It might come
in handy teaching your students how to make polite
excuses for not accepting an invitation.
“I’m really sorry but I’m busy tonight.”
“I’d love to but I have to work late all week.”
“What a shame, I’m all tied up this weekend.”
“I’d like that but I’m so stressed lately that I wouldn’t be
good company.”
“So sorry, I have a million things to do.”
“Thanks, but maybe another time.”
“I’d love to but I have to study for an exam.”
Of
course, you could always invent a few “absurd” excuses.
“Sorry, but I have to stay home and give my dog a bath.”
“Too bad, I have to type up 1,000 pages of my brother’s
thesis.”
“I’d love to, but I have to paint the bathroom.”
I see
I put “the cart before the horse”…..
Let’s first talk about inviting someone out.
“How would you like to have dinner with me?”
“How about going to the cinema with me tonight?”
“Are you free tonight? We could go out for a pizza.
“Why don’t we have lunch together?”
“If you aren’t busy tonight we could see that new art exhibit.”
“What about going to that new Italian restaurant”
Have
the students try out these invitations and then accept them.
“I’d like that.” “I’d love to.” “That’s a great idea!”
“Fantastic!”
What
do you say if someone refuses your invitation?
“No problem.” “That’s O.K., another time.”
……..for those who still hope: “How about next week?”
This
“role-playing” can definitely be valuable for the students.
I’m sure the part they will like best is making up those
“absurd” excuses.
Here is where their creativity will abound.
A
Nice Thought
“The only man who is really free is the one who can turn down a dinner
invitation without giving an excuse.”