Writing and Responding to an Informal Email Invitation - A2 English Writing — Explanation

An informal email invitation is a friendly message that asks someone you know to join an event or activity. At A2 level, you should be able to explain your plan, give the essential details and ask for a reply. You should also know how to accept or refuse an invitation politely.

What should an informal invitation include?

A useful invitation answers four simple questions: What is happening? When is it? Where is it? What should your friend do next? Give these details in a natural order so the reader does not need to ask for basic information.

1. Greet your friend: use Hi Maya, or Hey Ben,.
2. Say why you are writing: introduce the event or plan.
3. Give the details: include the day, time, place and any useful instructions.
4. Invite the reader: ask a clear question such as Would you like to come?
5. Ask for a reply: use Let me know if you can make it.
6. Finish warmly: use See you soon,, Take care, or Best, and your first name.

Example of an informal email invitation

Subject: Games night at my place

Hi Ella,

I’m having a games night at my flat next Friday, and I’d love you to come. A few friends from our course are coming too.

We’re starting at 7 p.m. My flat is opposite the sports centre, above the bookshop. You don’t need to bring any food, but bring your favourite game if you have one.

Would you like to join us? Let me know by Wednesday so I can plan everything.

Hope you can come!
Jamie

The email is friendly but clear. Jamie explains the event, gives the time and place, says what Ella can bring and asks for an answer.

Useful phrases for inviting someone

• I’m having a small party on Saturday.
• We’re going to the open-air cinema this weekend.
• Would you like to come with us?
• Do you want to join us?
• I’d love you to come.
• Why don’t we meet outside the station?
• Let me know if you’re free.
• Hope you can make it!

How to talk about future plans

Informal invitations often describe the future. Use the present continuous for an arrangement that is already organised: We’re meeting at six. Use be going to for a plan or intention: We’re going to have a picnic. Use might when something is possible but not certain: We might go for coffee afterwards.

After would like, use to + verb: Would you like to join us? After can, might and will, use the base form: I can come. We might stay late. I’ll bring some drinks.

How to reply to an invitation

Start by thanking the sender. Then give a clear answer and add a useful detail. If you accept, show enthusiasm. If you cannot go, say sorry and give a short reason. You can suggest another day if you want to keep the conversation friendly.

Accepting an invitation

Hi Jamie,

Thanks for inviting me! I’d love to come to the games night. Seven o’clock is perfect, and I’ll bring a card game that everyone can play.

See you on Friday!
Ella

Useful phrases include Thanks for the invitation, I’d love to come, That sounds great and See you there.

Refusing an invitation politely

Hi Jamie,

Thanks for asking me. I’m afraid I can’t come on Friday because I’m visiting my grandparents that evening. I hope you all have a brilliant time. Are you free for coffee next week?

Take care,
Ella

A polite refusal does not need a long explanation. I’m afraid I can’t make it is softer than simply writing No. Finish with a friendly wish or another suggestion.

Informal email style

Write as if you are speaking to a friend, but keep the message easy to understand. Contractions such as I’m, we’re, don’t and can’t sound natural. Short paragraphs make the email easier to read. You can use an exclamation mark to show enthusiasm, but you do not need one after every sentence.

Avoid formal expressions such as Dear Sir or Madam, I am writing to enquire and Yours faithfully. They do not match a message to a friend.

Common mistakes

• Do not forget the time or place.
• Write Thanks for inviting me, not Thanks for invite me.
• Write I’d love to come, not I’d love come.
• Write I’m looking forward to seeing you, not looking forward to see you.
• Use a question mark after a direct invitation: Would you like to come?
• Check names, dates and times before you send the email.

A2 writing checklist

Before sending your email, check that you have included a friendly greeting, a clear reason for writing, the key event details, a direct invitation or answer, and a suitable closing. Read the message once more for verb forms, spelling and punctuation. A short, complete email is better than a long message with missing information.