How To Write An Informal Email In English (Easily!)

Summary

This video lesson teaches how to write an informal email or letter. It covers key elements such as the opening line, content section, and closing line. The speaker explains how to tailor your tone depending on the relationship—whether formal or informal. The video also highlights seven common purposes for informal emails, including apologies, requests, complaints, and sharing good or bad news. Each purpose is supported with useful phrases and examples. The lesson ends with a practical example, drafting a reply to a friend's email about a new job.

Takeaways

• 😀 Informal letters or emails consist of three main elements: the opening line, the content section, and the closing line.
• 📧 Use informal tone when writing to close friends, family, or people you have a personal relationship with.
• 🙋‍♂️ Start an informal email with 'Dear' followed by the first name of the person, not their full name.
• 💕 End informal emails with phrases like 'Yours lovingly', 'Best wishes', 'All the best', or even 'xoxo'.
• 📜 The content section varies depending on the purpose of the email, such as apology, request, complaint, or giving news.
• 🙏 To apologize in an informal email, use phrases like 'I am very sorry, but...' or 'I must apologize for...'.
• 💬 If you're making a request, phrases like 'Could you please...' or 'Could you possibly...' work well.
• 😠 For complaints, use phrases such as 'I must complain about...' or 'I’m very unhappy with...'.
• 😊 Express satisfaction with phrases like 'I was delighted to hear that...' or 'I was happy to hear that...'.
• 📝 Before writing, it's important to plan the structure, including opening, apology or purpose, expression of feelings, request for information, and a closing line.

Q & A

What are the three main elements of an informal email?

The three main elements of an informal email are the opening line, the content section, and the closing line.

When should you use an informal tone in an email?

An informal tone should be used when writing to friends, close family members, or anyone with whom you have a personal relationship.

How should you address someone in the opening of an informal email?

You should use 'Dear' followed by the person's first name, such as 'Dear Tom'.

What are some ways to close an informal email?

You can close an informal email with phrases like 'All the best,' 'Best wishes,' 'Love,' or 'XOXO' depending on the relationship.

What is one structure you can use to apologize in an informal email?

One structure is 'I am very sorry [for the mistake], but [reason or excuse].' For example, 'I am terribly sorry I didn’t reply sooner, but I’ve been very busy.'

What phrase can you use to request something in an informal email?

You can use 'Could you please [request]?' or 'Could you possibly [request]?' For example, 'Could you please lend me some money?'

How can you express satisfaction in an informal email?

You can use phrases like 'I was happy to hear that,' 'I was glad to hear that,' or 'I was delighted to hear that,' followed by the reason for your satisfaction.

What structure can you use to ask for information in an informal email?

You can use 'Do you know [information]?' or 'I want to know about [topic].' For example, 'Do you know how I can apply for Harvard University?'

What are some phrases you can use to give bad news in an informal email?

You could say, 'I don’t know how to tell you this, but...' or 'I wish I wasn’t the one to tell you this, but...' followed by the bad news.

Why is planning important when writing an informal email?

Planning helps you structure your thoughts, ensuring that you include all necessary information, such as an apology, expression of satisfaction, request for information, and an appropriate closing.