rsvp

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'rsvp' is correct and usable in written English.
It stands for 'répondez s'il vous plaît', which is French for 'please reply'. In written English, it is used at the bottom of invitations to indicate that the recipient should let the sender know if they will be attending the event. For example: We hope to see you at our party. Please RSVP by October 15th.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

Then we place these outgoings versus what we might gain feasibly for schlepping there and we RSVP.

Independent

We're not sure we'll ever find out, because there isn't a chance in hell we'd ever RSVP.

Independent

The talk begins at 6 30 (you can RSVP at [email protected]), and Thomas will be signing books afterward.

The New Yorker

At 3 p.m., McCarren Park, Bedford Avenue at North 12th Street, Williamsburg, Brooklyn, northsidefestival.com; RSVP tickets required, but entry guaranteed with festival badge ($80 to $260 remaining).

The New York Times - Arts

Doors open at 7 p.m., House of Vans, 25 Franklin Street, Greenpoint, Brooklyn, vans.com/houseparties; free with RSVP.

The New York Times - Arts

Thursday at 6 p.m., Florence Gould Hall, French Institute Alliance Française, 55 East 59th Street, Manhattan, [phone]; free with RSVP.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

But the former Arkansas governor RSVP-ed first.

The Guardian

Saturday at 6 p.m., a screening of "Harlem Is Theater," a documentary about the history of theater in Harlem by Jamal Joseph; $5; reservations: [email protected] or [phone].

The New York Times

(The public can r.s.v.p. at vice.com/rsvp).com/rsvp

The New York Times

That architect was Brian Ripel, a partner in the young Brooklyn firm RSVP Architecture Studio, who welcomed the constraints of renovating a space with low ceilings and little flexibility on the location of plumbing and other services.

The New York Times

R.S.V.P. to [email protected].... On Friday from 6 to 8 p.m., the Danish designer Henrik Vibskov will salute the Brooklyn label Suzanne Rae as the newest addition to his SoHo emporium.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "rsvp", always include a date or method for responding to the invitation. This ensures guests know how and when to confirm their attendance.

Common error

A common mistake is omitting contact details when using "rsvp". Always provide an email address, phone number, or website where guests can respond to the invitation. Without this, guests may be unable to confirm their attendance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rsvp" functions as an imperative verb, directing the recipient of an invitation to respond. It's used to solicit confirmation of attendance, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples showing it followed by contact details or deadlines.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

18%

Less common in

Reference

9%

Encyclopedias

8%

Academia

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "rsvp", short for répondez s'il vous plaît, is a common and generally correct way to request a response to an invitation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical status as correct, and usage analysis indicates that it is primarily used in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts. When using "rsvp", remember to provide clear contact information and a deadline for responses. While alternatives like "please respond" exist, "rsvp" maintains a slightly formal tone, suitable for a variety of events.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

let us know if you can attend

Specific inquiry about attendance.

confirm your attendance

Focuses on confirming presence.

please respond

Direct request for a reply, less formal.

please confirm

A more polite and short form asking for confirmation about attending.

reply requested

Formal indication that a response is needed.

attendance confirmation requested

Formal and specific about the type of response needed.

response required

Emphasizes the necessity of a response.

inform us of your decision

Requests notification of a decision regarding the invitation.

kindly inform

Polite way of asking for notification of attendance.

your reply is appreciated

Expresses gratitude for a response, regardless of the decision.

FAQs

How do I properly use "rsvp" in an invitation?

Include "rsvp" at the end of your invitation, followed by a date and contact information. For example: "Please rsvp by July 15th to [email protected]".

What does "rsvp regret only" mean?

"Rsvp regret only" means you only need to respond if you are unable to attend. If you plan to attend, no response is necessary.

What can I say instead of "rsvp"?

You can use alternatives like "please respond", "reply requested", or "confirm your attendance" depending on the context.

Is it rude not to "rsvp"?

Yes, it is generally considered impolite not to "rsvp" to an invitation. Hosts need an accurate headcount for planning purposes.