® Phrase Bank An informal letter GUIDE:TO: WRITING. *+ Make sure you have understood exactly what type of letter you have to write and what you need to include in it before you start writing + Follow the layout of informal letters, explained in the Introductory Unit. + Refer to the reader ina friendly way and use informal language. + Start a new paragraph for every major point. Keep related information together because this will make it easier for the reader to follow your letter. + Use contractions (e.g. can't, won't, i's). * Use linking words/phrases to make your writing flow better (e.g, well,by the way, anyway, what's more). + Use exclamation marks to show your excitement (eg. It's going to be a fantastic party!) + Use direct questions (e.g. How was your party?) + Use the imperative when giving directions (e.g. urn right at the supermarket). * Give reasons or explanations when giving advice, apologising for your actions, making suggestions, refusing an invitation etc. + Include a variety of adjectives when describing events, buildings, objects or people + Make sure you follow the layout of informal letters explained in the Introductory Unit. Don't forget to use a greeting, set phrases to begin and end your letter and a signature ending. Look at the table con the next page for ideas. cmommmmentgrecuings Set phrases for opening ‘Set phrases Tor closing Signature paragraph paragraph endings DearTom How are you (keeping)? Well | think that's about it. Yours Dearest John Hi! What's new? Well that’ all for now. Your friend Dear Mum I hope you are fine. Well, 'd better finish off here. Love Dear Aunt Kate What have you been up to? I must go now. All my love Hi Joe! | haven't heard from you for ages. Write soon. Best wishes . Hello Kate! It was nice to hear from you. Waiting for your letter/reply. Al the best NoT | was very happy to get your letter. | look forward to hearing from! Lots of kisses Dear brother Thank you/Thanks for your letter. seeing you. Take care Dear friend Sorry | haven't written for so long. See you soon Bye for now Dear cousin Ie taken me ages to reply but... Keep in touch. lve been meaning to write back but... Say hello to everyone. Just thought fd drop you a line. Give my love/regards to everyone. Making How about meeting at arrangements Why don't we...? (placeldateltime) _...would be the best place to meet, since. We can meet... if you like. I meet you... | suggest we meet. Can you make it on...? Is ...OK for you? ‘Which dateltime do you prefer? ‘Can you let me know if these arrangements suit you/are OK with you? tto accept an invitation I'd like to invite you to. Of course I'll come to... Would you like to come to...2 That would be great! I'm writing to invite you to... Thanks for inviting me..../your invitation, I was wondering if you'd like to come to, I'd lovelbe glad to come... How about...” How could I say no? to refuse an invitation to give directions 7 I'm afraid | can't come because... turn lefvright — I'm sorry but... go straight on/ahead Unfortunately, | won't be able to make it, ‘on the corner of. It. was nice of you to invite me but.. at the traffic lights... ‘We would have (had) a great time but... g0 past, It would have been nice (to come), however, I... go around the roundabout It would be nice (to come), however, |. it's on your lefuright | have already planned something so | won't be able... it's oppositelnext to ... it's right across from . ‘when you come to a roundabout. 0 up/down a one-way street when you get to the intersection there's a set of trafic lights. to ask for advice to give advice U'm writing to ask for your advice. If were you I would... hope you can help me with | think you should... I've been having problems with... | suggest you... Wve got a problem and Id like your advice. It would be a good idea to... What should | do? ‘The advice I can give you is. Do you think it would be a good idea to...? Why not / Why don't you...? Ifyou were me, what would you do? My advice is to... If you were in my shoes, would you...? You might want to... What do you think of the problem/situation? The way I see it, you can... | feel helpless and don't know what to do. I've given your problem a lot of thought. What do you suggest? = Let me know what you think as soon as possible. | would appreciate your advice. to apologise {('m afraid that) | won't be able to... You see... _ Him sorry but I can't Let me explai | don't know how to explain but... Let me start from the beginning... | apologise for... But that's not all. I'm really sorry. Everything started when... I'm sorry to say that... This is what happened. Giving information Here is the information you require... You wanted some information about... You need to know these things... I'm writing to give you some extra information... The first thing | should write about is... As far as ... is concerned / goes... Now, something else. In your letter you also asked about... In addition to this. As for. Well, about the. hope the information I've given you will help you. hope I've been of some help. If you have any other questions. Write if you need more details. Let me know if you need anything else.