writing - key phrases + formal/informal language use

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• mavo
• Leerjaar 3

Lesson goals

- Jij weet hoe jij een email opent en sluit in het Engels.

- Jij weet het verschil tussen formeel en informeel taalgebruik. 

Email writing: basics

Writing an email/memo

Formal - informal

What is the difference between formal and informal?

Formal

Name

Dear Mr/Mrs/Ms/Mx White, 

Dear Sir/Madam,

Previous contact

Thank you for your email of.....

With reference to your email sent [date],.....

Reason for writing

I'm writing to let you know that .....

Yours faithfully,

Yours sincerely,

More informal

Name:

Hi Ben, Dear Ben,

Ben, 

Previous contact

Thanks for your email.

Re your last email, ...

Reason for writing

Just a short note to let you know that....

Best wishes, 

All the best,

Dear Ben,

We must try and meet up soon. 

Best wishes,

I’m writing to ask for your help / you (if you could do me) a favour. 

Many thanks for your (recent/last) letter

I thought you might be interested to hear about / know that … 

Greeting

Body opening

giving news

request

closing

What is a formal greeting?

1. Dear Sir/Madam,
2. Hi Sir/Madam,
3. Hello Ben,
4. Dear Ben,

Which of these sentences can you use in a formal email/memo?

1. I’d be glad to join you and your friends on the trip.
2. Please give my love to Grandma.
3. How are the kids?
4. We are writing to inform you that ...

How do you end a formal email/memo?

1. Lots of love,
2. Kindly,
3. Regards,
4. Yours sincerely, or Yours faithfully,

Formal  or  Informal

Nevertheless                                 Anyways

However                               but 

   It concerns                          It's about 

Illustrate / demonstrate                     show 

 

Formal  or  Informal

Retain (keep) 

Need to (required) 

I think (in my opinion) 

To sum up (in conclusion) 

Formal  or  Informal

Kids (children) 

incorrect (wrong) 

Cheap (inexpensive) 

Correct (right) 

Formal   Informal

Study handout 

Study exam idiom