Formal and Informal Letter Writing Techniques

Formal Letter Writing

Greeting

• Dear Sir/Madam (if you don't know the name of the person you're writing to)
• Dear Mr. ... / Ms. ... (if you know the name)

Explaining Your Reasons/Requests

• I am writing to enquire about...
• I am writing in response to...
• I am writing in order to explain...
• With reference to your advertisement,
• I would like to apply for the post of...
• I am particularly interested in...
• I would be grateful if you could...
• I would appreciate information on...
• Could you please...?
• I wonder if you could...
• It would also be useful to know...
• Would it be possible for me to...?
• Please do not hesitate to contact me should you require any further information.
• Thank you for your assistance.

Finishing

• I look forward to hearing from you.
• I look forward to receiving your news.

Closing

• Yours faithfully, (if you don't know the name of the person you're writing to)
• Yours sincerely, (if you know the name)

Dialogue/Conversation Writing

Useful Sentences

Use colloquial language:

• OK
• Well
• Oh, ...
• Erm ...
• How are things?
• That sounds good/great/bad/OK.
• What do you think of...?
• That depends.
• We'll see.
• Go on!
• Come on!

Making Suggestions

• How about...?
• Let's...
• We could...
• Why don't we/you...?
• Are you interested in...?
• Shall we...?
• Maybe we/you could...

Expressing Preferences

• I'd like/love to...
• That would be great!
• I can't wait!
• I'd prefer to...
• I don't really feel like...
• I'd rather not.

Tips

• Before you write, think of a similar situation which you have seen or heard.
• Think about the situation from the point of view of both characters.
• The purpose of the dialogue should be clear in the first few lines.
• Decide how the dialogue will end before you start writing.
• Use short answers and short sentences.
• The language should be natural and colloquial.
• You may use short forms and contractions.

Informal Letter Writing

Responding to a Person's News

• Thanks for your letter.
• You asked about...
• It sounds like...

Asking How the Person Is

• So, how are you?
• How's it going?
• What's new?
• How are you getting on?
• It was great to hear from you

Answering a Question

• Thanks for asking about...
• You wanted to know about...
• You asked about...
• I'm writing to tell you that...

Adding Extra Information

• What else?
• Oh, yes...
• I also wanted to tell you that...

Changing the Subject

• By the way, did I tell you that...?
• Anyway, ...

Finishing

• Keep in touch.
• Write soon.
• Looking forward to hearing your news/from you.
• Anyway, I must stop writing now.

Closing

• Yours,
• Love, / XXX (kisses) / XOX (hugs and kisses)
• Best wishes,
• Take care,
• See you, / CU