Writing letters, emails, and text messages

Writing letters, emails, and text messages

Informal letters and emails

Beginning an informal email

Hi + first name

Beginning an informal letter

Dear + first name

Useful phrases (1)

(it was) good to hear from you; Thanks for your letter; Hope you are well; How are you?/How are things with you?

Useful phrases (2)

Sorry I haven't written/been in touch; It was good/great to see you last weekend; We're having a great time in Paris; I've got some (good/great) news

Useful phrases (3)

Just a quick note to say I'll be back on Monday; I was wondering if you wanted to meet up some time; Let me know when you're free; Hope to see you soon/Look forward to seeing you soon

Useful phrases (4)

Write soon/Keep in touch; It would be great to have your news; Give my love/regards/best wishes to your family

Ending an informal email or letter

All the best/Best; Best wishes; regards (slightly more formal); Love/Lots of love (only to close friends and family); See you soon; Take care

Beginning an informal email, e.g.

Hi Joanna

Useful phrases (1), e.g.

How are things with you? Sorry I haven't been in touch lately. I've been really busy with my exams.

Useful phrases (2), e.g.

I've got some news - I'm planning to start an English course in London in September.

Ending an informal email or letter, e.g.

All the best

PS, e.g.

PS Please give my best wishes to your family.

Formal letters

and emails

Beginning a formal letter or email

Dear Mr Jones/Dr Smith/Professor Cox; Dear Sir or Madam (used when you don't know the person's name)

Write your address and then the date, in the top right-hand corner of the letter.

Write the name of the person you are writing to and their address below this on the left.

Useful phrases (1)

I am writing to enquire about/in response to/to apply for the position of/to inform you that/to complain

Useful phrases (2)

I would be most grateful if you could/Further to/I am afraid that/I regret that

Useful phrases (3)

I enclose/Please find enclosed a cheque for $200.

Useful phrases (4)

Please accept my apologies for not having contacted you earlier. I look forward to hearing from you soon. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information.

Useful phrases (5)

May I take this opportunity to thank you for your interest in our college. Thank you for your kind attention. Thank you in advance for your help.

Ending a formal letter or email

Yours sincerely (BrE) - when you began with the person's family name. Sincerely (yours)/Yours truly (AmE)

Do not say "Dear Mr" with no name.

If you don't know a man's name, say "Dear Sir"

Do not say "Dear Mr Tom Jones"

Say "Dear Mr Jones".

Do not say "Dear Mr Manager/Mrs Receptionist"

Just say "Dear + the person's name"

Do not use short forms such as "don't" or "can't".

Use the full form "do not" or "cannot".

Human Resources Department

22 Browntree Road

Beginning a formal letter or email, e.g.

Dear Sir or Madam

Useful formal phrases (1), e.g.

I am writing to apply for the post of junior designer, which was advertised in yesterday's "Independent".

Useful formal phrases (2)

I enclose my curriculum vitae.

Useful formal phrases (3)

I have just completed a two-year course in graphic design at Warford College and I think this job would be an excellent opportunity for me to begin my career as a graphic designer.

Ending a formal letter or email, e.g.

Yours faithfully

Ms Joanna Lucas 22 Browntree Road Manor Green London N3 =QT

Human Resources Department Eatham Publishing 89 Eatham Rd London SW29 9HQ

Beginning a formal letter or email, e.g.

Dear Ms Lucas

Useful formal phrases (1), e.g.

Thank you for your enquiry about the post of junior designer.

Useful formal phrases (2), e.g.

I am pleased to inform you that you have been selected for an interview on Monday 20th at 3 pm.

Useful formal phrases (3), e.g.

Could you let me know as soon as possible if you will be able to attend the interview?

Ending a formal letter or email, e.g.

Yours sincerely