Meaning & use
you are cordially invited
Last updated
Meaning
phrasefixed phraseformal
A polite, formal way to invite someone to an event, used especially on written invitations.
Grammar: This is a complete sentence; it is used as a set phrase on invitations and is not usually changed.
Patterns
- you are cordially invited to something
- you are cordially invited to do something
You are cordially invited to the opening of our new gallery on Friday, June 10.
You are cordially invited to attend the annual charity dinner.
The card read, "You are cordially invited to celebrate the wedding of Anna and James."
Common combinations
- cordially invited to
- You are cordially invited to the reception following the ceremony.
- cordially invited to attend
- All members are cordially invited to attend the general meeting.
- cordially invited to celebrate
- You are cordially invited to celebrate our 50th anniversary.
- cordially invited to join
- You are cordially invited to join us for lunch.
Synonyms and how they differ
- please join us
- This is a slightly less formal way to invite someone, often used on invitations.
- we request the pleasure of your company
- This is even more formal and old-fashioned than 'you are cordially invited'.
Commonly confused: you are cordially invited or invitation?
you are cordially invited vs invitation
The noun 'invitation' refers to the card or the act of inviting; 'you are cordially invited' is the full phrase used to invite someone.
Practice
Which sentence uses the phrase correctly?
Choose one answer.
The phrase is followed by 'to' + event: 'invited to the party'. The other prepositions are not used with this fixed phrase.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “you are cordially invited”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.