Writing: B1 Lesson 9: Writing an Informal Email (Inviting, Apologizing, Giving News)

Writing: Functional Writing B1

Informal Emails (Inviting, Apologizing, Giving News)

Listen to the examples here.

What you will learn: By the end of this lesson, you will be able to write clear and friendly informal emails to invite a friend, apologize for a mistake, and share good or bad news.

Before You Start 🧠

Key Vocabulary (Click 🔊)

Informal

| មិនផ្លូវការ

Relaxed, friendly, and unofficial. Used for friends and family.

Formal

| ផ្លូវការ

Serious, official, and polite. Used for business, school, or people you don't know.

Register

| កម្រិតភាសា

The style of language (formal or informal) you use for a situation.

Tone

| សម្លេង

The writer's attitude or feeling (e.g., happy, sad, sorry, excited).

The Structure of an Informal Email

Even an informal email has a basic structure. It's simple and flexible.

Basic Email Structure

1. Greeting Examples: Hi [Name], Hey [Name],

2. Body (The Main Message) Opening: How are you? or It was great to see you...
Detail: Your main reason for writing (news, invitation, etc.).
Closing: Anyway, I have to go now. or Hope to hear from you soon.

3. Sign-off Examples: Best, Cheers, See you soon, All the best,

4. Your Name Example: Sophea

Informal Email Toolkit 🛠️ (Click 🔊)

Here are key phrases for the three main functions:

📨 Inviting

Goal: Ask someone to join you.

• Are you free on...?
• I was wondering if you'd like to...
• Let me know if you can come.

🙏 Apologizing

Goal: Say you are sorry.

• I'm really sorry that I...
• I didn't mean to...
• I hope you can forgive me.

📰 Giving News

Goal: Share something new.

• Guess what?!
• I've got some great news...
• I'm afraid I've got some bad news...

Formal vs. Informal Language

The biggest rule for informal emails is to use a relaxed register. Write like you speak!

FORMAL 👔

• Dear Sir/Madam,
• I am writing to inform you...
• I sincerely apologize for...
• I would be grateful if you...
• Yours sincerely,

INFORMAL 👍

• Hey Vuthy, / Hi Vuthy,
• Just wanted to let you know...
• I'm so sorry about...
• Could you please...?
• Cheers, / Best, / See ya,

Practice What You Learned 🎯

Quiz: Choose the Best Phrase

Read the situation and choose the best B1-level informal phrase. Click "Check Answers" when done.

1. You want to ask your friend to go to the cinema on Friday. What's the best way to ask?

• A) I would like to request your presence at the cinema.
• B) Hey! Are you free on Friday? I was wondering if you'd like to see a movie.
• C) Cinema Friday. Yes or no.

2. You forgot your friend's birthday. What's the best way to apologize?

• A) I am writing to express my sincere apologies for my error.
• B) Oh no, I'm so sorry I missed your birthday! I feel terrible. I hope you had a great day.
• C) Happy birthday. Sorry it's late.

3. You just got a new job! How do you tell your friend?

• A) Guess what?! I got the job at ABA Bank! I'm so excited!
• B) I am pleased to inform you that my application was successful.
• C) I have news. I am now employed.

4. Which of these is NOT an informal sign-off (closing)?

• A) Cheers,
• B) Yours faithfully,
• C) All the best,

Your Writing Mission ⭐

Write One Informal Email

Choose ONE of these situations and write a short, informal email (about 50-70 words) to a friend named Alex.

1. Invite Alex to a small party at your house next Saturday.
2. Apologize to Alex for borrowing their book and forgetting to return it.
3. Give News: Tell Alex you just passed your big university exam.

Remember to use the 3-part structure (Greeting, Body, Sign-off) and the correct informal tone!