Formal vs.

Informal email/letter
1) Match the informal expressions with their formal synonyms.

ask reply Can you.... Would you like...

buy however Bye, thank you
but enquire Write back to me I would like to apologise...
because purchase Do you want... Would you mind (verb + -ing...)
give perhaps Thanks Dear Sir/Madam,
get back to since/as Im sorry I Look forward to your reply
maybe provide Hello, Your sincerely,

2) Read the formal letter of invitation.

a) Find and underline 10 informal words or phrases and replace them with their formal equivalents.
b) Label the main parts of the letter (1 - 4). Where is the body, signature, complimentary closing, salutation?

Hello Queen of England, 1

Im writing to ask about your schedule this weekend.
Do you want to come for tea by the fire with me?
2
Im sorry, I dont have any biscuits. Can you bring some royal tea biscuits?

Get back to me ASAP.

Love, 3

Tarquin McAnguns Blamange 4

3) Read the sentences and decide if they are formal (F) or informal (I).
Discuss why they are formal or informal and how you would write the opposite.
F I F I
Can you come tomorrow? Just wanted to say hello.
I was wondering if you could send it. I look forward to seeing you.
Please accept my apologies. I havent got any time.
See you soon! Can you give me the information ASAP?
Sorry, I wont make it to the party. I would like to apologize.
Would you mind sending it again? What have you been up to?

4) Decide if these rules characterise the formal or informal letter.

Match them to the examples in exercise 3.

1) Use full verb forms. 5) Use indirect questions.

2) Use contractions. 6) Use phrasal verbs and idioms.
3) You can leave out an obvious subject and auxiliary verb. 7) Dont use exclamation marks.
4) Dont use abbreviations like ASAP or P.S. 8) Use have got.

5) Write an informal letter to invite your friends to your Birthday party. Tell them when and where the
party is. Ask them if they can come and explain that it is a fancy dress party (tell them what theme) and that
they should dress up. Ask them to confirm by the end of the week.