How to Write formal and informal Emails in English

It seems that anyone with a little knowledge of the language and Google Translate can write a letter in foreign language. However, everything is not a piece of cake. In order to write a grammatically correct and easy to understand letter, it is worth figuring out what emails are, what constructions are used by natives in one or another case.

What are emails in English?

It is important to understand the target audience and the context of communication when writing letters in order to use the appropriate tone and style. In formal letters, where professional communication is important, you should follow a more formal approach, while in informal ones you can express more of your personality and emotions.

Therefore, to figure out how to write an email in English, let's look at them based on their purposes.

Features of official emails

Business emails are used in professional environments, such as business, education, and scientific fields. They differ from informal letters in style, employing formal vocabulary and complex grammatical structures. Let's explore the main features of such messages.

The subject of the letter is concise and should indicate the essence of the message.

The letter itself begins with a formal greeting: "Dear Mr./Ms. [Last Name]" or "To Whom It May Concern" in cases where you are not sure to whom the message is addressed.

An official email should be written in a formal tone, without abbreviations and jargon. The essence of the message in English should be stated specifically, clearly and succinctly.

Finish with the words of thanks and a note that you expect a response, such as "Sincerely," "Yours faithfully," or "Best regards," followed by your name and title.

How to write informal letters

When you write to friends or close colleagues, you can avoid using standard business constructions. The text of such messages can be freer, but you will also have to be aware of different constructions.

For example, an English greeting can look like "Hi [Name]" or "Hello [Name]".

Informal letters allow you to express personal feelings and emotions. You can use jargon, as well as abbreviations and emojis in accordance with the communication style.

In the end, you can use a casual signature, for example, "Cheers," "Take care" or "Best wishes," followed by your name.

What do you need to know to write an email?

To learn how to write letters correctly, it is important to pay attention to the following aspects during the course:

1. Grammar and spelling: Learn the basics of grammar, such as the correct use of tenses, prepositions, and articles.

2. Vocabulary: Learn phrasal verbs, idioms and expressions that are often used in business communication.

3. Understand standard phrases and deal with templates for writing an email.

4. Learn to distinguish between formal and informal communication styles, practice using the appropriate style in different situations.

Understanding the appropriate tone and etiquette for formal and informal emails is one of the key skills that will help you master email writing in English.

Remember that written communication is an important skill that can improve your professional effectiveness and help you work successfully with others.