Conversational English - Invitations

Summary

In this video, viewers learn how to make invitations in American English with different levels of formality. The speaker shares examples from a personal dinner party, using various phrases: a formal 'Would you like to' for polite requests, a less formal 'Do you want to' for friendly invitations, and the informal 'Wanna' used in casual speech. The video emphasizes the difference between these forms in conversation and encourages viewers to practice by writing their own invitation in the comments. It's a practical guide for anyone looking to improve their invitation-making skills in American English.

Takeaways

• 😀 The script focuses on how to invite a friend to a party in American English.
• 😀 A story is shared about inviting people to a dinner party, including a new neighbor, a friend, and a sister.
• 😀 The formal way to make an invitation in American English is by using the phrase: 'Would you like to' plus a verb.
• 😀 The formal invitation is often used with people you don't know well, aiming for a polite tone.
• 😀 Examples of formal invitations: 'Would you like to go to the museum with me?' and 'Would you like to come to my barbecue?'
• 😀 A less formal way to invite someone is: 'Do you want to' plus a verb.
• 😀 The less formal way is used in everyday conversations with friends or acquaintances.
• 😀 Examples of less formal invitations: 'Do you want to eat lunch with me?' and 'Do you want to go to the concert with us?'
• 😀 The most informal way to make an invitation is by using 'Wanna' plus a verb, common in spoken American English or text messaging.
• 😀 Examples of informal invitations: 'Wanna play soccer with us?' and 'Wanna go to the movies?'
• 😀 The script emphasizes that 'Wanna' should not be used in formal, written American English, and is mainly used in casual speech or texts.
• 😀 At the end, the script encourages viewers to write their own invitations in the comments section as a learning activity.

Q & A

What is one way to invite someone in American English?

One way is by using the formal phrase 'Would you like to' followed by a verb. For example, 'Would you like to go to the museum with me?'

Why is 'Would you like to' considered formal?

It is considered formal because it is often used when speaking to people we don't know well, and it sounds more polite compared to less formal phrases.

What is a less formal way to make an invitation?

A less formal way is by saying 'Do you want to' followed by a verb. For instance, 'Do you want to eat lunch with me?'

What is the most informal way to invite someone?

The most informal way is using 'Wanna' plus a verb. For example, 'Wanna play soccer with us?'

When do we typically use 'Wanna'?

'Wanna' is used in spoken American English and is common in casual conversations or text messaging, but not in formal written English.

Can 'Wanna' be used in formal writing?

No, 'Wanna' is not appropriate in formal written English. It is reserved for informal contexts.

How would you invite a friend to a dinner party in American English?

You could say, 'I'm having a dinner party tonight. Would you like to come?' or 'Do you want to come to my dinner party tonight?'

What is the tone when using 'Would you like to'?

'Would you like to' has a polite and formal tone, making it suitable for people you don't know well or when trying to show respect.

What are some common verbs used when making invitations in American English?

Common verbs include 'go,' 'come,' 'eat,' 'play,' and 'watch.' For example, 'Do you want to go to the concert?' or 'Wanna watch a movie?'

How would you invite a sibling to a dinner party in American English?

You could simply say, 'Wanna come to my dinner party tonight?' which is an informal and casual invitation.