INFORMAL LETTERS/EMAILS
An informal letter or email is usually between people who know each other fairly well. In addition to
giving news, they are often used to request information, congratulate people, give advice and ask
questions. There are a lot of similarities between informal letters and conversation. Informal letters
ask a lot of questions, show interest and enthusiasm, and imagine a lot of shared information.
Given that we are writing to a friend or close relative, our language will be relaxed and friendly. We
could call it informal language if you want. So we will be making use of contracted forms, common
phrasal verbs, colloquial expressions and even flexible punctuation (E.g.: using em dashes «–»)
LAYOUT
Opening formula : used to say hello in a polite way: Dear (first name)
Introductory paragragh: typically used to react to news (It’s great to hear from you… /
I’m so excited about...) and to introduce the topic of our email
Body, which will consist of as many paragraphs as ideas you are asked to discuss.
Closing paragraph. The end of your letter is as important as the beginning. Give a
reason why you're ending the letter: Anyway, I must go and get on with my work! .
Also, make a reference to future contact: We must try and meet up soon. / I can't wait
to hear from you.
Closing formula, used to say «goodbye» in a polite way: Take care, Best wishes, ...
Your name.
USEFUL EXPRESSIONS
Greetings:
Dear Sarah, / Hello Sara, / Hi Sara,
Introductory paragraph:
How’s it going? / How are you doing? / How are things? / How are things going? /
It’s great to hear from you! / Long time, no see! / Sorry I haven’t written for ages, but .../
I’m really sorry it’s taken me so long to get back to you.
Reacting to good news:
I’m glad to hear that / I’m so happy that / Great news about your .../ I’m very happy to hear
about ... / It’s so great that ...
Reacting to bad news:
I’m so sorry to hear about ... / Sorry to read about ... / I can’t tell you how sad I am that.../
I’m extremely sorry to hear about ... / It’s just awful to hear that ...
Introducing paragraphs:
Oh, by the way,... / Hey, did you hear about…? / One more thing, ... / As for.../
By the way, tell me about ...
Ending the email or letter:
Well, I gotta go now. / Anyway, I should get going. / I’ve got to leave you now. / I’d better get going. /
Well, it’s time to go. / Make sure you write soon. / Don’t forget to drop me a line soon. /
Look after yourself. / Take care of yourself.
Closing the email or letter:
All my love, / Love, / Lots of love, / All the best, / Take care, / Best wishes, / Regards, / Kind regards,
WRITING TASK. (125 words)
You’ve received an email from a friend of yours who is coming to town for work.
She/he’ll work for a big company and needs some advice about what clothes to buy and
where.
Write her/him back.
- Use appropriate language.
- Keep an organized layout.
- Include phrasal verbs, suitable adjectives to describe clothes and appearance.
