bring a guest

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bring a guest" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when inviting someone to an event or gathering, indicating that they are allowed to invite another person. Example: "Feel free to bring a guest to the party this Saturday; the more, the merrier!"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

DON'T bring a guest, unless specifically invited to.

The New York Times - Style

The invitation said she could bring a guest, and she invited Ms. Lucke.

The New York Times

Every invitation came with a stern reminder: "Please don't bring a guest".

The New York Times

Each subscriber, paying $100 for the dinner, can bring a guest and wine.

The New York Times - Food

Each person has the option to select to bring a guest on the online registration page.

Independent

And lastly, if he decides to bring a guest, do we pay for the guest?

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

If you brought a guest, you had to pay five hundred francs.

The New Yorker

If you are bringing a guest, we need their full name and age.

The New York Times

I've seen him live seven times, and I've never brought a guest who wasn't converted by the end of the night.

The New Yorker

While on his visit, Sibandze brought a guest, whom Battle described as a prince in the royal family of the kingdom of Swaziland.

The New York Times - Sports

She remembers bringing a guest speaker from a charity to a garden club meeting.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When extending an invitation, clearly state whether guests are welcome. This avoids confusion and potential awkwardness. For instance, specify "You are welcome to bring a guest" on the invitation itself.

Common error

Never assume that an invitee can bring a guest unless explicitly stated. Always clarify with the host before bringing someone who wasn't directly invited. Failure to do so can be impolite and cause logistical issues.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bring a guest" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to indicate that someone is permitted or able to invite another person to an event or location. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its common usage in invitations and general conversational contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

23%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "bring a guest" is a very common and grammatically correct verb phrase used to indicate that an invitee is welcome to include another person. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use across various contexts, including news, academia, and general conversation. While generally neutral in tone, clarity is crucial; always specify whether guests are permitted to avoid confusion or offense. Related phrases such as ""invite a plus one"" offer alternative ways to express the same sentiment, with variations in formality and specificity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

invite a plus one

This alternative is more concise and frequently used in invitation contexts.

bring a companion

This alternative uses a more formal term for a guest.

bring someone along

This alternative is less formal and implies casual inclusion.

include a guest

This alternative emphasizes the act of adding someone to the list.

allow a guest

This alternative highlights permission to bring a guest.

offer a plus one

This alternative emphasizes the act of extending the offer to bring a guest.

bring an additional person

This alternative is more descriptive and formal.

bring a date

This alternative implies the guest is a romantic partner.

have a guest accompany you

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes accompaniment.

extend an invitation to a guest

This alternative focuses on the formal act of inviting someone.

FAQs

How do I politely ask if I can "bring a guest"?

You can politely inquire by saying, "I was wondering if it would be possible to "invite a plus one" to the event?" or "Is it okay if I "bring someone along"?".

What's the difference between "bring a guest" and "invite a plus one"?

"Bring a guest" is a more general term, while ""invite a plus one"" is often used in the context of formal invitations, particularly for events like weddings or galas. The meaning is essentially the same.

Is it rude to ask to "bring a guest" if the invitation doesn't specify?

It's generally considered more polite to check with the host before assuming you can "bring someone along", especially for formal events. For casual gatherings, it might be more acceptable, but clarification is always best.

What should I do if I can't "bring a guest" to an event I'm attending?

If you cannot "bring a companion", simply RSVP accordingly and attend solo. There's no need to make a big deal out of it. Focus on enjoying the event and the company of other attendees.