CECIE 12 DE 12: Mrs Marisa Sinagra

How to write an informal letter

Example of a letter to a pen-pal

Let's find out Mary's worries and enquiries prior to visiting Morocco.

Dear Mehdi,

My parents have finally given me their OK to spend a couple of weeks with you next summer. We'll certainly have so much fun together, won't we ?

But, I'm a bit panicky about this visit. Morocco is miles away; it's a new world for me, with customs and beliefs definitely different from the ones we've got here in Britain.

What I got through net search didn't in the least relieve my panic, and I still have a couple of questions in mind:

- Shall I stay in a hotel or will you put me up ?

- What are the common ways of greeting people in your country?

- What about table manners? Do you use both hands when you're eating?

- And clothes? Should I dress up or wear casual things?

I feel my dream to visit Morocco will come true at last. Till then, I count on you to tell me about the things above.

That's it for now. Keep in touch.

Mary

Phrases used in informal letters and their functions

To thank the person for writing

Thanks for you letter.

To apologize

I'm really sorry ...

To change the subject

By the way ...

To ask a favor

Could you do something for me ?

To suggest or invite

Why don't we ...

To request some information

Please let me know ...

To share information

Have you ever heard about ... ?

To finish the letter

I'd better get going.

To ask for a response

Write soon.

To express regard

Take care.

For can be used with all tenses. Here are a few examples:

* They study for two hours every day.
* They are studying for three hours today.
* He has lived in Bangkok for a long time.
* He has been living in Paris for three months.
* I worked at that bank for five years.
* Will the universe continue for ever?

For is NOT used with "all day", "all the time" etc.

* I was there all day. (not *for all day)

Since is normally used with perfect tenses:

* He has been here since 9am.
* He has been working since he arrived.
* I had lived in New York since my childhood.

Since can also be used in the structure "It is [period] since...":

* It is a year since I saw her.

* How long is it since you got married?