Invitations and Replies: Saying Yes (and No) Politely
A2 · Writing Lab · about 20 minutes
1 · Learn
An invitation must answer four questions: What is the event? When is it (day + time)? Where is it? And how does the guest reply? Miss one, and your guests are confused.
Declining is a writing skill too. The polite formula is: Thank-you + sorry + short reason + warm wish. “Thanks so much for inviting me. I'm sorry, but we're visiting family that weekend. Have a wonderful time!” — nobody feels rejected by that.
2 · See an Example
A Birthday Invitation — and Two Replies
Hi everyone!
I'm having a birthday dinner on Saturday, June 14, at 7 p.m. at my place — 22 Lake Street, Apartment 4. Nothing fancy: pasta, music, and good people. Can you come? Please text me by Thursday so I can plan the food.
— Reply 1: Hi Emma! I'd love to come. See you Saturday! — Tom
— Reply 2: Hi Emma, thanks so much for inviting me. I'm sorry, but I'm flying to Denver that weekend. Have a great night! — Lily
3 · Analyze the Example
- All four details present. What (birthday dinner), when (Saturday, June 14, 7 p.m.), where (full address), reply (text by Thursday).
- Tone-setting line. “Nothing fancy: pasta, music, and good people” tells guests how to dress and what to expect.
- Accepting = short and warm. “I'd love to come” is the natural yes. (“I'd love to” = I really want to.)
- Declining = the 4-step formula. Thanks → sorry → reason (a flight) → warm wish. Polite and complete in three sentences.
Useful Vocabulary
She invited us to dinner.
It's not a fancy restaurant.
“Can you come?” “I'd love to!”
Please reply by Thursday.
I need to plan the food.
Useful Expressions
- I'm having a … on … at …
- Can you come?
- Please let me know by …
- I'd love to come!
- Thanks for inviting me. I'm sorry, but …
Common Mistakes
✗ Come to my party. It is on Saturday.
✓ Come to my party on Saturday, May 3, at 6 p.m. at my house, 8 Pine Street.
Guests need the date, the time, AND the address — “Saturday” alone is not enough.
✗ No, I can't come.
✓ Thanks so much for inviting me! I'm sorry, but I have to work that night. Have a wonderful time!
A flat “No” sounds rude. Thank, apologize, explain briefly, wish well.
✗ Please answer me immediately or no food for you.
✓ Please text me by Thursday so I can plan the food.
Give a deadline with a friendly reason — never a threat.
4 · Guided Practice
Write the missing details: invite a friend to a picnic — add day, date, time, and place.
See a model answer
Example: “Join us for a picnic on Sunday, July 6, at 12:30 p.m. in Lakewood Park, by the big trees.”
Write a polite no: you can't go to a dinner because you have an exam on Monday.
See a model answer
Example: “Thanks so much for inviting me! I'm sorry, but I have a big exam on Monday and I have to study. Have a great night!”
Choose the warmer yes: (a) OK. (b) I'd love to — count me in!
See a model answer
(b) — “I'd love to” shows real pleasure.
5 · Write — Your Task
✍️ Write an invitation to a small event at your home (dinner, birthday, game night, study party): give the event, day + date + time, your address, and a reply deadline. Then write ONE reply as a guest: accept it warmly or decline politely.
Goal: Invitation (5–7 sentences) + reply (2–3 sentences) · Length: 70–100 words total
- Check the four details: what, when, where, reply by when.
- If you decline: thanks + sorry + reason + warm wish.
- Add one line about what to expect (food, music, casual dress).
6 · Check — Self-Check
Work through your checklist honestly, then run the Self-Check. It counts words and sentences and spots mechanical points — it does not grade your English. You are the editor.
Read a model answer for the task
Hi friends!
I'm having a small game night on Friday, October 3, at 8 p.m. at my apartment — 145 Oak Avenue, Apt. 9. We'll play cards, order pizza, and listen to music. Nothing fancy — just come hungry! Please let me know by Wednesday so I can buy drinks.
— Reply: Hi Jack, I'd love to come! Can I bring a dessert? See you Friday! — Chris
7 · Improve & Rewrite
Weak version — rewrite it in your notebook first, then compare:
Party at my house Saturday night. Come. Tell me if you come.
See an improved version
Hi everyone! I'm having a small party on Saturday, August 16, at 8 p.m. at my house, 31 River Road. There'll be music, snacks, and a birthday cake at 10. Can you make it? Please text me by Friday so I know how much cake to buy!
Quick Quiz
Keep going
📘 Grammar deep-dive: Imperatives & Let's: Instructions, Orders & Offers🌱 Vocabulary Builder: the A1 Time Basics set🎤 Speaking Studio: say this lesson out loud← Previous lesson · A2 — all lessons · Next: Polite Requests: Asking for Help in Writing →
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