Language Toolbox Series – Writing Informal Emails

11/07/2023

Overview

Formality in the workplace is not always what is required - even with written communications. Writing an informal email allows you to connect with the recipient on a personal level. Even when you are communicating with someone you may know quite well, hitting the correct tone is sometimes a tricky, time-consuming business. Our "Writing Informal Emails" language toolbox provides you with some appropriate, informal key phrases and expressions to help you create informal emails in English, in a more natural way.

Writing Informal Emails

1. Greetings:

  • “Good Morning/Afternoon [Name],”
  • “Hi [Name],”
  • “Hello [Name],””

2. Opening Expressions:

  • “I hope this email finds you well.”
  • “I just wanted to drop you a quick message.”
  • “How’s it going?”
  • “Long time no talk!”

3. Ask about their well-being:

  • “How have you been?”
  • “What’s new with you?”
  • “How’s life treating you?”
  • “I hope everything’s going smoothly/well on your end.”

4. Main Content:

  • “I wanted to tell you that [share news or information].”
  • “I thought I’d just get in touch to [share news or information].”
  • “Guess what? [Share exciting or surprising news].”
  • “I was just wondering if you could help me with [request or question].”

5. Show enthusiasm or empathy:

  • “I’m really excited about [mention exciting news].”
  • “I can’t wait to hear your thoughts on [shared interest].”
  • “I’m sorry to hear about [mention a challenge or issue].”
  • “That must have been [emotional reaction]!”

6. Share personal updates:

  • “On my end, I’ve been [mention a personal update].”
  • “I’ve been keeping busy with [mention activities].”
  • “Life has been a bit hectic, but it’s all good.”

7. Ask for their thoughts or input:

  • “What do you think about [topic]?”
  • “I’d love to hear your perspective/thoughts on [topic].”
  • “Do you have any advice or suggestions?”

8. Closing Expressions:

  • “Anyway, I’ll catch you later.”
  • “Take care, and let’s catch up soon!”
  • “Talk to you soon!””
  • “Looking forward to hearing from you.”

8. Signature:

  • “Cheers,”
  • “Best wishes/ Best,”
  • “Take care,”
  • “With all my best,”
  • “Warm regards,”

Remember to adapt the tone and language to your relationship with the recipient. Keep the email conversational, friendly, and relaxed. While it’s informal, ensure your communication remains respectful and considerate.

Related resources

Language Toolbox Series – 20 useful phrases to manage online meetings in English

Does the idea of chairing an online meeting in English make you feel nervous? Sometimes it's just a matter of confidence. These 20 phrases will help you manage meetings professionally in English and make you feel more confident when you are leading a meeting with multiple participants.

Language Toolbox Series – 20 ways to manage difficult questions at work in English

What do you say when you are asked a question you don't know the answer to immediately? Difficult enough in your mother tongue. These 20 phrases will help you manage those questions professionally in English.

Language Toolbox Series – 20 ways to disagree politely in English

There are always moments in life and in business where we don't see eye to eye with someone. But the problem is often finding the right language to say "you're wrong" without causing unnecessary offence. Expressing disagreement politely is essential for maintaining positive relationships, fostering effective communication, and upholding personal and professional boundaries. With this language toolbox we hope to provide some language that will help you to handle those difficult discord moments gracefully.