Mastering English Informal Letter Writing: Essential Phrases and Templates

Sentence Structure and Punctuation

Simpler sentence structure

I’ll be late for the party. It’s because of my French exam.

Punctuation using exclamation marks

If you’d been at the wedding, you’d have loved the food!

Structure of an Informal Letter

Salutations and Openings

• Dear Mr/Ms [Surname]
• Beginnings: Thank you / Many thanks for your (recent/last) letter / postcard.
• It was good / nice to hear from you recently.
• I’m sorry I haven’t written / been in touch for such a long time.
• It’s ages since I’ve heard from you. I hope you’re / you and your family are well.

Asking and Referring to News

• Asking: Hi! How are things? How are you? How’s it going?
• Referring to their news: Great news about... Glad to hear that... Sorry to hear about...
• Giving news:
  • This is just to let you know that...
  • Oh, and another thing...
  • You’ll never believe what...
  • I thought you might be interested to hear about / know that...
  • By the way, have you heard about / did you know that...

Common Purposes and Functions

• Apologies:
  • I’m writing to apologise for missing your party, but I’m afraid I was down with the flu.
  • I’m really sorry that I forgot to send you a birthday card, but I was busy with my new job.
• Invitations:
  • I’m having a party on Friday 19th and I hope you’ll be able to come.
  • Would you like to come / go to see 'Room With a View' with me at the weekend?
  • I was wondering if you’d like to go to the theatre / come on holiday with us?
  • Could you let me know if you can come / you’d like to join us?
  • Thank you very much for your invitation. I’d love to come.
  • Thank you for asking / inviting me to... but I’m afraid I won’t be able to...
• Requests:
  • I’m writing to ask for your help.
  • I wonder if / I was wondering if you could help me / do me a favour.
  • I hope you don’t mind me asking, but could you (possibly)...?
  • I’d be very / really / terribly grateful if you could...
• Thank You and Good Luck:
  • It was so kind of you to invite me to stay with you.
  • I really appreciated all your help / advice.
  • Congratulations on passing your exams / your excellent exam results!
  • I wish you good luck / Good luck in / with your exams / your driving test / your interview.
  • Don’t worry, I’m sure you’ll do well / pass.
• Making Suggestions and Recommendations:
  • Why don’t you...?
  • Maybe you could...?
  • How about...?
  • I’m sure you will enjoy doing this.
  • If you like, we can...
  • Do visit somewhere!
  • Don’t forget to do this!
  • I’m told that...

Endings and Sign-offs

• Endings:
  • Give my love / regards to...
  • Say hello to...
  • Write soon.
  • See you soon!
  • Once again, thank you for all your help.
  • Hope to hear from you soon.
• Signing off: Love... Lots of love... Yours... Best wishes... [First name]