Common Phrases
Before we dive into a few scenarios, let’s review some common phrases you might use with different people including more formal relationships with professional peers to very casual connections with someone you know well.
Professional/Formal Phrases
The following phrases are highly professional and formal. In English speaking culture, the more formal the language, the more distant the relationship.
This is language you might use in diplomatic situations, formal social events (weddings, galas, etc.), high-level corporate activities, etc.
I would like to invite you to…
• I would like to formally invite you to our company’s annual retreat.
I’m pleased to invite you to…
• I’m pleased to invite you to the winter gala.
I/We invite you to attend…
• We invite you to attend the town meeting.
I am looking forward to joining you…
• I am looking forward to joining you in our company’s upcoming strategy meeting.
Neutral Phrases
Neutral phrases are excellent for polite but warm invitations.
Consider using these phrases for someone you don’t know well but would like to know better.
For example, if you aiming to develop a strong relationship with a client, get to know a coworker, or extend an invitation to a new neighbor.
I was wondering if…
• I was wondering if you have time for a quick chat before the meeting.
Would you like to…?
• Would you like to join us at the next luncheon?
I’d love it if you can come to…
• I’d love it if you can come to my son’s fifth birthday party.
I hope you can join me/us…
• I hope you can join us in celebrating Janice’s retirement.
I’d love it if you could join me/us…
• I’d love it if you could join me for a yoga class this Wednesday.
Casual Phrases
And finally, casual phrases are warm and friendly — perfect for those you already have a friendly relationship with or those you are close to.
Note: a friendly relationship doesn’t mean you’re close friends, but rather you’ve encountered each other a few times and have enjoyed polite, friendly conversations.
Are you doing anything…?
• Are you doing anything after today’s meeting?
Do you want to…?
• Do you want to grab coffee during the break?
Do you feel like…?
• Do you feel like going out for dinner tonight?
Are you free to…?
• Are you free to hang out this Friday?
We should check out…
• We should check out the new art exhibit next week!
Any interest in…?
• Any interest in going to a summer concert?
How about…?
• How about going to the festival together on Saturday?