How to say it · Plans, time and sorry

Saying yes to an invitation

Someone has invited you and you want to go. Your yes can sound calm, warm or really excited, and the person asking will notice which one you pick.

6 ways to say it

At a bus stop, Mia raises a happy fist at her phone, with a big tick in a bubble above it.

How excitedCalmExcited

I'd love tobest default Count me ingroup plans Sounds goodquick and easy Sure, why not?easy-going That sounds lovely, thank youpolite and grateful I wouldn't miss itbig events

Way 1 · best default

I'd love to

A warm, clear yes. It works with friends, colleagues and people you've just met.

How excitedMiddle

ToneNeutral

Use itAnywhere

Examples

Dinner on Friday? I'd love to, thanks.

I'd love to come to your exhibition. What time does it start?

In a conversation

A: We're going to the beach on Sunday. Do you want to come?
B: I'd love to! Should I bring anything?

Common mistake

Not: Yes, I'd ~~love.~~

Say: Yes, I'd love to.

Don't drop the "to". It stands for "to come" or "to go", and English needs it.

Practice saying this

Next: Count me in

Way 2 · group plans

Count me in

An eager yes to a group plan. It means "add me to the list of people going".

How excitedExcited

ToneCasual

Use itWith friends

Examples

Karaoke on Saturday? Count me in!

If you're booking a court for Thursday, count me in.

In a conversation

A: Who's up for a hike this weekend?
B: Count me in. I need some fresh air.

Common mistake

Not: Count me ~~on!~~

Say: Count me in!

"In" means included. "Count on me" is different: it means you can rely on me.

Practice saying this

Next: Sounds good

Way 3 · quick and easy

Sounds good

A short, relaxed yes. Perfect for replying to a simple plan by text.

How excitedCalm

ToneCasual

Use itIn messages

Examples

Pizza at seven? Sounds good.

Sounds good. See you outside the station at ten.

Practice saying this

Next: Sure, why not?

Way 4 · easy-going

Sure, why not?

A relaxed yes when you don't mind either way. Friendly, but not very excited.

How excitedVery calm

ToneCasual

Use itWith friends

Examples

A quiz night? Sure, why not? I've got nothing on.

Sure, why not? I've never tried Ethiopian food.

Practice saying this

Next: That sounds lovely, thank you

Way 5 · polite and grateful

That sounds lovely, thank you

A gracious yes with a thank-you. Good for a host, a boss or your partner's parents.

How excitedCalm

ToneFormal

Use itAnywhere

Examples

Lunch at your parents' place? That sounds lovely, thank you.

That sounds lovely, thank you. What can I bring?

In a conversation

A: We'd love to have you over for dinner while you're in town.
B: That sounds lovely, thank you. I'm free any evening.

Practice saying this

Next: I wouldn't miss it

Way 6 · big events

I wouldn't miss it

A strong, happy yes for something important to the other person, like a wedding or a big birthday.

How excitedVery excited

ToneNeutral

Use itAnywhere

Examples

Your graduation party? I wouldn't miss it.

Of course I'll be at the wedding. I wouldn't miss it for the world.

Practice saying this

Test yourself: which would you say?

Pick the right one

Which would you say?

Read the moment, then choose the way that fits it best.

The mistake learners make

What a translation app gives you, and what people actually say.

Not: ~~Yes, I agree~~ to come.

Say: I'd love to come.

"Agree" sounds like signing a contract. For an invitation, show you're pleased, not that you accept terms.

Now say it out loud

Pick one and practise it in a real conversation. Save the ones you want to remember.

I'd love to Count me in Sounds good Sure, why not?

Which would you say?

The mistake learners make

Now say it out loud

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