CONTENTS

Inviting

Refusing

Accepting

Exercises

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)

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)

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)

EXERCISES

EXERCISE 1Choosing 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)

EXERCISES 2Match each invitation (1-5) with the best answer

(A-E)

1. Can you come to lunch on Monday?

2. Would you like to come in for a coffee now?

3. Would you like to go for a picnic this weekend?

4. I’d like you to come to a party at my house?

5. Come round for dinner tonight!

A. Sorry, I've got a meeting this evening.

B. That would be very nice. When is it?

C. I’m sorry, that’s my day in London.

D. I’d love to. Where shall we go?

E. That would be lovely, but I prefer tea!

Exercise 3Looking at the situations and respond,

using expressions

Situation 1

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

Situation 2

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

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.

Situation 4

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

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!

Thank for your attentions