Writing a personal/informal, semi-formal or formal letter/e-mail
at least 150 words, 20 min
Rules of writing, tips, useful phrases
Informal
Tips
- Stick to the informal style of writing.
- Use contractions (don’t, can’t, I’m, it’s).
- Use informal vocabulary (including phrasal verbs), but not too colloquial (e.g. super cool, hey!).
- Demonstrate the knowledge of a wide range of vocabulary (use different synonyms, e.g. spectacular, stunning, informal idioms, e.g. thrilled to bits / over the moon, it cost an arm and a leg, etc.) and grammar (use different sentence types).
- Make the paragraphs more or less equal in size.
Salutation
Dear …,
Thanking for the letter
Thank you for your recent letter.
I was glad/happy/pleased to hear from you again. / It was great/nice/lovely to hear from you again.
Some standard phrases
Sorry I haven’t written before. / Sorry for the delay in replying. / Sorry I haven’t been in touch.
I was overwhelmed with exams./ I’ve been busy studying.
Closing phrase
Write back soon!/ I can’t wait to hear from you!/ It was great catching up.
Give me a ring and let me know.
Sign-off
Take care, / Best wishes, /Lots of love, / Love,/ All the best, /Yours,
More phrases
Unfortunately, I won’t be able to make it due to my hectic work schedule.
Why don’t you…?/ How about Ving?