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Is It Correct to Say “Thanks for the Invite”?

Language is a key component of good manners. For example, when you are thanking someone for something, you want to know that you are choosing the right words. So is “Thanks for the invite” grammatically correct, and when should we use it if so?

It is correct to say “Thanks for the invite” and appropriate in most colloquial or conversational contexts. Many dictionaries list the word “invite” as a noun, but this is more casual than the noun form “invitation.” In some more formal contexts, a more formal alternative might be preferable. 

This article will look at what “Thanks for the invite” really means and how we should use it when replying to an invitation. Next, we will briefly explore other expressions of gratitude.

What Does “Thanks for the Invite” Mean?

The clause “Thanks for the invite” is a common expression in response to an invitation. In typical English usage, it accompanies either an acceptance or a rejection of a certain invitation. It is more common to use this clause before turning down an invitation, but it is perfectly acceptable in both uses. 

Consider the following examples: 

  • Thanks for the invite, but we are busy that day. 
  • We will be there! Thanks for the invite! 

Using “Thanks for the invite” in either case adds a degree of politeness to your response to an invitation. Particularly when rejecting an invitation, including this “thanks” helps your reply come off as polite and thoughtful, rather than rude and terse.

Is It Grammatically Correct to Say “Thanks for the Invite”?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to say, “Thanks for the invite.” However, using both “thanks” and “invite” here is informal.

Let’s break down the parts of speech in “thanks for the invite” before considering how to best use this clause. 

“Thanks” vs. “Thank You” 

In the clause “Thanks for the invite,” the word “thanks” is an interjection (source). This usage is more informal, as it is a shortened form of “thank you,” which itself is short for “I thank you.” 

Note the difference between the following uses of the word “thanks”: 

  • My boss thanks me every afternoon for my good work. (verb; formal). 
  • We gave thanks for our many blessings that year. (noun; formal). 
  • Thanks so much for joining us! (interjection; informal and short for “thank you”).

In the last context, the term “thanks” as an interjection appears in most dictionaries as informal. Still, it is grammatically correct and acceptable in most cases.

Still, keep in mind that for formal contexts, you may want to use the formally correct “thank you” instead to sound more professional and technically accurate. In very formal settings, the casualness of “thanks” may sometimes distract.

“Invite” as a Noun 

In the phrase “for the invite,” the word “invite” functions as a noun, the object of the preposition “for.” 

Just like “thanks” is a proper English word, but only informally an interjection, the English word “invite” is typically a verb but can serve in informal contexts as a noun (source). 

Note the difference between the following uses of the word “invite”: 

  • We will invite all our classmates to the graduation party. (verb; formal). 
  • We mailed an invite to each of our classmates. (noun; informal). 

While “invite” as a noun is a less formal usage of the word, this usage emerges as early as the 17th century, so it is very much correct and acceptable (source). However, the verb “invite” also has the noun form “invitation.” Therefore, it may be more appropriate to use that form in very formal contexts instead.

  • Thanks for the invite! (informal; acceptable in most settings) 
  • Thank you for the invitation. (formal; might be better for formal settings) 

While there is debate about using both “thanks” and “invite” in this more informal way, particularly for formal settings, both have extensive history and precedent in the English language and are acceptable and correct in most cases. 

How Do You Use “Thanks for the Invite”? 

“Thanks for the invite” is acceptable as an expression of gratitude in many different settings. Often, we use a sentence like this when turning down an invitation to soften the rejection and make sure it sounds polite.

For this reason, “thanks for the invite” can sometimes seem to imply this sort of rejection. Either way, this sentence does not usually stand alone but typically appears along with another sentence expressing either that you accept or refuse a particular invitation.

Consider the ambiguity in the following conversation: 

  • Person A: Would you like to join me for dinner tomorrow? 
  • Person B: Thanks for the invite! 

Notice how, without any clarification, this response is vague and does not provide an answer. Instead, Person B should qualify their thanks with an acceptance or rejection, such as the following: 

  • Person A: Would you like to join me for dinner tomorrow? 
  • Person B: I’d love to. Thanks for the invite! 

Or 

  • Person B: I won’t be able to make it, unfortunately. Thanks for the invite! 

“Thanks for the invite” in and of itself does not demonstrate that you are saying “yes” — in fact, it may imply just the opposite. Thus, whether accepting or rejecting the invitation, make sure to say so explicitly when responding.

Using “Thanks for the Invite” in a Full Sentence

“Thanks for the invite” can stand alone as a full sentence; however, it often appears as a part of a longer sentence. Both are absolutely acceptable, as long as you avoid comma splices and run-on sentences.

When rejecting an invitation, “thanks for the invite” often precedes the word “but” or “however” and then an explanation of why you will not be able to make it. Consider the following examples: 

Thanks for the invite, but I am busy that day. 

Thanks for the invite, but I won’t be able to make it this time. 

Thanks for the invitation; however, I have a previous engagement and will be unable to join you. 

When using “thanks for the invite” to accept a certain invitation, it is more common to use two complete sentences. Consider the following examples: 

  • Thanks for the invite. I would love to join you. 
  • I’ll be there. Thanks for the invite! 

