Meaning & use

accept the invitation

phrase·Everyday

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UK/əkˌsept ði ˌɪnvɪˈteɪʃn/
US/əkˌsept ði ˌɪnvɪˈteɪʃn/

Meanings

  1. phrasefixed phrase

    to say yes to an invitation to an event or meeting.

    Grammar: The phrase already contains the object, so do not add another object after it.

    Patterns

    • accept the invitation to something
    • accept the invitation from someone

    She accepted the invitation to the wedding without hesitating.

    I was surprised that he accepted the invitation, since he rarely goes out.

    Please accept the invitation by Friday so the organizers can plan the seating.

  2. phrasefixed phrase

    to agree to do something that someone has asked you to do.

    Grammar: Often followed by 'to do something' when the invitation involves an action.

    Patterns

    • accept the invitation to do something

    The professor accepted the invitation to speak at the conference.

    They accepted the invitation to join the committee.

Common combinations

gladly accept the invitation
We gladly accepted the invitation to their anniversary dinner.
accept the invitation to a party
He accepted the invitation to a party at his neighbor's house.
accept the invitation on behalf of someone
She accepted the invitation on behalf of her whole team.
politely accept the invitation
He politely accepted the invitation, even though he was busy.

Synonyms and how they differ

say yes
More informal and general; use it for any offer, not just a written or spoken invitation.
take someone up on something
Informal and means to accept an offer, often an invitation to do something together.

Opposites

decline the invitationturn down the invitation

Word family

invitation noun
A written or spoken request asking someone to come to an event.
invite verb
To ask someone to come to an event or to do something.

Commonly confused: accept the invitation or except?

accept the invitation vs except

Sounds similar to 'accept' but means 'not including'. 'Accept' means to agree to take something.

Practice

She was delighted when they ______ the invitation to her graduation party.

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