FCE Informal Email: 24 Essential Expressions Organized by Function
"Write an email to your English-speaking friend..."
If these words make you freeze, unsure whether to write "Hi" or "Hello," "Thanks" or "Thank you," you're not alone. The informal email in FCE Writing Part 2 tricks many students—not because it's difficult, but because it requires a delicate balance between friendly and appropriate, casual and clear.
Today, we're organizing the 24 most useful informal email expressions by function, so you'll always have the perfect phrase ready, whether you're apologizing for a late reply or enthusiastically accepting an invitation.
The Informal Email Success Formula
Before diving into phrases, remember these golden rules:
- Word count: 140-190 words
- Tone: Friendly but not too casual
- Structure: 4 clear paragraphs
- Purpose: Always address ALL points in the task
Beginning Your Email: First Impressions Matter
Starting Strong
1. "Thanks for your email - it was great to hear from you."
- Use when: Responding to any friendly email
- Why it works: Shows appreciation and enthusiasm
2. "It was great to get your email."
- Use when: You want variety from "thanks"
- Why it works: Sounds genuinely pleased
3. "This is just a quick note to say..."
- Use when: Initiating contact
- Why it works: Sets informal, friendly tone
The Perfect Paragraph 1 Formula
Opening phrase + Apology (if needed) + Reference to their news = Natural start
Example: "Thanks for your email - it was great to hear from you. Sorry I haven't written for a while, I've been busy with exams. Congratulations on passing your driving test!"
Apologizing: When You Need to Say Sorry
For Late Replies
4. "Sorry about not writing sooner."
- More casual than: "I apologize for the delay"
- Perfect for: Friend relationships
5. "Sorry to be so slow getting back to you."
- Use when: It's been particularly long
- Tone: Acknowledges the delay casually
6. "Please forgive me for not replying earlier."
- Use when: You need to sound more sincere
- Still informal: Despite "please forgive me"
For Other Situations
7. "Sorry about + -ing"
- Examples: "Sorry about missing your party" / "Sorry about forgetting to call"
- Structure: Sorry about + verb-ing
Asking for Information: Natural Curiosity
Direct Questions
8. "Can you give me an idea...?"
- Example: "Can you give me an idea of what the weather's like?"
- More natural than: "Please inform me about..."
9. "I'd like to know if..."
- Example: "I'd like to know if I need to bring formal clothes"
- Polite but friendly
10. "Could you let me know...?"
- Example: "Could you let me know what time I should arrive?"
- Perfect balance of polite/informal
Indirect Information Requests
11. "I was wondering..."
- Example: "I was wondering what kind of gift your parents might like"
- Softens the request
Giving Advice: Helpful Friend Mode
Strong Recommendations
12. "I really think you should..."
- Example: "I really think you should apply for that job"
- Shows you care about their decision
13. "If I were you, I'd..."
- Example: "If I were you, I'd book the tickets early"
- Classic advice structure
14. "It'd be a good idea to..."
- Example: "It'd be a good idea to bring a raincoat"
- Gentler than direct commands
Softer Suggestions
15. "You might want to..."
- Example: "You might want to check the visa requirements"
- Very gentle suggestion
16. "Have you thought about...?"
- Example: "Have you thought about staying in a hostel?"
- Advice disguised as a question
Changing the Subject: Smooth Transitions
17. "By the way,..."
- Example: "By the way, did I tell you about my new job?"
- Natural topic changer
18. "That reminds me,..."
- Example: "That reminds me, I saw Sarah last week"
- Links topics naturally
19. "Funnily enough,..."
- Example: "Funnily enough, I was just thinking about that"
- Introduces coincidences
Expressing Surprise and Enthusiasm
Showing Surprise
20. "You'll never believe this, but..."
- Example: "You'll never believe this, but I won the competition!"
- Builds excitement
21. "Believe it or not,..."
- Example: "Believe it or not, I'm learning to drive too"
- Slightly less dramatic
Showing Enthusiasm
22. "I think it's great that..."
- Example: "I think it's great that you're moving to London"
- Supportive and positive
23. "It's really exciting..."
- Example: "It's really exciting that you got the scholarship"
- Shows genuine happiness
Ending Your Email: The Perfect Sign-Off
Pre-closing Lines
24. "Well, that's all for now."
- Signals the email is ending
- Natural and friendly
Other Useful Endings
- "I'd better stop now and get on with..." (shows you're busy)
- "Looking forward to hearing from you" (encourages reply)
- "Can't wait to see you!" (for upcoming meetings)
- "Let me know what you think" (invites response)
Sign-offs (Choose One)
- All the best,
- Take care,
- Best wishes,
- Love, (only for close friends)
- See you soon,
Putting It All Together: Email Structure
The 4-Paragraph Blueprint
Paragraph 1: Opening (30-40 words)
- Thank for email/React to news
- Apologize if needed
- Show you've read their email
Paragraph 2: Main Point 1 (40-60 words)
- Address first task point
- Use 2-3 informal expressions
- Include specific details
Paragraph 3: Main Point 2 (40-60 words)
- Address second task point
- Vary your expressions
- Ask questions if required
Paragraph 4: Closing (20-30 words)
- Make excuse to stop
- Friendly closing line
- Appropriate sign-off
Sample Task with Model Answer
Task: Your English friend is coming to visit your town. Write an email:
- Suggest places to visit
- Ask about food preferences
- Offer to meet at the airport
Model Answer:
Hi Alex,
Thanks for your email - it was great to hear from you. I'm so excited that you're finally visiting! I've been thinking about all the places I want to show you.
I really think you should visit the old castle in the city center - the views are amazing. We could also check out the local market on Saturday morning. By the way, there's a great museum that's just opened, and I'd like to know if you're interested in history?
That reminds me, I should ask about your food preferences. Are you still vegetarian? There are some fantastic restaurants here, but it'd be a good idea to book in advance. Could you let me know if there's anything you can't eat?
About your arrival - I'd love to meet you at the airport. Can you give me an idea of what time your flight gets in? I'll be there with a sign!
Well, that's all for now. Can't wait to see you next month!
All the best,
[Your name]
(168 words)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Being too formal
- Wrong: "I am writing to inform you..."
- Right: "Just wanted to let you know..."
2. Being too casual
- Wrong: "Wassup!"
- Right: "Hi! How are things?"
3. Using text speak
- Wrong: "C U soon"
- Right: "See you soon"
4. Forgetting contractions
- Wrong: "I would like to..."
- Right: "I'd like to..."
5. One huge paragraph
- Always use 4 clear paragraphs
Quick Reference Cheat Sheet
Opening: "Thanks for your email..."
Apologizing: "Sorry about..."
Asking: "Could you let me know...?"
Advising: "If I were you, I'd..."
Changing topic: "By the way..."
Enthusiasm: "It's really exciting..."
Closing: "Well, that's all for now"
Practice Makes Perfect
Daily Email Challenge
- Choose 3 expressions from different categories
- Write a practice email using all 3
- Time yourself - aim for 15 minutes
- Check: Did you sound natural? Address all points?
Expression Rotation
Don't use the same expressions in every email. For each category, have 2-3 alternatives ready.
Your Informal Email Toolkit
Remember: informal doesn't mean careless. The best informal emails sound like natural conversation while still being clear and organized. These 24 expressions give you the tools—now it's time to practice combining them naturally.
Next time you see "Write an email to your English-speaking friend," smile. You've got 24 ways to nail it!