This document provides guidance on writing an informal letter to a friend. It suggests beginning the letter with the person's name and a greeting. The body should include general updates and questions for the friend. Common phrases are given for starting the letter with an introduction, commenting on something, moving the topic, and ending the letter. Contractions and informal language are encouraged to make the tone conversational.

1. LETTERS: SOME
EXPRESSIONS
Remember you have to
write a letter for next week!

2. Some hints:
 Begin the letter with the name of the person you are
writing to: Dear Joey/ Tim /Rebecca, etc.
 Begin your letter with some general statements: refer to
the letter you have received, thank him/her for it or
apologise for the fact that you have not answered the last
letter soon enough.
 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.

3. Some hints:
 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

4. Starting your letter:
 Thanks for your letter.
 Lovely to hear from you.
 How are you?
 How are things?
 Hope you're well.

5. Commenting on something:
 I'm sorry to hear/learn ...
 I'm so pleased to hear ...
 It's great to hear ...
 What wonderful news about ...

6. Moving the topic on:
 Anyway, the reason I'm writing ...
 I thought I'd write to tell/ask you…
 Anyway, I was wondering ...

7. Ending your letter:
 Well, that's all for now
 Write back soon
 Looking forward to hearing from you again
 All the best
 Best wishes
 See you soon
 Take care
 Yours
 Love
 Lots of love