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Formal Invitation and Reply Class 12: Third Person

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EnglishCBSE Class 12 · Invitation and Reply

Formal Invitations and Replies in the Third Person, Class 12

Updated 17 October 2026 · Fact-checked

A formal invitation is written in the third person like a printed card, with no salutation or signature, and a formal reply accepts or regrets in the same third person. Each is up to 50 words and carries 4 marks in Question 4 of Section B: format 1, content 2, accuracy 1. Include occasion, date, day, time, venue and RSVP.

Build the card in five parts, leave out Dear and the signature, and write the reply in the third person too, in up to 50 words.

Illustration drawn for QuestionBuddy.

Understand Formal Invitations and Replies in the Third Person

The task. Question 4 of Section B asks for one of two pieces: an invitation or a reply to an invitation, up to 50 words, for 4 marks. This page covers the formal kind. A formal invitation comes from an organisation or a family and a formal reply goes back to it.

Formal invitation: how it is built. It reads like a printed card.
1. Host and request: The Principal, teachers and students of... request the pleasure of your company / cordially invite you...
2. Occasion and the guest's role: to the inauguration of..., as the Chief Guest at..., to deliver a talk on...
3. Date, day, time and venue.
4. Programme note if space allows (one clause).
5. RSVP with a contact name and number or email.

There is no Dear and no Yours faithfully. The person invited is addressed as you only inside the phrase cordially invite you.

Formal reply: acceptance. Write in the third person, matching the invitation. Pattern: Name thanks the host for the kind invitation to the occasion and is pleased to accept it. Confirm the date, time and venue, and mention any role (judge, speaker) and any request.

Formal reply: regret. Name thanks the host for the invitation, regrets his or her inability to attend owing to a brief, polite reason, and wishes the event every success.

Why third person? The formal register keeps the writer outside the sentence, as on a card. Do not mix I and the third person inside the same piece.

Where marks go. Format: the card or note layout, with address and date for a reply, and RSVP for an invitation. Content: occasion, date, time, venue, role (invitation); thanks, acceptance or regret, reason, confirmation, good wishes (reply). Accuracy: tense, spelling and word limit.

Common slips. Using Dear Sir, signing a card, leaving out the RSVP, forgetting the day of the week, giving a long reason for regret, and adding so many programme details that the word limit is crossed.

Formal Invitations and Replies in the Third Person: rules and format

  1. 1

    Invitation: no salutation, no signature, third person

    The Principal and staff of ... cordially invite you to ...

    Keep the card style; address the guest only as you in the request phrase.

  2. 2

    Give occasion, date with day, time and venue

    on Friday, 4 December 2026, at 4 p.m. in the school auditorium

    Missing the venue or day costs content marks.

  3. 3

    End a formal invitation with RSVP

    RSVP: Ms Neeta Rao, 98xxxxxx12

    Use an invented number format only if you must; a name and phone is enough.

  4. 4

    Acceptance: thanks, accept, confirm details

    Dr Mehta thanks the Principal for the invitation and is pleased to accept it.

    Repeat date and time to confirm.

  5. 5

    Regret: thanks, regret, brief reason, good wishes

    Mr Rao regrets his inability to attend owing to a prior commitment.

    A long explanation is not needed.

  6. 6

    Stay within about 50 words

    Replies may also carry the writer's address and date.

    Those lines are short and not counted heavily.

Formal Invitations and Replies in the Third Person: key facts

Marking scheme
  • Format 1
  • Content 2
  • Accuracy 1
  • Total 4 marks
CBSE English Core (301), invitation and reply: up to 50 words.
Invitation pattern
  • Host
  • requests the pleasure of your company
  • Occasion
  • Role of guest
  • Date, day, time
  • Venue
  • RSVP
Third person, card style.
Acceptance pattern
  • Name
  • thanks
  • invitation to occasion
  • is pleased to accept
  • confirms date, time, venue
Third person.
Regret pattern
  • Name
  • thanks
  • regrets inability to attend
  • owing to a brief reason
  • wishes success
Polite, short.

How to answer Formal Invitations and Replies in the Third Person questions

Use this routine for any formal invitation or reply.

  1. 1Decide the task: invitation, acceptance or regret.
  2. 2List the details from the question: occasion, date, day, time, venue, guest's role, host.
  3. 3For an invitation, write the host, the request phrase, the occasion, the date, time and venue, then the RSVP.
  4. 4For a reply, write the thanks sentence, then the acceptance or regret and the details.
  5. 5Keep every sentence in the third person and the tone courteous.
  6. 6Check words and spelling.

Formal Invitations and Replies in the Third Person in real life

The idea, met in an everyday situation. Answer the question in your own words, then compare with the model answer. The one-line hook is what to remember.

Writing a polite reply on behalf of a busy person

Suppose a local doctor receives a card inviting him to judge a school science fair on a day he is on duty in a hospital.

Write a one-sentence regret that is polite, truthful and short.

Try it first, then show the solutionSolution
  1. Thank the host.
  2. Say regret and give a brief reason.
  3. Wish the event success.

