Language structures – Invitations

To invite someone we can use the following expressions:

• Would you …….?
• Would you like to …..?
• How about……?
• What about …..?

E.g.:

• Would you come to the cinema with me?
• Would you like to come to the cinema with me?
• How about going to the cinema?
• What about going to the cinema?

Accepting an invitation (saying ‘yes’)

• I’d love to.
• It would be lovely.
• It would be great.
• I can’t wait to (go).
• That’s a great idea.

Refusing an invitation (saying ‘no’)

• I’m afraid, I can’t.
• Sorry, I’m busy.
• It would be great but…..
• I’d love to but……

A dialogue

• Joe: Hello Suzann. I’m free at the weekend and I was thinking about watching a new film on Friday. Would you like to come to the cinema with me?
• Suzy: I’d love to but I’m going to a birthday party on Friday.
• Joe: How about Saturday then?
• Suzy: I’m afraid I can’t. I’m travelling to my parents.
• Joe: Ok, and what about Sunday evening?
• Suzy: That would be great.
• Joe: That’s settled then. I’ll call you about the details at the weekend.