10 Ways to Accept an Invitation
Knowing how to accept an invitation in English is just as important as knowing how to send one! Whether you’re saying “yes” to a dinner party, a business meeting, or a weekend trip, using the right phrase shows enthusiasm and good manners. This lesson gives you ten natural expressions to graciously accept an invitation in any situation, keeping your conversations friendly and polite.
Common Ways to Accept an Invitation
Enthusiastic & Definite Acceptance
- I’d love to!
Meaning: A simple, very enthusiastic way to accept any social invitation. It is one of the most common ways to confirm.
Example: “Want to come to my birthday party on Friday?” “I’d love to!” - That sounds great, count me in.
Meaning: A friendly and definite acceptance. “Count me in” means you definitely want to be included in the group or activity.
Example: “We’re going to the beach this weekend.” “That sounds great, count me in.” - Absolutely! I’ll be there.
Meaning: Used when you want to show strong agreement and commitment to attend. It’s enthusiastic and reassuring.
Example: “Can you attend the client presentation tomorrow morning?” “Absolutely! I’ll be there.” - I wouldn’t miss it for the world.
Meaning: This is a very enthusiastic, idiomatic phrase showing that the event is very important to you and you are determined to attend.
Example: “Are you coming to the office holiday dinner?” “I wouldn’t miss it for the world.” - What a great idea!
Meaning: Used to accept an invitation that involves an activity or a plan you really like. It focuses on the suggestion itself.
Example: “How about a picnic in the park on Sunday?” “What a great idea!” - Polite & Formal Acceptance
- Thank you, I’m happy to accept.
Meaning: A professional and formal way to accept an invitation, often used in written correspondence or business settings.
Example: “I’m pleased to invite you to the company gala.” “Thank you, I’m happy to accept.” - I appreciate the invitation. That works for me.
Meaning: A polite phrase that expresses gratitude and confirms the date/time is acceptable. “That works for me” is a useful confirmation phrase.
Example: “Can we meet at 3 PM on Tuesday?” “I appreciate the invitation. That works for me.” - I’m looking forward to it.
Meaning: A friendly phrase that shows you accept and are excited about the upcoming event. Often used as a follow-up confirmation.
Example: “See you at the concert on Saturday.” “Yes, I’m looking forward to it.” - I’d be delighted.
Meaning: A formal and very polite way to accept, suggesting genuine pleasure in the invitation. Good for important or elegant events.
Example: “Would you join us for a charity luncheon?” “I’d be delighted.” - Yes, that’s possible.
Meaning: A straightforward, slightly reserved but perfectly acceptable way to confirm you can attend, often used when responding to practical suggestions.
Example: “Do you think you can make it to the gym by 6:30 tonight?” “Yes, that’s possible.”
Real-Life Dialogues
Friend A: “How about we go see that new superhero movie on Friday night?”
Friend B: “I’d love to! What a great idea! Count me in.”
Colleague A: “Our manager has invited us all to a workshop on leadership next Tuesday.”
Colleague B: “Thank you, I’m happy to accept. I appreciate the invitation.”
Host: “We’re having a small gathering at my place for the football game. Will you come?”
Guest: “That sounds great, I wouldn’t miss it for the world. I’m looking forward to it.”
Quick Tips: Choosing the Right Phrase
| Situation | Recommended Expression to Accept an Invitation | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Casual Social Event (Friends) | I’d love to! or That sounds great, count me in. | These are energetic and show genuine excitement. |
| Professional/Formal Event (Work) | Thank you, I’m happy to accept. | Formal and respectful, clearly confirming your attendance. |
| Confirming a Time/Date | I appreciate the invitation. That works for me. | Confirms the details are correct and that you can attend. |
| Showing High Enthusiasm | I wouldn’t miss it for the world. | This phrase clearly expresses that you are very excited to go. |
Practice Tip
When you accept an invitation, always try to ask a follow-up question. For example, after saying “I’d love to!” ask, “What should I bring?” or “What time should I arrive?” This shows you are engaged and preparing to attend.
Why This Matters
- Show Your Enthusiasm: Simply saying “Yes” is acceptable, but using these phrases makes you sound much warmer and more excited to participate.
- Build Stronger Bonds: When you accept an invitation politely and with enthusiasm, you show respect for the host and strengthen your social relationships.
- Clarify Your Commitment: Phrases like “That works for me” or “I’ll be there” clearly confirm your attendance, helping the organizer plan better.
The next time someone invites you somewhere, try one of these phrases instead of just “yes.” Practice using one of the enthusiastic expressions with a friend today! Happy learning! 😊
