6
Match the sentences (1-6) to the
types of letter they are taken from
(a-d). Which of them are
semi-formal
and which are
informal
? Who do
you think the target readers are?
b. Use the phrases above to write informal and semi-formal
sentences of your own for each type of letter (1-8).
Informal: Please fill me in about next Tuesday’s meeting.
Semi-formal: Please let me know about next Tuesday’s meeting.
a
Letter giving information
b
Letter of request
c
Letter giving advice
d
Letter of thanks
Useful Language
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7
a. Read the semi-formal sentences
below and match them to the
informal ones in the table, as in
the example.
8
a. Read the extracts below and say which is formal, which is semi-
formal and which is informal. Then, for each one, discuss the
reason for writing and the target reader. Underline the words
and phrases that helped you find the answers.
A
It would be a good idea if you
phoned the secretary and asked her.
B
Please accept my apologies for the
damage to your jacket.
C
I’m afraid I won’t be able to come
on Thursday night.
D
Would it be all right if I stayed at your
house next Friday night?
E
Thank you very much for all your
help at the reception.
F
Please let me know if there are any
changes to next week’s programme.
G
I was dissatisfied with the food.
H
I think you might be mistaken
about the price.
INFORMAL
Please fill me in about any changes
to next week’s programme.
Can I stay at your house next
Friday night?
I didn’t like the food.
You’re wrong about the price.
Why not phone the secretary
and ask her?
I’m sorry, but I can’t come on
Thursday night.
Thanks a million for all your
help at the reception.
I’m really sorry about the
damage to your jacket.
SEMI-FORMAL
F Please let me know if there
are any changes to next
week’sprogramme.
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1 asking for
information
2 asking for
permission
3 expressing a
complaint
4 correcting
information
5 making a
suggestion
6 refusing an
invitation
7 thanking
someone
8 apologising
We usually write formal letters/emails to people we have not met.
Characteristics of formal style include:
Long forms
(e.g. I am, you are, it is, we will, etc)
More sophisticated vocabulary
(e.g. remarkable, very enjoyable, I would
advise you to…etc)
Use of the passive, rather than the active voice
(e.g. ‘something
should be done’ instead of ‘we should do something’, etc)
Formal beginnings and endings
(e.g. Dear Sir/Madam, I look forward to
hearing from you, Yours faithfully, etc)
A
… The main reason I’m writing is because I want to ask a favour. Can
I borrow your guitar for a couple of days (if I promise to take very, very
good care of it)? You see, we’re having a bit of a get-together on the
thirteenth and a few of us thought it would be a laugh if we brought
our guitars along. Trouble is, mine’s broken. Of course, if you need it
yourself …
1
21
1
Well, anyway, my new mobile is
fantastic and I wish I’d bought it
sooner.
2
If it’s not too much trouble,
would you mind sending me a
copy of the local bus timetable?
3
It sounds as if you might benefit
from getting some more
exercise.
4
Thanks a million for the CD that
you sent – it’s just perfect!
5
It looks like I might be going to
France after all!
6
I really appreciate all the trouble
you went to in order to make
my stay more comfortable.
Formal Style
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