Conversation Lesson 18: Making and Accepting Invitations

Frank: Do you want to go out for dinner tomorrow night? Helen: That’d be nice. I haven’t been to a restaurant for ages. Do you have any place in mind? Frank: Not really. Let me see. Hmm, how about Chinese food this time? Helen: Sounds great! I love Chinese food! Frank: Would 7:00 p.m. be okay with you? Helen: Yeah, that would be a good time. Frank: Then let’s meet in front of the Chinese restaurant on Patterson Avenue just before seven. Helen: All right. I’ll look forward to it.

Culture Note In America it’s considered rude to keep insisting after someone says they cannot accept an invitation. You should not try to force someone to do something he/she doesn’t want to do. When Americans invite people to do something they rarely make a second or third offer after the initial offer has been turned down. A direct response (yes or no), is appreciated by Americans.

Culture Note Americans use phrases that sound like invitations but are not. For example: “We’ll have to get together sometime,” or “You’ll have to come over and visit us sometime.” Since there’s no specific time mentioned you can respond: “Sure, that would be nice,” or “I’d love to,” or something similar.

To Make an Invitation You Can Say . . . I was wondering if you’d like to … If you’re not busy, I thought we could … Would you like to … ? Do you like/want to … ? How about … ?

To Accept an Invitation You Can Say . . . I’d be delighted. I’d like that very much. I’d love to. Yes/Sure, that sounds like fun. Sure, that sounds wonderful. That’d be great. Great, I’ll be there. + Thank you.

Practice Making and Accepting an Invitation Work in pairs. Read each of the following situations and practice making and accepting an invitation.

Making and Accepting an Invitation - Situation 1 You and your classmate. Both you and your classmate have studied together for three years. It’s Friday today. When you meet your classmate, you first make small talk with him/her and then invite him/her to go dancing with you tonight.

Making and Accepting an Invitation - Situation 2 You and your American friend. You get to know an American who is studying Chinese at your university. Whenever you talk to him/her, he/she mentions that he/she would like to know more about the city, such as local history, culture, and even food. The weekend is coming, so invite your American friend to visit some places in your city.

Making and Accepting an Invitation - Situation 3 You and your colleague. You are very much attracted to one of your colleagues in your office. Now you finally have the courage to talk to him/her. After you make small talk with him/her, you invite him/her to do something exciting on the weekend.

Making and Accepting an Invitation - Situation 4 You and a friend. It’s a week-long holiday again. Both you and your friend have plenty of time for leisure activities. Since you find staying at home in those seven days boring, you invite you friend to take a trip somewhere.