Here is a list of useful phrases to use when writing an informal letter or email:
Beginning
Dear (first name),
Hello (first name),
Hi (first name),
Hey (first name)
How are you?
How’re things?
How’s it going?
Hope you’re well!
Previous Contact
Thanks for your letter / email / card / text….
Sorry I haven’t written for a while, I’ve been really busy…
Sorry for the late reply…
I haven’t heard from you in a while, I hope you’re ok.
Referring to Good News
I was so happy to hear about…
Glad to hear that...
Referring to Bad News
Sorry to hear about…
My thoughts are with you at this difficult time
Apologies
I’m writing to say sorry for…
Sorry I couldn’t make it to your party/wedding/christening, as…
I’m writing to apologise for…
Thank you for the invite, but I can’t make it to ____________ , because…
Giving Good News
I’m writing to tell you that….
I have some good news…
You will never guess, but…
I have something to tell you....
Just to let you know that…
Giving Bad News
Unfortunately, I have bad news…
I have something important to tell you…
I’m writing to let you know that…
Something terrible has happened…
Attachments
(For a letter)
I have enclosed…
Here is the… you wanted.
I thought you would like to see a picture of ______, so I have sent one with this letter.
(For an email)
Please find attached
To this email I have attached a photo of ______ for you to see.
Invitations
Would you like to…
I have been thinking it would be lovely if we could…
Are you free this weekend/next week/next Monday/this month…
I was thinking it would be nice if we planned to do something together soon. Are you free on…
Do you have any free weekends coming up where we can see each other?
Do you want to come to the cinema with me on Friday?
I’ve just moved house, do you want to come and stay with me soon?
I’m having a party on ________, can you make it?
Are you free on Saturday?
I was wondering if you wanted to go for a meal soon/at the weekend/next week?
Saying Thank You
Thank you so much for the thoughtful present, I love it!
I’m writing to say thank you for inviting me to your party.
Thank you for letting me stay with you for a few days.
Thank you for making my stay at your house an enjoyable and comfortable one.
Thank you for the card, it was really thoughtful of you.
Good Luck
Sending you lots of good luck for your driving test/exam/your interview/your new job
Wishing you the best of luck for…
Good luck for _________, I know you will do brilliantly!
Congratulations
Congratulations on passing your driving test / passing your exam / getting the job / the arrival of your baby boy/girl
I am so proud of you for ___________, congratulations!
Congrats on…
Well done for…
Asking for Advice/Help
I was wondering if you could help me with something, I need…
Could you help me with…
I really need your help / advice with something…
Can you do me a favour please? I need…
I would be so grateful if you could help me…
Giving Advice
If I were you, I would…
You should really…
Make sure you…
I really think you should...
Making a Recommendation
I went to an amazing restaurant / bar / city / place … You would love it there.
When I went on holiday to ________ , I really enjoyed ________. You should go there too!
Make sure you visit _________
I think you would really like __________
I saw a really good film at the weekend and I thought you would enjoy it, it’s called _________
Ending the Letter
Hope to hear from you soon!
Write soon!
Give my love to…
Say hello to your mum for me!
Pass my love on to your family from me.
Take care.
Look after yourself.
Thanks again for...
Signing Off
Lots of love,
All my love,
Love,
Love from,
Best wishes,
All the best,
Bye for now,
Speak soon,
Now just don’t forget to sign your name!
- Amy
- Amy
