Speaking · Free lesson
Accept or decline an invitation clearly
A friend invites you to a picnic on Saturday. You already have plans that day, but Sunday is free. Be friendly without accidentally agreeing to Saturday.
Professor Scott MendozaThe short answer
A useful reply combines thanks with a clear answer: “Thanks, I’d love to!” accepts; “Thanks for inviting me, but I can’t make it on Saturday” declines. Suggest another time only if you want to and it is genuinely possible.
Warmth and a clear answer can go together.
Would you like to join us? asks about an invitation. I’d love to expresses willingness to accept. I can’t make it means you cannot attend. A short reason is optional; a long personal explanation is not required.
Make the decision easy to understand
Thanks, I’d love to join you.
Thanks for inviting me, but I can’t make it on Saturday.
I’m free on Sunday. Would that work?
Maybe is useful when you are genuinely uncertain. If you already know you cannot come, it leaves the answer unclear.
Respond in two short moves
Acknowledge the invitation
Thanks for inviting me.
State your availability
I can’t make it on Saturday, but I’m free on Sunday.
Try it now
Say what you actually mean
Read all answers and explanations
You want to go and are available. Which reply clearly accepts?
Thanks, I’d love to come.I’d love to come accepts. Can’t make it declines; maybe leaves the answer undecided.
You know you cannot attend Saturday. Choose a polite, clear refusal.
Thanks for inviting me, but I can’t make it on Saturday.The middle reply matches your availability and thanks the inviter. The others agree or create uncertainty despite a known conflict.
You want to meet Sunday and are free then. Which reply offers that alternative?
I’m free on Sunday. Would that work?Sunday matches the stated availability and the question lets your friend decide too.
Put it into practice
Reply to Alex’s invitation
You cannot come Saturday. You are free Sunday and would like to meet then.
- Alex
Would you like to join our picnic on Saturday?
See a model answer
- Alex
Would you like to join our picnic on Saturday?
- You
Thanks for inviting me, but I can’t make it on Saturday.
- Alex
That’s a shame. Would another day work?
- You
I’m free on Sunday. Would that work?
Your thanks shows appreciation; your clear no avoids a false commitment. Sunday is offered because it genuinely fits your plans.
A little more clarity
Common questions
A few useful details before you move on.
Must I explain all my plans?
No. A brief, honest refusal is enough in many casual situations. Share a reason only if you want to.
Thanks, but I can’t make it this time.
What if I really do not know yet?
Say you need to check. If possible, agree on when you will reply instead of letting maybe sound like a promise.
Let me check my schedule. Can I tell you tomorrow?
Take it into your day
Thank the person, make your answer clear, and offer an alternative only if you mean it.
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