engagement?

5 replies
Forums · General English Grammar & Vocabulary, Listening & Speaking · General English Vocabulary & Idiom Questions
Is it okay to say, " Sorry, I have another engagement" if someone invited you for dinner or lunch?

It meant that I needed to go somewhere else to meet a friend or see a movie or be invited to another party.

Thanks,
Regular Member840
Yes, you could say this.

It is a somewhat formal way of saying that you have other plans.
Regular Member645
Hi,

A slightly different form of this is to say " Sorry, I have a previous engagement." This stresses that you have already made a commitment to someone else.

Best wishes, Clive
Veteran Member78,599
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Hi, Nef and Clive.

"Sorry, I have a previous engagement." Here, does 'engagement' mean an agreement between two people to marry?

It has different meaning from the one in discussion, hasn't it? (I have another engagement = I have another plan vs. I have a previous engagement = I'm engaged)

Thanks for your replies.
Hi,

"Sorry, I have a previous engagement." Here, does 'engagement' mean an agreement between two people to marry?

Basically, to have an engagement means to have an appointment or commitment. In other words, I am busy with something/somebody. Thus, in a sense it can refer to both 'being busy' and 'love/marriage'. Usually, the context will make things very clear. eg

Q: Can you come for dinner on Saturday? A: Sorry, I can't, I have a previous engagment.

With regard to love/marriage, we usually say 'I am engaged' rather than 'I have an engagement'.

Best wishes, Clive
Moderator: A super-user who takes care of the forums. You have the ability to message a moderator privately should you wish. These users have a range of elevated privileges including the deletion, editing and movement of posts when needed.Teachers: Users in this role are certified teachers. This may include DELTA, CELTA, TESOL, TEFL qualified professionals. Email a scan of your qualification to an admin, if you wish to be considered.
Hi, Clive.

Thanks for your clear explanations.

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