Different phrases suggest different levels of formality (less polite or more polite)

1. General Invitation Phrases

	Phrase	Examples
very informal	1. Fancy (noun)? 2. Fancy …ing? 3. Do you fancy (noun)? 4. Do you fancy …ing?	1. Fancy some lunch? 2. Fancy playing a game? 3. Do you fancy a job? 4. Do you fancy visiting Kevin and Mary this weekend?
informal	1. Do you want (noun)? 2. Do you want (to…)?	1. Do you want a chocolate? 2. Do you want to watch a movie tonight?
polite	1. Would you like (noun)? 2. Would you like (to…)?	1. Would you like a cup of tea? 2. Would you like to give me your phone number?
polite, but also suggesting	1. How would you like (noun)? 2. How would you like (to…)?	1. How would you like a trip to the bank? 2. How would you like to join our company?
very polite	1. Would you be interested in (noun)? 2. Would you be interested in (…ing)?	1. Would you be interested in a trip to the park? 2. Would you be interested in listening to some music?

2. Written Invitations

Whilst spoken English becomes more polite by asking questions, polite written English generally tries to avoid questions.

Instead of giving a question, it usually makes a request or an official invitation.

Dave and Polly request the pleasure of your company at their mid-summer barbecue on June 21st, starting at 3pm.

Please join us to wish Philip Jones a happy retirement at The Savoy Hotel on Friday August 8th.

You are cordially invited to the wedding of Dave and Polly, taking place on March 16th, at Westminister Abbey.

3. Exercises

1. Choose phrases to invite these people to dinner:
(i) a friend
(ii) your boss
(iii) a date

2. Write invitations for:
(i) a house-warming party
(ii) a baby shower
(iii) a birthday party
(iv) a stag do / hen nightDifferent phrases suggest different levels of formality (less polite or more polite)