12 Personal / Informal letter / email
In a personal / informal letter or email you write to a friend or relative about personal news.
If you’re writing a letter from home, put your address and the date in the top
right-hand corner. If you’re away on holiday, just put the date. In an email, you
don’t need to include the address or the date.
Use an informal greeting like Hiya or 22 July 2013
Hi. In letters you can also use Dear. Hiya Lauren,
In the first paragraph give general How are things with you? Are you having a good summer? Right
information about how you are and now, I’m writing to you from a sunny beach in Portugal. I’m having an
what you’re doing. amazing time! It’s so nice to get away from the rain and get a bit of
a suntan.
In the second and third paragraphs
give more details about what you’re I’m staying at a summer surf camp on the Algarve. I’ve never surfed
doing. before so I’m on the beginners’ course. I’ve fallen off loads!
Luckily, there are lots of other beginners, so I don’t feel too
embarrassed! The instructors are really patient, and we get plenty
Use phrasal verbs and colloquial of time to just sit and relax and admire the view.
language and expressions.
I’m sharing a room with three other girls, and we’re getting on
Use idioms to add interest. like a house on fire. We cook together most nights, but yesterday
we went to the local pizzeria, which was pretty good (better than
our cooking!). It’s been great to make some new friends – I’m not
getting much sleep because we can’t stop chatting at night! And
a big coincidence – one of the girls lives really near you, so I’ll
introduce you when we get back home.
Take a look at my pics on Facebook. It’ll give you an idea of how
nice it is. Really wish you were here too. You’d love it! Maybe next
Ask questions and make suggestions. year we could come here together – what do you think?
Let’s meet up when I get back next month. Lots of love to you and
your family!
Use an informal closing expression like Bye, Bye for now, See
Bye for now
you soon, All the best or Lots of love.
Vicki
Write only your first name at the end.
Tips for personal / informal letters / emails
Use the correct register and be consistent. This letter or email should be informal.
Use short forms (I’m), not full forms (I am).
Use a colloquial, chatty style and avoid formal expressions and linkers.
Use phrasal verbs and idioms.
Use appropriate greetings and closing expressions.
Use a variety of tenses.
Ask your reader questions and express an interest in what they’re doing.
Only give details that might interest your reader – don’t write an academic essay!
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