INGLS INSTRUMENTAL

WRITING. INFORMAL LETTER

Informal or private letters are those we send to family, friends and acquaintances. Today, this
kind of communication is usually done by e-mail or other digital media. Their content is
identical to that of letters on paper, although, of course, the formal layout changes. When
writing an informal letter or email our language is more relaxed and we are able to use
abbreviations which are rare in other forms of English writing, except perhaps when using
direct speech.

Tone
What tone should we use in our private letters in English? The degree of intimacy with your
recipient and the context will determine the tone of your letter. In general, written
communication is always more formal than oral. If your personal letter is an examination test,
you should have an informal, but correct style, which is always courteous. Avoid using too
colloquial expressions such as Whats up? or Oh, gosh... Letters to relations and intimate
friends should be written in an easy, conversational style but, however free and easy may be
our style, we are just bound by the rules of spelling punctuation, grammar, and idiom in
writing a letter as we are in writing a formal letter. Our text should be colloquial, but also
elegant.

Style
An informal letter is the closest thing the written language has to a conversation. You should:
- use simple, short sentences: this will give the text a light touch
- use contractions: Id, therell be, were
- use abbreviations: i.e, e.g
- use simple linkers: then, later
- include direct questions or references to the relationship itself to give credibility to your
letter: I havent written for ages, Do you remember?...
- use exclamation marks (!)
- use phrasal verbs: get back, pass by
- use subjective expressions such as I really think, I bet he, thats awful to provide realism.

Structure
An informal letter has five parts:
1. The Heading:
The heading can include your address and the date. In casual, friendly letters your address is
not necessary.
2. The Greeting or Salutation:
The greeting always ends with a comma. The greeting may be formal, beginning with the
word dear and using the persons given name or relationship, or it may be more informal if
appropriate: Dear Uncle, Hi Joe
3. The Body:
The body of the letter is the information you are writing in your letter. It includes the
message you want to write. It may have several short paragraphs that start with indented
lines. It usually includes an introduction where we greet the person and state the reason we
are writing for; the main body where we develop the subject; and the conclusion where we
use suitable remarks (invite, send greeting to others, etc.) or indicate that the letter is going to
finish.
4. The Closing:
This short expression is always a few words on a single line. In the closing the first word is
capitalized and you put a comma after the last word.
5 The Signature line:
Your name and the signature (in handwritten letters).

Useful expressions:
Greetings:
Dear Jim
Hello Jim
Hi Jim
Body - Introductory paragraph:
How are you?
How are things with you?
How are things?
How are you doing?

Body References to the relationship:

Sorry I haven't written for ages
Thanks for (you letter, having me to stay, etc.).
Sorry it's taken me so long to write
Sorry for not writing earlier but
It was great to hear from you
I'm really glad to hear about
I was very happy to read about
Body - Introducing points:
Im writing to tell you
By the way
Did you hear about
Did you see
Have you seen
Tell me about
Oh, another thing
Body Conclusion:
Well, it's time to go
Well, time to close
I've got to leave off now
Thats all for now
Bye for now
Hope to hear from you soon
Im looking forward to hearing from you /meeting you soon.
(Give my) regards / Love to
Give my best wishes to your family
Give a big kiss to everyone
Closing:
Love
Lots of love
All my love
Look after yourself
Take care of yourself
All the best

Informal Letters Samples

10th December
Hi Vic,
How are you? What are you doing this New Years Eve? Jean and I have decided to hold a
party at home this year, and wed love it if you could come.
Were planning quite a small party with our old school friends, so youll know all of the
guests. Therell be lots to eat and drink. Weve decided to give the party a Mexican theme,
with lots of spicy food.
Youll probably be coming by train wont you? Just give us a ring from the station and Ill pick
you up. As the party will be quite late, youll need to stay the night. Dont worry theres plenty
of room for everybody.
Well, I really hope you can make it. It seems ages since we last saw. Please let me know as
soon as possible.
Lots of love,
Mark

December 6th
Dear Jane,
I hope you are feeling better. Are you able to sit in the garden and enjoy the sunshine?
We all miss you in the office and look forward to your return. There have been a few changes
since you went into hospital. Eric Johnson has now retired (lucky man) and Matthew has taken
over Eric's job. He is struggling at the moment. He hopes you will return soon to rescue him
from the muddle.
I thought you would like the book I'm sending you with this letter I saw it in the bookshop and
thought it would make you laugh. I know you've always wanted to live in Greece. Anyway, I
hope you enjoy it and find time to read it before you return to work.
Take it easy and look after yourself. Ill write again soon.
Best regards,
Sheila

Rue de la Tour 9
1207 Geneva
Switzerland
10 September

Dear Stephanie and David,

Sorry for not writing earlier but Ive been incredibly busy since I got back!
Im writing to thank you for letting me stay with you in August I had a fantastic time. The
weather was perfect and I really think my English got better. I hope you think so too!
It was very nice to meet Claire and Emma. There were a lot of memorable days, but Ill
never forget the open air concert we went to it was amazing or the visit to Edinburgh
Castle.
For the last three weeks Ive been very busy organizing everything for my next year at
university. I have to register for all my subjects and choose the optional ones I want to do. Ive
also been doing a lot of exercise as I put on three kilos while I was in Glasgow! Ive been going
swimming every day and playing football with my friends. Talking of football, I was sorry to
see that Celtic lost on Saturday. Lets hope they play better next week.
Anyway, thats all for now. Thanks again for everything. Dont forget my invitation to come
to Geneva my family would love to meet you. Spring would be a great time as its warm and
not too crowded.
Best wishes,
Christelle