I have to d______ your invitation due to an unexpected issue on the project.

• A. Delay
• B. Deny
• C. Postpone
• D. Decline

Answer: (D)

Choosing the right verb expresses politely turning down an invitation. In this situation, you need a word that means you can’t accept the invitation, and that you’re doing so in a courteous, professional way. Decline fits perfectly because it conveys a respectful refusal and is commonly used in formal or business writing. The sentence sounds natural and clear: I have to decline your invitation due to an unexpected issue on the project.

Delay or postpone would suggest you plan to attend later or reschedule, which changes the meaning from refusing to attending at a later time. Deny is too strong and not typically used for invitations; it implies negating a claim or allegation rather than simply not accepting an invitation.