Making Formal and Informal Invitations
When extending invitations, the reporting verb ‘invite’ follows a specific pattern: invite + person + to + verb. The tone can be adjusted by adding modifiers or changing the infinitive verb choice. Example: ‘I invited Sarah to join us for dinner.’
Making Polite Requests
For professional or formal requests, combine ‘ask’ or ‘persuade’ with appropriate objects and infinitives. The structure allows for varying degrees of politeness. Example: ‘My manager asked me to complete the report by Friday.’
Convincing and Persuading
When trying to influence others, ‘convince’ and ‘persuade’ require careful object placement and clear infinitive goals. Example: ‘She convinced her team to adopt the new strategy.’
Examples
I asked my colleague to review my presentationShows professional request using ‘ask’ + object + infinitive structure
They invited us to celebrate their anniversaryDemonstrates social invitation using ‘invite’ + object + infinitive
The director persuaded the board to increase the budgetShows formal persuasion in business context
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Incorrect: I invited to John come to the party
✅ Correct: I invited John to come to the party
Explanation: Object (John) must come directly after the reporting verb
❌ Incorrect: She asked me coming to the meeting
✅ Correct: She asked me to come to the meeting
Explanation: Must use infinitive (to come) not gerund (coming) after object
Tips for Success
- Use more formal reporting verbs (request, persuade) in professional contexts
- Add modifiers like ‘kindly’ or ‘cordially’ to increase politeness
- Consider the relationship between speaker and listener when choosing reporting verbs
🎯 Key Takeaways
- Use more formal reporting verbs (request, persuade) in professional contexts
- Add modifiers like ‘kindly’ or ‘cordially’ to increase politeness
- Consider the relationship between speaker and listener when choosing reporting verbs