What is Invite in English? How to use Invite in English?

The verb Invite in English is likely very familiar to anyone studying English. However, beyond straightforward uses like "inviting someone somewhere", have you fully grasped structures like Invite + to V or Invite + V-ing, or which prepositions are used with Invite in English?

I. What is Invite in English?

Before exploring common usages of Invite in English or which prepositions are used with Invite in English, let's first understand what Invite is!

1. Definition

What is Invite in English? According to the Cambridge Dictionary, Invite functions as a verb, meaning: to ask someone in a polite or friendly way to come somewhere, or to formally ask someone to do something. For example:

• We're invited to Mary's party.
• I didn't get an invite to their wedding. 

2. Word family

Let's learn about the word family of Invite in English with PREP!

II. Words and phrases often associated with Invite in English

Let’s explore words/phrases often associated with Invite in English along with illustrative examples!

III. Most common usages of Invite in English

Join PREP to learn about the most common structures of Invite in English below!

1. Invite goes with verbs

1.1. Active form

Invite goes with verbs in active form and means: to ask someone to come somewhere. The formula:

S + Invite + somebody + O

For example:

• They've invited 80 guests to the wedding. 
• They've invited us round for dinner on Saturday. 

1.2. Passive form

Invite goes with verbs in passive form and means: Someone is asked to come somewhere. The formula:

S + (be) + Invited + O

Note: The verb 'to be' will be conjugated according to the tense used in the sentence. For example:

• Candidates who are successful in the written test will be invited for an interview. 
• All the mums and dads are invited to the school play at the end of the year. 

2. Invite goes with prepositions

Let's learn about some prepositions that are used with Invite!

IV. Exercises on the usage of Invite in English with detailed answers

Preppies, let’s reinforce the usage of Invite in English with these exercises below!

1. Exercises

Exercise 1: Choose the correct answer:

1. She invited me _____ her birthday party on Saturday.
   1. over
   2. for
   3. to
2. We invited our friends _______ a barbecue at our house this weekend.
   1. in
   2. for
   3. over
3. Please come in; I've invited you _______ a cup of tea.
   1. in
   2. for
   3. to
4. We should invite our neighbors _______ for dinner sometime. 
   1. over
   2. for
   3. to

Exercise 2: Conjugate the verb “Invite” in the appropriate tense:

1. Yesterday, his family (invite) me to stay with them for a few weeks.
2. She (invite) her boyfriend to the party yesterday.
3. I’m planning for my wedding, so next week I (invite) my close friends.
4.  Last year, more than 1000 workers (invite) to the Year-End party.
5. Candidates (invite) for interviews by the company.

2. Answer

PREP has provided a detailed and clear presentation of information about the meaning, the usage of Invite in English and some words or phrases that are associated with it. PREP hopes that after reading this article, you will be able to self-answer questions “Does Invite go with “to V" or “V-ing"?". Wishing you success in your English language learning journey!