Friends & datingBeginner
Turning down an invitation in English (beginner)
Beginner English for turning down an invitation. Key line: “Thanks for asking, but I can't come.”
Full script
Lin
Thanks for asking, but I can't come.
Them
Aw, really? It's pizza night.
Lin
Yeah, I need a quiet night.
Them
Too bad. I saved you two slices.
Lin
Please eat mine. I'm up early tomorrow.
Them
Early? Before pizza wakes up?
Lin
Yes. Even pizza can't beat sleep tonight.
Them
Wow. Then sleep wins over extra cheese.
Key phrases
The lines worth keeping. Read them once before you go out.
Start with thanks
✓ Thanks for asking.Polite: thank them first
Start with thanks. It sounds softer.
Can't go
✓ I can't come.Simple way to say no
Simple and natural
Need quiet
✓ I need a quiet night.Gentle reason for saying no
Use it to give a soft reason
Early start
✓ I'm up early tomorrow.Common reason to say no
A common reason to turn plans down
Quick answers
Start with thanks: what to say in English
Say “Thanks for asking.” — polite: thank them first. Start with thanks. It sounds softer.
Can't go: what to say in English
Say “I can't come.” — simple way to say no. Simple and natural.
Need quiet: what to say in English
Say “I need a quiet night.” — gentle reason for saying no. Use it to give a soft reason.
Early start: what to say in English
Say “I'm up early tomorrow.” — common reason to say no. A common reason to turn plans down.