Expression of Inviting and Rejecting an Invitation

Definition

An invitation is a request, a solicitation, or an attempt to get another person to join you at a specific event. 

You can use these expressions to invite someone.

• Shall we ...?

• Can you come to ....

• Would you like to come?

• I’d very much like you to come.

You can use these expressions to decline an invitation.

When declining an invitation, acknowledge the generosity of it, for example you could say: "Thank you so much for the invitation, I really appreciate it and it means a great deal". Then give a specific reason as to why you cannot attend the event. Preferably, it should be an honest, genuine explanation. Below are the expressions.

• I’m terribly sorry. I don’t think I can.

• I’m very sorry, I can’t.

• Thank you very much, but ....

Short example of inviting and rejecting an invitation:

1.     Helli: Hi Jerry, I want to invite you to my party on Saturday night. 
Jerry: Oh no, Helli! I have to be at work on Saturday night as I’m working night shift, I appreciate the invite but I cannot afford to miss work.

2.     Sheila   :  Hello, this is Sheila. May I speak to Fay?

Fay       :  This is Fay speaking.

Sheila   :  Oh, hi Fay. I wonder if you’d like to come to my house right now. We’re having a great party. 
Fay      :  I don’t think I can. I’m doing my homework. My parents won’t let me out before I finish my homework.

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