letters formal and informal

2
REMEMBER that in a FORMAL LETTER Begin your letter with: Dear Sir/Madam (if you do not know the name of your addressee) or Dear Mrs Penney (if the name is given in the task) Explain who you are and why you are writing this letter State clearly and politely what actions you want to be taken. Do not use contractions. Use formal language. In this type of letter you may need to use INDIRECT QUESTIONS preceded by phrases like: I do not know; Could you tell me; I want to ask, the word order remains like in the statement, not question. Example: Could you tell me where my book is. I want to ask when it starts. Useful expressions: 1. Complaining: I am writing to complain about... I am sorry to inform you that... I was very disappointed with... I have some complaints about... 2. Requesting: I am writing for information about... I would like to learn/ know more about... I would like to ask whether/ if... I would be grateful if you could... 3. Asking for particular actions: I would like to ask you for... I would suggest that you/ your company... I think that I can ask for some compensation. In the light of the above, I would like to ask you for...

Upload: nik-oneill

Post on 07-Dec-2015

226 views

Category:

Documents


2 download

DESCRIPTION

FCE letters

TRANSCRIPT

Page 1: Letters Formal and Informal

REMEMBER that in a FORMAL LETTER

Begin your letter with:

Dear Sir/Madam (if you do not know the name of your addressee) orDear Mrs Penney (if the name is given in the task)

Explain who you are and why you are writing this letter State clearly and politely what actions you want to be taken. Do not use contractions. Use formal language. In this type of letter you may need to use INDIRECT QUESTIONS preceded by phrases like: I do not

know; Could you tell me; I want to ask, the word order remains like in the statement, not question. 

Example: 

Could you tell me where my book is.I want to ask when it starts.

Useful expressions:1. Complaining:

I am writing to complain about...I am sorry to inform you that...I was very disappointed with...I have some complaints about...

2. Requesting:

I am writing for information about...I would like to learn/ know more about...I would like to ask whether/ if...I would be grateful if you could...

3. Asking for particular actions:

I would like to ask you for...I would suggest that you/ your company...I think that I can ask for some compensation.In the light of the above, I would like to ask you for...

Page 2: Letters Formal and Informal

REMEMBER that in an INFORMAL LETTER

you write to a friend of yours. Friends usually have names ;-) so address him/her with a name: begin the letter with Dear Joey/

Tim /Rebecca, etc. Begin your letter with some general statements. Refer to the letter you have received from your friend

and thank him/her for it or apologise for the fact that you have not answered the last letter soon enough.

Use the proper register. The letter is supposed to be informal so you can use contractions, informal linking words like well, by the way, anyway, so, colloquial expressions, etc.

You can use more-conversation-like statements or questions in your letter: You know that I had this exam, right? You think he will be able to come to the party?

Use questions to ask about your friend - arrange the next meeting, send greetings to his/her friends and family, etc.

End your letter in informal way: Best wishes; Love; Regards. Instead of these phrases you may put two XXs. They indicate sending kisses ;-)

Useful expressions:Thank you for your letter. It was nice to hear from you.Your last letter was a real surprise. It was so nice of you to remember about...Thanks a lot for the information you've sent me in your last letter.I've just received your letter. I'm so happy to hear that...I'm sorry I haven't answered earlier but I was really busy with my school.I'm sorry I haven't written for so long but...

Looking forward to hearing from you soon.Well, that's all for now. Will talk to you soon.Give my regards to your Mum.I hope we will be able to arrange a get-together.Do write back as I'm waiting for the news from you.