extending an invitation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "extending an invitation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to formally invite someone to an event or occasion. Example: "I am extending an invitation to you for our annual gala next month."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

"Come to my place," he urged, extending an invitation to his Bouley Bakery in TriBeCa.

The New York Times - Style

Perhaps he'll be extending an invitation to Nicola Sturgeon to exchange notes.

The Guardian

"Extending an invitation to Montenegro to start accession talks would be a historic decision.

The Guardian

When the package arrived it included a letter extending an invitation "to write a product review for the Amazon community".

The New York Times - Tech

"The Tonight Show" with Jay Leno will fill its theater with the candidates, extending an invitation to all to appear on Sept. 22.

The New York Times

It seemed that Dad had taken note of my Venetian obsession, and figured out how to use it to avoid extending an invitation home.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

Mr. Warner promptly extended an invitation.

The New York Times - Style

During a visit to Washington in January, Mayor Tadatoshi Akiba of Hiroshima extended an invitation to Mr. Obama.

The New York Times

(The conference has reportedly extended an invitation to at least one other university).

The New York Times - Sports

The Broadway Association and the Associated Merchants & Property Owners representing the Seventh Avenue block have already extended an invitation.

The New Yorker

The Iranian federation has extended an invitation to the Americans to play a rematch in Iran.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the formality of the context. For formal events, a written invitation is often preferred, while for informal gatherings, a verbal invitation may suffice. The phrase "extending an invitation" is suitable for both written and spoken invitations.

Common error

Don't leave the invitation open-ended without clear instructions or a call to action. Instead of vaguely "extending an invitation", specify how the invitee should respond (e.g., RSVP, confirm attendance) and provide necessary contact information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "extending an invitation" functions as a gerund phrase, often used as part of a larger verb phrase to describe the action of inviting someone. Ludwig examples show its common usage in news and media, academic writing, and everyday conversation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "extending an invitation" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig, serving to formally invite someone. Predominantly found in news and media, the phrase lends itself well to neutral and professional contexts. When employing this phrase, clarity in the invitation's details is crucial. While numerous alternatives exist, such as "issuing an invitation" or "offering an invitation", the choice depends on the desired degree of formality. Ensuring unambiguous communication when using "extending an invitation" avoids potential misunderstandings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

issuing an invitation

Replaces "extending" with "issuing", emphasizing a more formal or official offer.

offering an invitation

Replaces "extending" with "offering", suggesting a more gracious or generous offer.

presenting an invitation

Replaces "extending" with "presenting", which emphasizes the formal act of giving an invitation.

sending an invitation

Focuses on the act of delivering the invitation, rather than the act of offering it.

granting an invitation

Highlights the act of bestowing or allowing someone to be invited.

putting forward an invitation

Emphasizes the act of suggesting or proposing an invitation.

inviting

A more concise alternative, directly stating the action of inviting.

making an offer to attend

Expands on the phrase, clarifying that the invitation is to attend something.

cordially inviting

Adds a level of warmth and formality to the act of inviting.

requesting the presence of

A highly formal way of extending an invitation, often used in official contexts.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "extending an invitation" in a formal context?

In a formal setting, you might consider alternatives such as "issuing an invitation", "formally inviting", or "requesting the presence of". These options convey a higher degree of respect and formality.

What are some less formal ways to say "extending an invitation"?

For informal situations, you could use simpler phrases like "inviting", "offering an invite", or "asking you to come". These options are more casual and relaxed.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "extending an invitation"?

The phrase "extending an invitation" is suitable when you want to emphasize the act of making a formal or sincere offer. It can be used in both written and spoken contexts for various events or opportunities.

What's the difference between "extending an invitation" and "sending an invitation"?

"Extending an invitation" focuses on the act of offering or presenting the invitation, while "sending an invitation" focuses on the delivery method. You "extend" the offer, and then you might "send" the physical or digital invitation.