Practical English: Making an invitation

Practical English: Making an invitation Espresso English

“Would you like to join me for lunch on Saturday?”

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Here are four real English conversations to help you practice English speaking. Listen to the phrases and repeat them so that you can confidently make an invitation in English!

Conversation 1 – Informal

A: “What are you doing on Friday night?”

B: “Nothing special. Why?”

A: “Do you wanna see a movie?”

B: “Sure! What time?”

A: “Can I pick you up around 7?”

B: “Sounds good.”

Notes:

  • “pick you up” means that person A will go to person B’s house and take person B to the movie. 
  • “Sounds good” means that person B approves of this plan.

Conversation 2 – Informal

A: “Would you like to come over for dinner tonight?”

B: “I can’t. I have to study.”

A: “OK, then how about getting together for coffee tomorrow afternoon?”

B: “Sorry. I have other plans.”

Notes:

  • “Would you like to…” can be used in formal or informal conversation. 
  • “How about” is always followed by the -ing form. “How about to get together” is incorrect.
  • In this conversation, person B’s responses show that she is NOT interested in spending time with person A, and they give the impression that she will not be interested in the future – differently from formal conversation 4 below.

Conversation 3 – Formal

A: “Are you free next Saturday?”

B: “I believe so.”

A: “We were wondering if you’d like to go to a baseball game with us. We have an extra ticket.”

B: “I’d love to!”

Notes: 

  • “We were wondering if…” makes the invitation less direct. It can be used in formal situations, or in informal situations if the person making the invitation is a little shy  🙂

Conversation 4 – Formal

A: “We’re going to the Italian restaurant. Would you care to join us?”

B: “I’d love to, but I’m afraid I have another commitment this evening. Maybe another time.”

Notes:

  • “Would you care to join us?” is used in more formal conversation.
  • “Maybe another time” means that person B would like to be invited by person A again in the future. Another phrase used for this is “Can I take a raincheck?”

Learn more: How to start a conversation in English

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Practical English: Making an invitation Espresso English

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