Learn the Top 10 Ways to Reject an Invitation

Summary

In this video, Alicia introduces 10 polite and practical ways to reject an invitation in English, providing both casual and formal expressions for different situations. From vague responses like 'Sorry, I already have plans' to more formal ones such as 'Apologies, but I’ll be unable to attend,' Alicia offers a variety of phrases to help you navigate social situations with ease. The video is packed with useful examples, making it easier for English learners to express themselves politely while avoiding awkwardness in everyday conversations.

Takeaways

• 😀 Sorry I already have plans: A polite and vague way to reject an invitation without providing details.
• 😀 I can't go, I have to...: Useful when you have another commitment, such as work, family, or personal tasks.
• 😀 I'm staying home tonight: A simple way to let someone know you prefer to stay in rather than join an activity outside.
• 😀 Thanks but I'm going to sit this one out: A casual way to indicate you're not participating in an event, often used in sports.
• 😀 I'm out: A very informal and casual expression used with close friends or acquaintances to reject an invitation.
• 😀 Apologies, but I'll be unable to attend: A more formal way of declining an invitation, appropriate for professional or official settings.
• 😀 I'm terribly sorry, but I have another appointment: A polite and somewhat formal rejection, suitable for work or business situations.
• 😀 Unfortunately, I have to...: A polite and formal way to decline, showing regret for not being able to attend due to other commitments.
• 😀 Thanks but I'm really tired: A polite excuse, ideal for spontaneous invitations when you just need to rest.
• 😀 I'd love to but I'm...: A way to reject an invitation by explaining you're already committed to something else, often using the present continuous tense.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video?

The video discusses 10 different ways to politely reject an invitation in English.

Why is 'Sorry, I already have plans' a useful rejection phrase?

'Sorry, I already have plans' is vague, allowing the speaker to decline without specifying the details of the other plans. It can be used in various situations, offering flexibility.

What does the phrase 'I can't go, I have to...' imply?

This phrase is used to indicate that the speaker has a prior commitment or responsibility that prevents them from accepting the invitation. It can be followed by any reason, such as 'work,' 'study,' or 'family obligations.'

When would you use 'I'm staying home tonight'?

'I'm staying home tonight' is a casual and polite way to reject an invitation to go out. It implies that the speaker prefers to relax at home instead of participating in the suggested activity.

What does the expression 'I'm going to sit this one out' mean?

'Sit this one out' originally comes from sports, where a player chooses not to participate in the game. In the context of rejecting an invitation, it means the speaker will not be participating in the activity, but it is said politely.

How does the phrase 'I'm out' differ from other rejection phrases?

'I'm out' is a very casual and direct way to say that you are not going to participate. It is typically used with close friends or people you are comfortable with.

What kind of situation would 'Apologies, but I will be unable to attend' be used for?

'Apologies, but I will be unable to attend' is a more formal phrase that is often used in written correspondence, such as emails or letters, to decline formal invitations like business meetings or events.

What is the purpose of saying 'I'm terribly sorry but I have another appointment'?

'I'm terribly sorry but I have another appointment' is a polite and formal way to reject an invitation, implying that the speaker has a scheduled commitment, often work-related, that prevents them from attending.

How does the phrase 'Unfortunately, I have to...' convey politeness?

The word 'unfortunately' softens the rejection, expressing regret or apology. It adds a more formal tone to the refusal and indicates that the speaker would have liked to attend but is unable to do so.

When would you use 'Thanks, but I'm really tired' as a rejection phrase?

'Thanks, but I'm really tired' is commonly used in spontaneous or last-minute invitations. It allows the speaker to politely refuse by indicating that they are too tired to participate.