Answer: Dr Sinha thanks the Principal for the kind invitation but regrets his inability to attend owing to hospital duty, and wishes the science fair every success.

Memory hook: Thank, regret, wish.

Tricks to remember Formal Invitations and Replies in the Third Person

Short memory aids. Say each one aloud once, then use it on a question the same day.

  • H-O-D-V-R: Host, Occasion, Date, Venue, RSVP

    The five parts of a formal invitation.

    Use it when: Tick them off in order.

  • T-A-C: Thank, Accept, Confirm

    The three beats of an acceptance.

    Use it when: Quick plan for the reply.

  • T-R-W: Thank, Regret, Wish

    The three beats of a regret.

    Use it when: Quick plan for the reply.

Formal Invitations and Replies in the Third Person: solved examples

Ordered from board level to HOTS. Try each one before you open the solution.

Example 1: What goes in the RSVP line? · 1 mark · MCQBoard level

What should the RSVP line at the end of a formal invitation contain?
(a) The guest's home address (b) A contact name with a phone number or email (c) The list of items to be performed (d) The host's thanks

Try it first, then show the solutionSolution
  1. RSVP asks the guest to reply, so it names a person to reply to with a phone number or email (1 mark).

Answer: (b)

Example 2: What does RSVP mean? · 1 mark · Very short answerBoard level

What does RSVP at the end of an invitation ask the guest to do, and why is it useful to the host?

Try it first, then show the solutionSolution
  1. RSVP means please reply (0.5).
  2. The host can plan numbers (0.5).

Answer: It asks the guest to reply; the host can plan seating and food.

Example 3: Invitation to a chief guest · 4 marks · Short answerHarder board level

You are the Principal of Lakshmi Vidyalaya, Madurai. Draft a formal invitation, in about 50 words, to Dr Radha Menon, a scientist, to inaugurate the school's Science Week on Monday, 7 December 2026, at 10 a.m. in the school hall.

Try it first, then show the solutionSolution
  1. Format (1): card style, third person, RSVP.
  2. Content (2): host, request, occasion, role, date, day, time, venue.
  3. Accuracy (1).

Answer: The Principal, teachers and students of Lakshmi Vidyalaya, Madurai, request the pleasure of the company of Dr Radha Menon, scientist, to inaugurate the Science Week of the school on Monday, 7 December 2026, at 10 a.m. in the school hall.
RSVP: The Principal, Lakshmi Vidyalaya, Madurai

Example 4: Formal acceptance · 4 marks · Short answerHarder board level

You are Mr Imran/Ms Iram Qureshi, a sports coach in Lucknow. You have been invited by the Principal of Delhi Public School, Lucknow, to be the Chief Guest at the Sports Day on Friday, 18 December 2026. Write a formal reply accepting the invitation in about 50 words.

Try it first, then show the solutionSolution
  1. Format (1): address and date, third person.
  2. Content (2): thanks, acceptance, role, date and time confirmed, good wishes.
  3. Accuracy (1).

Answer: 12 Park Road
Lucknow
10 December 2026
Mr/Ms Qureshi thanks the Principal of Delhi Public School, Lucknow, for the kind invitation to be the Chief Guest at the Sports Day on Friday, 18 December 2026, and is pleased to accept it. He/She will reach the school grounds by 9.30 a.m. and wishes the event every success.

Example 5: Declining with grace · 4 marks · Short answerHOTS / competency

You are Mr Joseph/Ms Jyoti Thomas, an author in Kochi. You have been invited by St. Xavier's College, Pune, to deliver a lecture on 15 January 2027 but you will be abroad on a book tour. Write a formal reply regretting your inability to attend, suggesting that you would be glad to visit later, in about 50 words.

Try it first, then show the solutionSolution
  1. Format (1).
  2. Content (2): thanks, regret with reason, offer for a later visit, good wishes.
  3. Accuracy (1): third person throughout.

Answer: 8 Marine Drive
Kochi
5 January 2027
Mr/Ms Thomas thanks the Principal of St. Xavier's College, Pune, for the kind invitation to deliver a lecture on 15 January 2027 but regrets his/her inability to attend, being abroad on a book tour. He/She would be happy to visit the college later and wishes the event every success.

Where students lose marks in Formal Invitations and Replies in the Third Person

The slips examiners see most often, and what to write instead.

  • Mistake: Starting with Dear Sir

    Formal invitations and replies are cards or notes in the third person.

    Wrong working

    Dear Sir, I am pleased to accept your invitation.

    Right working

    Dr Rao thanks the Principal for the invitation and is pleased to accept it.

    Do this: Start with the name or the host.

    Usually costs: The format mark.

  • Mistake: Missing the day of the week

    Invitations need the date with the day.

    Wrong working

    on 7 December 2026 at 10 a.m.

    Right working

    on Monday, 7 December 2026, at 10 a.m.

    Do this: Add the day beside the date.

    Usually costs: Part of the content marks.

  • Mistake: No RSVP in an invitation

    The RSVP is part of the usual pattern.

    Wrong working

    The invitation ends at the venue.

