Writing

Informal Letter

Greeting, register, friendly tone, sign-off.

Register · Greeting · Closing · Layout

B1 · Writing

What is an informal letter?

At B1 level you may be asked to write a letter or email to a friend, family member or pen pal. The register is friendly and personal — not formal.

Purpose

Share news, invite, apologise, give advice, reply

Audience

A friend, relative or someone you know well

Tone

Friendly, warm, conversational — contractions are fine

Length

140–190 words

Structure

Greeting

Dear [name], / Hi [name],

Opening

Refer to the last letter / ask how they are

Main body

2–3 paragraphs covering the key points in the task

Closing

Hope to hear from you soon. / Write back soon!

Sign-off

Love, / Best wishes, / Take care,

Useful phrases

Opening

Thanks so much for your last letter — it was great to hear from you!

Sorry I haven't written for so long — it's been a really busy month!

Inviting / suggesting

Why don't you come and visit me this summer?

How about meeting up next weekend?

Closing

Can't wait to hear your news. Write back soon!

Hope to see you soon. Take care!

Common mistakes to avoid

✗ Dear Sir, I am writing to inform you that...

Too formal — use Dear [name] for informal letters.

✓ Hi Sara, Thanks for your message — it made my day!

✗ Yours faithfully, [name]

This sign-off is formal. Use Love / Best wishes.

✓ Lots of love, / Best wishes, / Take care,

Summary

Greeting

Dear / Hi + first name

Opening

Reference to last contact / apology for not writing

Body

Cover all the task points — friendly and conversational

Closing

Hope to hear from you / Write back soon

Sign-off

Love / Best wishes / Take care — NOT Yours faithfully