Writing: Basic Mechanics
A2 Lesson 6: How to Write a Short, Informal Email to a Friend
Listen to the lesson examples.
Before You Write 🧠
Key Vocabulary (Click 🔊)
Let's learn these key terms for writing an email.
The 5 Parts of an Informal Email
A good informal email is simple and clear. It has five parts.
Email Structure
- Greeting: Start with
Hi [Name],orHello [Name], - Opening: A short, friendly line.
How are you?orHope you are well. - Main Message (Body): The reason you are writing. (e.g.,
I am writing to ask...) - Closing Line: A short line to end.
Write back soon!orSee you soon. - Sign-off: Finish with your name.
Best wishes,orRegards,
[Your Name]
Example Email
Here is an example of a good, clear, informal email.
To: dara@email.com
Subject: Weekend!
Hi Dara,
How are you? I hope you are having a good week.
I'm writing to ask if you are free on Saturday. I want to go to the cinema to see the new movie. Would you like to come?
Let me know!
Best wishes,
Vanna
Your Informal Writing Toolkit 🛠️
Use these phrases to make your emails sound friendly and natural.
Greetings (Informal)
- Hi [Name],
- Hello [Name],
- Hey [Name],
Opening Lines
- How are you?
- Hope you are well.
- Sorry I haven't written for a while.
Closing Lines
- Write back soon.
- See you soon.
- Hope to hear from you soon.
Sign-offs (Informal)
- Best wishes,
- All the best,
- Regards,
Practice What You Learned 🎯
Let's check your understanding. Click "Check Answers" when you're done.
Quiz 1: Formal or Informal?
Read the phrase and choose if it is for a **Formal** email (to a boss) or an **Informal** email (to a friend).
1. "Dear Sir or Madam,"
2. "Hey Vanna,"
3. "I am writing to inquire..."
4. "Talk soon,"
Quiz 2: Choose the Best Phrase
5. To start an informal email to your friend Dara, you should write:
6. To finish an informal email to a friend, you can write:
Your Writing Mission ⭐
Write Your Own Email
Write a short, informal email (30-50 words) to your friend. Invite them to go to the market with you this weekend.
Use the 5-part structure:
- Greeting: (Hi [Friend's Name],)
- Opening: (How are you?)
- Main Message: (Ask them to go to the market.)
- Closing Line: (Let me know.)
- Sign-off: (Best, [Your Name])