    Right working

    The invitation ends with RSVP and a name.

    Do this: Finish with RSVP.

    Usually costs: Part of the format marks.

  • Mistake: Switching from third person to I

    It spoils the register.

    Wrong working

    Dr Rao thanks the Principal and I am happy to accept.

    Right working

    Dr Rao thanks the Principal and is happy to accept.

    Do this: Reread each sentence.

    Usually costs: Accuracy.

Exam tips

  • Decide which of the three types it is before you write the first word.
  • Write the date with its day for invitations.
  • Keep a regret to three sentences: thanks, regret with reason, good wishes.
  • Replies may carry the writer's address and date; keep them short.
  • Stay within about 50 words and check the third person throughout.

Practice questions on Formal Invitations and Replies in the Third Person

Write each answer on paper first. Open the hint only if you are stuck, and the answer only when you have finished.

  1. Q1 · 1 mark · MCQBoard level

    Which closing line is correct for a formal acceptance written in the third person?
    (a) Yours faithfully, Dr Rao (b) He wishes the event every success. (c) With love, Rao (d) Thank you, I will come.

    Hint

    The third person never says I.

    Answer

    (b) He wishes the event every success.

  2. Q2 · 4 marks · Short answerHarder board level

    You are the Secretary of the Literary Society of Gokhale College, Pune. Write a formal invitation, in about 50 words, to Mr Vikram Sethi, a poet, to be the Guest of Honour at the society's poetry evening on Saturday, 12 December 2026, at 5 p.m. in the college library.

    Hint

    Host, request, role, date and day, time, venue, RSVP.

    Answer

    The Literary Society of Gokhale College, Pune, cordially invites Mr Vikram Sethi, poet, to be the Guest of Honour at its poetry evening on Saturday, 12 December 2026, at 5 p.m. in the college library.
    RSVP: The Secretary, Literary Society, Gokhale College

  3. Q3 · 4 marks · Short answerHarder board level

    You are Dr Anita/Dr Anil Bose, a dentist in Kolkata. The Principal of Modern High School invited you to speak on oral health on 10 February 2027. Write a formal acceptance in about 50 words, adding a request for a projector.

    Hint

    Thanks, accept, confirm, request.

    Answer

    25 Lake Road
    Kolkata
    20 January 2027
    Dr Bose thanks the Principal of Modern High School for the kind invitation to speak on oral health on 10 February 2027 and is pleased to accept it. Dr Bose requests that a projector be arranged for the talk and wishes the programme every success.

  4. Q4 · 4 marks · Short answerHarder board level

    You are Mrs Latha/Mr Lalit Iyer, a retired principal. You have been invited to a wedding reception on 20 December 2026 in Chennai, but your doctor has advised rest. Write a formal reply regretting your inability to attend, in about 50 words.

    Hint

    Thank, regret, brief reason, blessing.

    Answer

    14 Gandhi Road
    Chennai
    12 December 2026
    Mrs/Mr Iyer thanks Mr and Mrs Sharma for the kind invitation to the wedding reception of their daughter on 20 December 2026 but regrets her/his inability to attend, as the doctor has advised rest. Mrs/Mr Iyer sends the couple best wishes for a happy married life.

  5. Q5 · 4 marks · Short answerHOTS / competency

    A student writes this reply: Dear Principal, I will not come because I am busy. Rewrite it as a formal third-person regret in about 50 words. (Invitation: Annual Prize Distribution, 22 January 2027, Kendriya Vidyalaya, Jabalpur; you are Mr Gopal/Ms Gauri Das, a school inspector; reason: a prior official visit.)

    Hint

    Fix register, add thanks, reason and wishes.

    Answer

    31 Civil Lines
    Jabalpur
    12 January 2027
    Mr/Ms Das thanks the Principal of Kendriya Vidyalaya, Jabalpur, for the kind invitation to the Annual Prize Distribution on 22 January 2027 but regrets his/her inability to attend owing to a prior official visit. He/She wishes the function every success.

Test your recall

Answer in your head or on paper first, then open the card. Pulling an answer out of memory makes it stick far better than re-reading.

  1. 1.How many marks does the question carry?Show answer

    4 marks: format 1, content 2, accuracy 1.

  2. 2.Which person is used in a formal invitation?Show answer

    Third person.

  3. 3.What does RSVP mean?Show answer

    Please reply.

  4. 4.What phrase begins an acceptance?Show answer

    Name thanks the host for the invitation and is pleased to accept it.

  5. 5.What three parts make a regret?Show answer

    Thanks, regret with a reason, good wishes.

  6. 6.What is the word limit?Show answer

    Up to 50 words.

Formal Invitations and Replies in the Third Person: frequently asked questions

Do I need a signature on a formal invitation?

No. It is a card in the third person with no salutation or signature.

Can a formal reply carry an address?

Yes, the writer's address and date can be added at the top, briefly.

Is the informal invitation the same?

No. An informal one is a short first-person letter to a friend; this page covers the formal kind.

How should I show the date?

Write the day, date, month and year, such as Monday, 7 December 2026.