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12 An informal letter

Informal letters are letters to friends, family members, boyfriends or girlfriends. A personal letter to your friends and relatives is often friendly and intimate, that’s why you should be warm and casual in the letter. Writing in correct style is not essential for an informal letter. your letter should be interesting and it should contain your latest news. It may include jokes, funny verses, pictures, etc. In your letter you should ask the opinion of people you write to.

In an informal letter you should use:

  • informal grammar and vocabulary

  • short sentences

  • small words instead of big ones

  • phrasal verbs

  • contracted verb forms like we’ve, he’s, etc.

  • fewer passive verb forms

  • more action verbs

Sender’s address

Date

Opening greeting

Letter (body)

Closing greeting

Signature

1. Sender’s address (it is usually written in the top right-hand corner).

Example: 54 Fl., 21 Pushlin St.

Moscow 33543

Russian Federation

2. Opening greeting (a personal letter demands a personal greeting).

Dear John,…..

Hi, John, ……

3. Letter (body) (start a new paragraph for each main point you want to make).

  1. Ask your friend about him/ her and thank him/her for the letter.

How are things going on? How are you and your sister husband/family, etc? I hope everything is OK. I've been wondering how... Thanks for your letter. I was glad to get your letter and hear all your news.

  1. Apologize for not writing for a long time and explain the reason.

I'm sorry I haven't written for so long, but... I haven't written for ages/I haven't kept in touch because... It's been a while since I wrote, so...

C. Refer to your friend’s news.

Glad/sorry to hear that ... It's really good news that...

D. Give your news.

By the way, I have great news about... Let me tell you about… The big news is that... Guess what?

E. Make suggestions.

Why don't we...? How about...?

4. Closing greeting (give a reason for ending your letter).

I'd better stop/say goodbye now. My lectures begin in half an hour/It's time to go to bed/My friend is waiting for me. Got to go. That's about all my news. Give my love/regards to... Drop me a line soon. I'd love to hear from you. I'm looking forward to hearing from you soon. Do keep in touch. Can't wait to see you.

5. Signature.

Best wishes, Best regards, Love, Warmly, Fondly, Take care, Yours, Truly yours, + your first name.

TASKS

  1. Which phrase can you find in an informal letter? Circle the phrases which would be appropriate for this kind of letter (several variants may be appropriate).

  1. A. How are things going on? B. How are things? C. How do you do?

  2. A. I am extremely grateful for your letter. B. Thanks for your letter. C. I was glad to get your letter.

  3. A. I am sorry to inform you that I have been busy lately. B. I’m sorry I haven't written for so long, but I've been busy lately. C. Unfortunately. I’ve been busy lately.

  1. Which phrases would you use:

to greet your friend. 2. to thank him / her for the letter. 3. to apologize for not writing for a long time. 4. to refer to your friend’s news. 5. to share your happiness/ disappointment with your friend. 6. to give your news. 7. to make suggestions. 8. to ask a favour. 9. to ask for a response. 10. to finish your letter.

  • It’s really good news that…

  • How about…?

  • Could you do something for me?

  • Many thanks for your last letter.

  • I’m happy / sorry to hear that…

  • Dear Alice,

  • I’m really sorry I haven’t written for ages.

  • Write back.

  • Take care, Tom.

  • let me tell you about…