Question

Choose the best reply to complete the conversation.
Tina: Please come to our house-warming party next week.
Prabha: _____.
a) I would love to come. But I’m not in town next week
b) Thanks! But I’m away
c) Can’t make it, sorry!
d) Regretfully, I can’t.

Answer 1

Hint: The reply that we choose must maintain the same tone as in its previous sentence. The given statement is not in a formal tone.

Complete answer:

 In the given conversation between Tina and Prabha, Tina is inviting Prabha to her house-warming party. The conversation is not in a formal tone as the speaker is not inviting Prabha for any official function. It is a casual invitation.
The reply, therefore, should maintain that informal yet polite tone which conveys the inconvenience Prabha has in attending the function.
Then, the option gives the appropriate reply. On the first hand, the option expresses Prabha’s gratitude to Tina for the invitation. It then takes us to the reason for not being able to attend it. Hence, option a is the right answer.
Option b goes wrong as it sounds incomplete and way too informal in tone. Also, I’m away is the present condition and hints nothing about the future.
Option c simply gives a statement of apology for rejecting the invitation. It doesn’t contain an expression of gratitude.

Option d is incorrect as it is formal in tone and does not go coherent.

Note: One must also take care of the tense forms while writing the reply. If the future is the context of the conversation, the replies should contain future tense in it.