Accepting and Refusing Invitations

Your friend invites you to a party but you are tired and you want to refuse. What could you say?

• I don't go to parties.

• It sounds awesome.

• I'm afraid I can't but maybe next time?

• Great

Your friend is planning a surprise birthday party for a mutual friend. She invites you. What is the best way to accept?

• Sure!

• Sounds great so what can I bring?

• Sorry, but I can't make it.

• Yes, that sounds like fun!

Your friend invites you to a rock concert but you don't like rock music. What do you say to refuse?

• Cool. I'd love to.

• Oh, thanks but I'm not interested in that kind of music.

• Thanks for the invitation but rock music is not really my thing. Count me in for jazz!

• Thanks. I'll definitely be there. I like rock music.

Your work colleague is organizing a staff party and she invites you to come. You have an important exam the next day. Which answer would be considered rude?

• I'd love to but I have to study.

• I'll be there but only for a short time because I have an exam in the morning.

• I can't.

• Sorry I can't.

Your friend invites you to watch a football match. You want to go but you really are busy. What can you say?

• It would be great but I have to visit my grandparents. Maybe next time?

• Sounds like fun but I can't.

• No thanks, I can't

• I'd love to, thanks. When is it?

Your neighbor starts talking to you and you need to leave. What is the best way to handle that?

• I would like to stay and talk but my shift starts soon.

• Gotta go - bye!

• Stop talking!

• I have to go to work.

Your friend invites you to eat out but you can't make it. Which is the best answer?

• Thanks but I'm not hungry.

• I'd love to, but I must finish my homework tonight.

• I am not sure. Let me check my schedule.

• I can't miss it.

Your friend is planning a party for an acquaintance (Mary) in a café. She invites you to the party too but you don't have a good relationship with this person. What do you say if you don't want to go?

• Cool, see you there.

• Of course, I'll come.

• Thanks, but I don't get on well with Mary.

• Thanks for the invitation but I won't be able to make it.

Your boss asks you to work a double shift again for the second week in a row. How can you politely refuse?

• I am really sorry but I feel exhausted.

• Sorry, but I can't.

• I'm afraid I can't so stop asking me!

• Sorry, but I'm too busy.

Your friend invites you to a beach party but you have to help your father wash his car. What do you say to refuse?

• I'll be there for sure.

• Sounds fun.

• I would really like to but I must help my father.

• I can't - sorry!