Writing an informal email
An informal email is friendly and personal. Use a friendly subject (Book fair on Saturday!), begin with Hi and the name, and write as you speak. Contractions are normal: I’d, we’re, can’t. You can use short phrases such as Guess what!, I just wanted to tell you that … and I’d love you to come. Ask questions to the reader: Can you make it? End with a warm closing such as See you soon! or Write back soon, and your first name. Formal and informal differ in register. Formal: I would be grateful if you could attend. Informal: I’d love you to come. Do not use slang that the reader may not know, and do not write in capital letters only. Check that the email has a greeting, a purpose, the details (what, when, where) and a friendly ending.
| Part | Informal example |
|---|---|
| Subject | Book fair on Saturday! |
| Greeting | Hi Hend, |
| Purpose | I just wanted to ask if you’d like to come. |
| Closing | See you soon! Rana |
Subject: Book fair on Saturday! Hi Hend, Guess what! Our school is holding a book fair this Saturday from ten o’clock in the yard, and I’d love you to come. There will be a lot of stalls, and my class is selling used books for very low prices. I’m also going to read one of my own short stories. Can you make it? We could have lunch in the canteen afterwards. Write back soon! See you on Saturday, Rana
Invite a friend. Write an informal email of 60 to 80 words inviting a friend to a school book fair or a family meal. Include a friendly subject, Hi, Guess what!, the what, when and where, a question and a friendly ending. Read it to a grown-up and check that it sounds friendly.