REPLYING TO INVITATIONS (2)

Reply to an Invitation is an essential courtesy for two reasons:

 To appreciate the host’s kindness in inviting you to the occasion

 To let the host know whether you are attending or not attending the occasion in order
to enable him/her to make arrangements accordingly. A good reply is always
pleasant.

1. Replying to Formal Invitations

Formal Replies involve a certain standard and form. They are usually very short and to the
point. A formal reply is generally written as a formal letter.
Marking Scheme:
Format: 1mark

 Sender’s Address
 Date of Writing
 Receiver’s Address
 Salutation
 Subject
 Conclusion

Content: 2 marks

 Expression of gratitude for the invitation by thanking the host

 Acceptance is communicated.
 Confirmation about relevant details such as time, date etc.
 Regret is shown if the invited person is unable to attend the occasion. In case of
not attending, a specific reason is to be given.
Accuracy of Spelling &Grammar: 1mark

SAMPLE QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Q 1. Mr. & Mrs. Som Rai have invited Mr. & Mrs. Dev Dutt Sharma to the inauguration of
their jewellery outlet, ‘Kanak Jewellers’. On behalf of Mr. & Mrs. Dev Dutt Sharma ,write
a formal reply accepting the invitation.
Answer 1.

140, Nand Viahar

Delhi

2nd September 20XX

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Mr.& Mrs. SomRai
Raj Nagar
Delhi

Dear Sir & Madam

Subject: Accepting Invitation

We are very pleased to receive your invitation to the inauguration of your jewellery outlet
‘Kanak Jewellers’ on 6th September 20XX at 156 Hauz Khas ,Delhi. Thank you very much for
the kind invitation.
My wife and I are very pleased to accept it.
Best Wishes

Yours sincerely

(MR. & MRS. DEV DUTT SHARMA)

Q2. Mr. & Mrs. Som Rai have invited Mr. & Mrs. Dev Dutt Sharma to the inauguration of
their jewellery outlet ‘Kanak Jewellers’. On behalf of Mr. & Mrs. Dev Dutt Sharma write a
formal reply declining the invitation.
Answer 2.

140, Nand Viahar

Delhi
2nd September 20XX

Mr. & Mrs. Som Rai

Raj Nagar
Delhi

Dear Sir & Madam

Subject: Inability to Accept Invitation

Thank you very much for your kind invitation to the inauguration of the jewellery outlet
Kanak Jewellers on 6th September 20XX at 156 Hauz Khas, Delhi.
We regret to inform you that my wife and I will not be able to attend it due to a prior
engagement. My wife joins me in wishing you a very successful opening of your jewellery
outlet.
Best Wishes

Yours sincerely
(MR. & MRS. DEV DUTT SHARMA)

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 2. Replying to Informal Invitations
 It is an essential courtesy to reply to an invitation.

 The layout of a reply to an informal invitation is also informal, like the invitation.

 An informal reply is generally written as an informal (personal letter) letter.

Points to remember:
 Acknowledge the invitation in first person.
 Use the second person for the sender of the invitation.
Marking Scheme:
Format: 1mark
 Sender’s Address
 Date of Writing
 Salutation
 Conclusion: Sender’s signature isn’t required; only his/her name is written without
brackets.
Content: 2marks
 Expression of gratitude for the invitation by thanking the host
 Acceptance is communicated.
 Confirmation about relevant details such as time, date etc.
 Regret is shown if the invited person is unable to attend the occasion. It is essential to
give a reason for refusing an invitation.

Accuracy of Spelling & Grammar: 1mark

SAMPLE QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Q1.You are Vibhor /Vibha .You have been invited by your friend Gautam /Gautami to
his/her birthday party. Write an informal reply to Gautam/Gautami in 50 words
accepting the invitation.Invent all the necessary details.

Answer 1.
54, Ashok Nagar

New Delhi

30th August 20XX

My dear Gautam /Gautami

I was joyous to receive your invitation letter to your birthday party that is on 6th
September 20XX at your residence. I’m excited to attend it. It’s been a long time since we
last met.

I will definitely join you with my younger brother Mohit. We will share some memorable
moments of entertainment and fun-n- frolic.

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See you!

Yours

Vibhor/Vibha

Q2.You are Vibhor/Vibha .You have been invited by your friend Gautam/Gautami to
his/her birthday party. Write an informal reply to Gautam/Gautami in 50 words declining
the invitation. sInvent all the necessary details.

Answer2.
54, Ashok Nagar
New Delhi

30th August 20XX

My dear Gautam/Gautami

I was joyous to receive your invitation letter to your birthday party that is on 6th
September 20XX at your residence. I’m excited to attend it. It’s been a long time since we
last met.

I would have loved to join you on this exciting occasion but my mother is in hospital. She
caught malaria last week and needs my constant care, as my father is working out of
town. So, it is impossible for me to attend the party.

Accept my best wishes. I will really miss some great moments.

Yours

Vibhor/Vibha