1. SPEAKING

2. CONTENTS
Inviting
Refusing
Accepting
Exercises

3. INVITING Can you come to a barbecue? Do come to the tea-part!
Would you like to have dinner with me?
Will you come to my party?
I’d like you to come to dinner. (semi-formal)
I would like to invite you to the reception. (formal)

4. REFUSING I’m sorry, I can’t that day. What a pity! I can’t make it.
I’m afraid. I’m very busy that week.
I don’t think I can.
Oh, I am sorry.
I won’t be able to.
I’m afraid I’m unable to come.
I regret I am unable to accept. (formal)

5. ACCEPTING I’d love to What time? Yes, that would be lovely. Great!
What fun!
Yes, I think so.
When exactly?
Yes, I’ll look forward to it.
I would be delighted to accept. (formal)

6. EXERCISES

7. EXERCISE 1 Choosing the correct word(s) from the pair in brackets to complete the sentences
1. _______ you come to the meeting? (May / Will)
2. Would you___________to play tennis with me? (like / love)
3. I’m______, I can’t come then. (afraid / sorry)
4. What a pity! I won’t be able_____. (it / to)
5. Great! We’ll_______forward to it. (look / looking)
6. I regret I am_______to accept. (can’t/unable)
7. Yes, that would be_______ (delighted/lovely)
8. He’d like _____and see him. (that you go/you to go)

8. EXERCISES 2 Match each invitation (1-5) with the best answer (A-E)
Can you come to lunch on Monday?
Would you like to come in for a coffee now?
Would you like to go for a picnic this weekend?
I’d like you to come to a party at my house?
Come round for dinner tonight!
Sorry, I've got a meeting this evening.
That would be very nice. When is it?
I’m sorry, that’s my day in London.
I’d love to. Where shall we go?
That would be lovely, but I prefer tea!

9. Exercise 3 Looking at the situations and respond, using expressions

10. Situation 1
You’re going to celebrate your eighteenth birthday with a big party in two weeks’ time. Invite your friends.

11. Situation 2
Your best friend invites you to go on an exciting weekend trip with him / her. You accept.

12. Situation 3
Your aunt invites you to spend a few days at her house, but you’ve already arranged something for that week, so you will have to refuse.

13. Situation 4
Invite someone you don’t know very well to have a meal with you and your family.

14. Situation 5
A friend rings up and says, ‘How about coming round to my place tonight, to listen to some music?’ You have too much homework!

15. Thank for your attentions