Informal Letter

INFORMAL LETTERS
We usually write informal letters to friends and relatives we know well or to people of your own age. The language and
style used make them natural, but also add a bit of humour.
CHARACTERISTICS OF INFORMAL LETTERS

 Personal, short, zappy style;
 Use of colloquial vocabulary: really great, fun, you’d better;
 Idiomatic English, phrasal verbs, slang;
 Personal tone, direct address;
 Pronouns are often omitted;
 Chatty, wide use of descriptive adjectives;
 Use of active voice;
 Contractions: I’m, you’re, I’ve got, you haven’t drunk…
 Simple linking devices (connectors) ; and, but;
 Exclamation marks (!)
 Use of present tenses.
Informal letters should consist of:
-an informal greeting (Dear John, Uncle Jim, Daddy)

-opening remarks (questions about recent events or a person’s health/an apology for a delay in writing/a thank you message
for the last letter)
-introduction (reason for writing)
-main body (description of the situation in detail)
-conclusion (a summary of the main body/a reiteration of the reason for writing/a reassurance/a reference to future action)
-closing remarks (reason you must end the letter/greetings to family and friends/a promise to write soon/a request to reply
soon)
PLAN
1. Salutation + Opening Remarks

2. Paragraph 1 Reason(s) for writing
3. Paragraphs 2, 3 Development
4. Final Paragraph Closing remarks
5. Name
In semi-formal and informal letters the recipient’s address is not included in the letter. In an informal letter, begin with
“Dear John” and end with “Love, Anna”.
INTRODUCTION
It is usual to begin by referring to a letter you’ve received, questions about recent events, an apology for a delay in writing,
a thank you note for the last letter, comments about a person’s health or some other polite introductory comments;
I have just received your letter…

I’m sorry it has taken me so long to reply…
What a surprise to get a letter from you after such a long time…
Thank you for/Many thanks for answering my letter so quickly/for your (recent) letter/postcard….
It was good/nice to hear form you recently…
I’m sorry I haven’t written /been in touch for such a long time…
It’s ages since I’ve heard from you. I hope you (and your family) are well…
I was very sorry to hear…
How are you doing?
How nice it was to hear from you…
I thought I’d better write and give you some more details about…
How are things going with you?
How was your holiday?
Hi! How are you? I hope you’re feeling better…
Sorry I haven’t written /replied for ages…/for such a long time…but I’ve been very busy studying…Thanks very much for
your letter…
Thank you for your letter of January 25 th… Many thanks for answering my letter so quickly/for your recent
letter/postcard… You will be very glad to hear that…
INTRODUCING THE TOPIC
I’m writing because I’d really like your advice about…

I know you’re longing to hear all about…
You remember I told you in my last letter that I was going to…
I’m writing because I’d really like your advice about..
The reason I’m writing is to ask you if…
I am writing to ask for your help…
I wonder if/I was wondering if you could do me a favour/help me..
I hope you don’t mind me asking, but could you….
I would be very/ really/terribly grateful if you could…
Depending on the reason for writing, letters can end with one or more of the following:
-a summary of the main body;
-a reiteration of the reason for writing;
-a reassurance;
-a reference to future action;
-reason you must end the letter;
-greetings to family and friends;
-a promise to write back soon;
-a request to reply soon.
See you soon/Write soon/Hope to hear from you soon..

Please give my love/regards/best wishes to…
Well, that’s all my news. I’d better end now because…
Give my best wishes to your parents…
I’ll write as soon as I can and let you know about…
Please write soon and tell me all your news.
Please write back as soon as you can.
Cheer up/ Don’t worry too much.
Don’t let it get you down.
Once again, thanks very much for all the help…
Give my love/regards to your family…
Please drop me a line soon…
I’m looking forward to meeting up again soon…
I’d better run…
I’ll see you on Saturday…
Write soon and let me know what you…
I shall be looking forward to seeing/hearing from you soon…
I hope you will soon be well…
I hope to hear from you soon…
Looking forward to receiving news about..
I’m looking forward to…+ vb(-ing)
I’m looking forward to/Looking forward to hearing from/seeing you/receiving news about…
THE COMPLIMENTARY CLOSE/CLOSING REMARKS
Take care,
Love,
Hugs and kisses,
All the best,
Yours,
Best wishes,
Your loving son/daughter,
Much love,
Lots of love,
Regards,
God bless you.
Thinking of you…
Bye for now..
TIPS
Make sure your letter

-is relevant and focused on the task set;
-uses the vocabulary and structure appropriate for a formal/informal letter;
-is well-organized and paragraphed;
-has no grammar or spelling mistakes.
MODEL
Dear John,
Thanks for your email. I'm glad to hear that everything is going well. Sorry I'm a bit late replying, but I've been really busy
studying for my exams.
Thank you so much for inviting me to stay a bit longer. I'd love to spend some more time with you. My classes at
university finish on 5th July. Is it OK if I come on Monday 15th July and leave on Friday 26th? If these dates sound good,
let me know and I'll go ahead and book the flight.
I need to ask you a few questions about your sister's wedding. What kind of clothes should I bring? I've never been to a
wedding abroad before. Also, my family really wants to get a small gift for Jane. What do you think about some beach
towels? They could use them on their honeymoon.
Finally, you asked me what I'd like to do when I get there. Well, I guess the first few days we'll be busy getting ready for
the wedding. After that, though, there are one or two things I'd like to do. You know I'm a huge fan of modern art. Do you
think we could go to the Tate Gallery one day? Of course, a day sightseeing in London would be great, too. Other than that,
I'll leave it up to you.
Anyway, I hope to hear from you soon.
Take care,
Maria.
HOMEWORK
1. Write a letter to a cousin and invite them to your wedding. Give them some details about your future husband / wife.
2. You want to sell your television. You think a friend of yours might like to buy it from you.
Write a letter to your friend. In your letter explain:
1. Why you are selling the television
2. Describe the television
3. Suggest a date when your friend can come and see it
3. Write a letter to a friend describing the way you have spent your holiday.
4. You have recently moved to a different house.
Write a letter to an English-speaking friend. In your letter
 explain why you have moved house
 describe the new house
 invite your friend to come and visit
4. You are on a camping holiday with your friends. Write a letter to your parents, relating your experiences.
5. Imagine you are a child. Write a letter to Santa Claus, expressing a child’s thoughts.
6. Write a letter to your cousin inviting him/her to your birthday party.
7. Write a letter to your mother, who has been away for a week, telling her what has happened with your
family (you, your father, your pets and your seven brothers and sisters) since she left.

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INFORMAL LETTERS

CHARACTERISTICS OF INFORMAL LETTERS

Informal letters should consist of:

-an informal greeting (Dear John, Uncle Jim, Daddy)

1. Salutation + Opening Remarks

I have just received your letter…

INTRODUCING THE TOPIC

I’m writing because I’d really like your advice about…

See you soon/Write soon/Hope to hear from you soon..

THE COMPLIMENTARY CLOSE/CLOSING REMARKS

Make sure your letter

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