Overview
Invitations in reported speech use invite/ask + object + to-infinitive. Example: 'Would you like to come to the party?' → She invited me to come to the party. The original offer or invitation is compressed into a to-infinitive structure after the reporting verb.
Invitations → Reported
- invite + toShe invited me to her party.
- ask + toHe asked me to join the team.
- Direct'Would you like to come to dinner?' she said.
- ReportedShe invited me to dinner.
Invitation Reporting Verbs
- invite+ object + to + noun/infinitive
- ask+ object + to-infinitive
- request+ object + to-infinitive (formal)
- urge+ object + to-infinitive (strong invitation)
Declining Invitations
- Direct'I'm afraid I can't come,' he said.
- ReportedHe declined the invitation.
- Direct'Thank you, I'd love to,' she said.
- ReportedShe accepted the invitation.
When to use
Social events
She invited us to her wedding.
Professional
He invited me to present at the conference.
Formal emails
They requested us to attend the ceremony.
Conversation
She asked me to come over for dinner.