How to write an informal letter

Informal letters are sent to people you know well (e.g. friends, relatives, etc) about your recent news, personal problems, information you need, etc. They are written in an informal style with a chatty, personal tone.

• An informal letter should consist of:

a) an informal greeting (DearKen/Aunt Joan/etc );

b) an introduction inwhich you write your opening remarks (E.g.. asking about your friend's health, etc) and mention your reason for writing

e.g. Hi!How are you? I thought I'd write and let you know that ... ;

c) a main body in which you write the main subject(s) of the letter in detail, starting a new paragraph for each topic;

d) a conclusion in which you write your closing remarks

e.g. That's all my news fornow. Write back soon ... ;

e) an informal ending (e.g. Lots of love/Best wishes/ate + your first name).

Opening remarks in informal letters may include:

a) questions/Wishes about recent events, the person's health, etc

b) a thank you to the person fortheir last letter, comments about their news

c) an apology for a delay in writing/replying

d) the reason why you are writing

• Closing remarks in informal letters may include:

e) the reason why you must end the letter

f) greetings for the person's family/friends

g) wishes, a promise (e.g. to write again soon), an invitation, etc

h) a request to the person to reply soon

Informal style:

When writing friendly letters, you normally use informal style.

Informal writing is characterised by the useof:

• everyday vocabulary (e.g. I had a great time)

• colloquial expressions and dioms (e.g.drop mea line)

• phrasal verbs (e.g.getan, settle in)

• shortforms (e.g. can't, don't, I'm, I'm)