Writing

Informal Email

Write to a friend or family member

An informal email

To a friend or someone in your family

Tone
friendly — contractions are fine (I'm, it's)
Length
80–100 words
Parts
greeting · opening · news · a question · ending
Reply
answer every question in the email you got

Structure

Five parts, every time

Greeting
Hi Sam, · Dear Sam,
Opening
Thanks for your email! · How are you?
News
Guess what! · I wanted to tell you that …
Question
What about you? · Are you free next weekend?
Ending
Write soon! · See you soon, · Love, / Best wishes,

Useful phrases

Ready to use

Thanking
Thanks for your email — it was great to hear from you.
Apologising
Sorry I didn't write sooner. I've been really busy.
Inviting
Would you like to come to …? · Do you fancy …?
Changing topic
Anyway, … · By the way, …

Model

Read it — find the five parts

An informal email — 76 words
Hi Sam,
Thanks for your email! Sorry I didn't write sooner — I've been really busy with my new job at the café. It's hard work but the people are lovely. Guess what? I'm going to a concert in London next month. Would you like to come with me? The tickets aren't expensive. Anyway, how was your holiday? Did you go to the beach?
Write soon!
Maria

Common mistakes

Where learners go wrong most often

Dear Sir, I am writing to inform you …
→
Hi Sam, Thanks for your email!
informal: friendly greeting and opening
I wait your answer.
→
Write soon! · I can't wait to hear from you.
natural informal ending
How are you? I am fine, and you?
→
How are you? I'm really well.
answer naturally, then add news
Thanks for you email.
→
Thanks for your email.
your (possessive), not you

Your turn

Say it first, then write it

Reply to a friend who asked about your weekend. Say it first, then write 80–100 words.

1
Thank your friend and open the email.
2
Give your news: what did you do?
3
Invite your friend to something.
4
Ask two questions and end the email.

Recap

Open
Hi + name, · Thanks for your email!
Hi Sam,
News
Guess what! · I wanted to tell you …
I'm going to …
Ask
a question for the reader
How was your holiday?
End
Write soon! · Love, / Best wishes,
Maria
Write it now →
1 / 7