Inviting Guests to a Celebration
One person calls or messages another to invite them to a special event, explaining the details and confirming their availability.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
invite
To ask someone politely to come to an event, like a party. Use it when you want to include friends in celebrations.
graduation
The ceremony marking the end of school or university. It's a big milestone often celebrated with parties.
potluck
A casual party where guests bring food to share. It's a fun, low-pressure way to celebrate in many cultures.
casual
Relaxed and informal, not formal. Use it to describe events where people dress comfortably and act naturally.
headcount
The total number of people attending an event. Hosts use it to plan food and space for gatherings.
double-check
To check something again for accuracy. It's polite when confirming plans to avoid mistakes.
calendar
A tool or app for scheduling dates and events. People check it to see if they're free for invitations.
conflicts
Clashes or overlaps in schedules, like two events at the same time. Use it when explaining why you might not attend.
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
Hey Michael, I'm calling to invite you to my graduation party!
This is a friendly opening for phone invitations. It states the purpose clearly. Use it to start conversations about events; 'I'm calling to' shows direct communication.
Oh, that's fantastic news, Sarah! Congratulations!
A positive response to good news. 'Oh, that's fantastic' expresses excitement, and 'congratulations' is a common phrase for achievements. Use it to celebrate milestones like graduations.
We're thinking around 6 PM.
Suggests a flexible time without being exact. 'Around' means approximately; useful for casual plans. It shows politeness by not demanding a strict schedule.
It'll be a casual potluck, so feel free to bring something if you like, but no pressure at all.
Describes event details and eases expectations. 'Feel free to' means it's optional; 'no pressure' reassures guests. Great for inviting to relaxed gatherings.
Can I count you in then? So I can get a rough headcount.
Asks for confirmation of attendance. 'Count you in' is an idiom for including someone; 'rough headcount' means approximate number. Use it to finalize guest lists.
Just let me double-check my calendar when I get home tonight to confirm there are no conflicts.
Politely asks for time to verify availability. 'Double-check' and 'confirm' show carefulness; 'conflicts' refers to schedule issues. Ideal for responding to invitations.
Really hope to see you there!
Expresses genuine excitement about attendance. 'Really hope' adds emphasis; use it to end invitations warmly and build positive relationships.
Me too, Sarah. And again, congratulations! Talk soon!
A friendly closing that mirrors enthusiasm. 'Me too' agrees with the previous speaker; 'talk soon' suggests future contact. Common in casual goodbyes after planning.