Meeting 5

ACCEPTING AND REFUSING INVITATION

Inviting

Here are some phrases and expressions for inviting in English.

• Do you want to . . .
• Do you wanna . . . (informal)
• Would you like to . . . (more polite)
• How about (V+ing) ?
• How would you like to . . .

1. Do you want to dance? 2. Would you like to go hiking this weekend? 3. How about going swimming on Friday? 4. How would you like to play golf tomorrow?

No thanks. I'm kind of tired right now Sure, I'd love to. What time should we meet? Ah. Can I get back to you on that? Sounds like a great idea. Where do you want to go?

Speaking Situations: Inviting

Do you want to / wanna (very informal)
Would you like to
Will you . . . (with me)
How about V+ing
How would you like to
I was wondering if you would (like to)
I would like to invite you to (more formal)

Conversation practice

When inviting someone to do something with you,
it is polite to "break the ice" before extending the invitation.

For example,

Will you go dancing with me on Friday? (too abrupt by itself)
(Give the other person time to "prepare" for your invitation.)

Do you have time on Friday?
Yes, I do. Why do you ask?
There's a dance at the Grand Ballroom.

Would you like to go with me?
Sure! I'd love to.

Role plays the following situations with a partner.
Include details and give a variety of responses.

1. Invite your partner to go fishing this weekend.

2. Invite your partner to your home for dinner.

3. Invite your partner to see the circus.

4. Invite your partner to attend your violin concert.

5. Invite your partner to attend a political rally.

6. Invite your partner to your child's performance.

7. Invite your partner to your son's graduation party.

Accepting and Refusing

Accepting and refusing politely may depend on what you are asked. For example

Would you like some cake?

Yes, please. Sure. Thanks Okay. Thank you

No, thank you I'd better not. No, but thanks for offering.

Would you like to go see a movie?

Okay. Sounds good. Sure. I'd love to. Yeah. Good idea

No, I'd rather not. I'm sorry, but I can't. No, but thanks for inviting me.

How about some more pie?

All right. Thanks Looks good. Thanks Don't mind if I do.

No, thanks. I'm really full. Thanks anyway. Looks delicious, but I'll have to pass.

How about going skiing this weekend?

Great. What time? Sounds like fun. All right. When and where?

Sorry. I'm busy this weekend. I don't think I can. How about some other time?