However, this is not always the case. As you can observe in the following examples, we sometimes form a rejection with two sentences instead or form an acceptance with just one sentence: 

  • We won’t be able to make it tonight. Thanks for the invite! 
  • We’re so excited to join you, so thanks for the invite! 

“Thanks for the invite” can be grammatically correct as a standalone sentence or as a part of a longer sentence. Make sure, however, that you are not forming a run-on sentence, comma splice, or sentence fragment. Here is an example of incorrect use of “thanks for the invite,” followed by the corrections:

  • Incorrect: We can’t make it, thanks for the invite! (comma splice) 
  • Correct: We can’t make it. Thanks for the invite! 
  • Also correct: We can’t make it; thanks for the invite! 

When Can You Use “Thanks for the Invite”?

You can use “Thanks for the invite” in response to an invitation, whether you accept it or turn it down. In casual and informal settings, it is perfectly appropriate.

Make sure, of course, that you are actually responding to an invitation when you use this clause. 

In What Context Can You Use “Thanks for the Invite”?

You can use “thanks for the invite” in any context where you respond to an invitation, whether in written or spoken communication. This phrase is handy in casual or informal settings.

“Thanks for the invite” is grammatically correct and perfectly acceptable even when in writing. This is a very common phrase, especially in a written response to a written invitation — such as a text message, paper invitation, or email — but it is also common in spoken communication.

When Not to Use “Thanks for the Invite”

Because both “thanks” and “invite” are informal in usage in the phrase “thanks for the invite,” it may be better to select a different phrase in very formal contexts, whether in writing or in speech. 

The phrase is so common that it still may not offend in a formal context or raise any eyebrows. However, the more formal version could be a safer bet if you want to ensure that you sound strictly formal, especially as there is some debate about using “invite” as a noun — even though most major dictionaries accept this usage.

What Can You Use Instead of “Thanks for the Invite”?

You can select many phrases instead of “Thanks for the invite,” depending on the context. If you are seeking a more formal phrase than “Thanks for the invite,” here are a few options:

  • Thanks for the invitation.
  • Thank you for the invitation.
  • I appreciate the invitation. 
  • Thank you for thinking of me. 
  • I appreciate the offer. 

If you want an alternative phrase to use in an informal setting, here are a few options:

  • Thanks for thinking of me! 
  • Thanks so much, but… 
  • Thanks for including me! 
  • Thanks for the offer! 

These and many other phrases mean similar things but have slightly different nuances. Select the one which you like best in a certain context. 

For more on expressing thanks in grammatically correct ways, make sure you read “Is It Correct to Say ‘Thank You Both’?

Other Expressions of Gratitude

“Thanks for the invite” is just one of many common expressions of gratitude in the English language. Like “Thanks,” many of these serve as interjections, while others take different grammatical forms.

Expressions of Gratitude as Interjections 

An interjection is a brief expression of the feeling or thought of the speaker (source). Greetings, exclamations, and many other words and parts of speech can be interjections. They are short expressions, usually not longer than one word or a short phrase, and an exclamation mark typically follows them.

Consider a few interjections below: 

  • Wow! 
  • That’s amazing! 
  • Hello! 
  • Shh! 
  • Watch out! 

Many expressions of gratitude take the form of interjections since they convey the feelings of the speaker, most often briefly and forcefully.

Here are a few examples of interjections expressing thanks: 

  • Thanks! 
  • Thanks a million! 
  • Much obliged! 
  • Thanks a lot! 
  • Thanks for the invite! 

Remember when using an interjection to express gratitude that the exclamation mark at the end is optional. 

Image by Řaj Vaishnaw via Pexels

Expressions of Gratitude With Gerunds 

Another common “thanking” construction in English includes using “Thanks for” or “Thank you for” with a gerund — a verb, usually ending in -ing, that functions as a noun. 

Here are a few examples of this common construction (source): 

  • Thank you for driving us to school! 
  • Thanks for being a good friend! 
  • Thanks for telling me! 

Punctuation in Statements of Gratitude 

Statements of gratitude are typically interjections and, thus, usually take exclamation points. Please keep in mind that if a period comes at the end of a statement of gratitude in writing, it often signals a sarcastic statement, as in the following examples: 

  • Thanks a lot. 
  • Gee, thanks. 
  • Thanks for the invite. (Especially when you did not receive an invitation.) 

This article was written for strategiesforparents.com. 

Keep in mind that an exclamation point is a tool that will help you express your sincerity when giving written thanks. Use it to avoid the danger of sounding sarcastic — Unless, of course, you intend to sound sarcastic!

Final Thoughts 

There are many ways to respond to an invitation politely, but one of the most common is to thank the person who invited you. The clause “Thanks for the invite” is a great way to do this in most settings.

While “thanks” and “invite” both function informally in this context, their use in this way has centuries of precedent, and this phrasing is perfectly acceptable. If communicating thanks in a very formal setting, you can simply use the more formal alternative, “Thank you for the invitation.” 

Follow these guidelines for responding to an invitation, and you’ll be sure to always come off as both polite and grammatically savvy!