Invitations

Exercise 1

Useful Expressions

Inviting Someone

• I would like to invite you to...
• If you have time, I’d like to invite you to...
• Would you like to join us for lunch on Friday?
• Would you care to join us for lunch?
• I was wondering if you would like to...
• We’d be pleased to have you as our guest.

Accepting an Invitation

• Certainly!
• I'd be glad to join you.
• I’d be delighted to come.
• It would be my pleasure.
• Thank you for inviting me.
• That's very kind of you.

Refusing an Invitation

• I'm afraid I will not be able to attend...
• I’m afraid I can’t make it on Friday.
• I'm terribly sorry, but I already have plans for that evening.
• I'd love to, but I'm afraid I have other plans.
• Unfortunately, I have another engagement, but thank you for the invitation.

Exercise 2

Dialogue Practice

Read the dialogue aloud with your teacher.

Mr. Smith calls his company supplier, Ms. Jackson, to invite her for lunch.
Mark Smith	Good morning, may I speak to Ms. Jackson?
Ellen Jackson	Yes, speaking.
Mark Smith	Hello, Ms. Jackson, this is Mark Smith from Smith Leather Company.
Ellen Jackson	Oh, hello, Mr. Smith. What can I do for you?
Mark Smith	I was wondering if you would like to join me for lunch next week. I know a good French restaurant and it would be a good opportunity to talk informally about our next project.
Ellen Jackson	Oh, thank you for inviting me, I’d be glad to come. When would you like to meet?
Mark Smith	How about Tuesday? Let's say, 1 pm?
Ellen Jackson	Hmm, I’m afraid I can’t make it on Tuesday, I have another engagement on that day.
Mark Smith	Okay, so what would be a good time for you?
Ellen Jackson	Perhaps Thursday, 1 pm?
Mark Smith	That sounds good. Shall we meet at the restaurant?
Ellen Jackson	Yes, that would be good.
Mark Smith	Okay, I'll email you the name and address after I make a reservation.
Ellen Jackson	All right, and once again, thank you for the invitation!

Check your understanding:

1.

Why did Mr. Smith invite Ms. Jackson to lunch?

2.

When and where will they meet for lunch?

3.

How will Ms. Jackson find the restaurant?

Exercise 3

Role Play

Role-play the following situation with your teacher.

Situation

You would like to invite one of your business partners to a presentation about your latest product. Your teacher will act as the business partner and he/she will take you up on your invitation. After that, you will also invite him/her to the company's 20-year anniversary. Your teacher will decline that invitation and will present an excuse.

Exercise 4

Discussion

1.

Have you ever invited someone to a business event?

2.

Are there any special customs in your country, when sending invitations to business events?

3.

How do you think people should behave at business events?

4.

Have you ever attended a memorable business event? If so, what was it like?