Sorry, Im afraid I cant. Practice Situations Find a partner and use these suggestions to practice inviting people for different occasions. Make sure to vary the language you use when practicing rather than using the same phrase over and over again. invite your boss over for dinner next week (formal)invite a friend out for a drink (informal)invite an important person to have lunch with you (formal)invite your brother or sister over for a barbecue (informal)