The Situation
A colleague invites you to lunch. A neighbour invites you to a barbecue. You want to invite a friend to the cinema. Inviting and answering is simple — but saying no without sounding rude is an important skill.
Key Phrases
Inviting
| Phrase | Level |
|---|---|
| Would you like to come to my birthday party on Saturday? | polite |
| Do you want to get lunch tomorrow? | friendly |
| Are you free on Friday evening? | first, check if they're free |
| How about going to the park on Sunday? | suggesting |
| We're having a barbecue on Sunday. Would you like to join us? | invitation to a group event |
Saying yes
- Yes, I'd love to!
- That sounds great!
- Sure, why not?
- Thanks, I'd love to come. What time?
- Can I bring anything? (very polite in North America)
Saying no politely
Formula: thank + sorry + reason.
- Thanks for asking, but I'm afraid I can't. I'm working on Saturday.
- Oh, I'd love to, but I have plans that evening.
- That's really kind of you, but I'm busy on Friday.
Suggesting another time
- How about next week instead?
- Maybe another time?
- Are you free on Sunday?
- Can we do it another day?
Dialogue 1: Lunch with a Colleague
Sara: Hey, Viktor, do you want to get lunch tomorrow? There's a new Thai place near the office. Viktor: That sounds great! What time? Sara: How about 12:30? Viktor: Perfect. Should I meet you downstairs? Sara: Yes, see you at 12:30!
Dialogue 2: Saying No and Suggesting Another Time
Tom: Would you like to come to a barbecue at our place on Saturday? Irina: Oh, thank you! I'd love to, but I'm working on Saturday. Tom: That's a shame. Irina: Are you doing anything on Sunday? Maybe we could have coffee? Tom: Sure, Sunday morning works. Irina: Great! And thanks again for the invitation.
Dialogue 3: Accepting and Asking Details
Neighbour: We're having a small party for our daughter's graduation next Friday. Would you like to join us? Ahmed: Congratulations! Yes, I'd love to come. What time does it start? Neighbour: Around 6. Ahmed: Great. Can I bring anything? Neighbour: Oh, just yourself! But a dessert would be lovely.
Tips
- "I'd love to, but..." is the friendliest way to say no.
- In English-speaking cultures, people usually give a reason when they decline, but it doesn't need to be long.
- "Maybe another time" is polite, but if you really want to meet, suggest a specific day.
Common Mistakes
- "Would you like come?" → Would you like to come?
- "I can't. Bye." → too direct. Add thanks and a reason.
- "I'm not free in Saturday." → I'm not free on Saturday.
- "Thanks for invite me." → Thanks for inviting me. / Thanks for the invitation.
Your Turn: Practise Speaking
- Invite three people to three different things (lunch, a film, a walk).
- Say no to an invitation politely with a reason, and suggest another day.
- Practise Dialogue 3 and add one more question about the party.