Informal Email to Friend Example: A Guide to Casual Communication

Source mappingmemories.ca

Informal emails, to colleagues, friends, and family, are a common form of written communication. An email to colleagues can contain a more formal tone and contain less slang than what you would write to a friend. Informal emails to friends, on the other hand, can contain slang and emojis and could touch on personal topics. Emails to friends and family can contain invitations to parties and updates on what is going on in your life.

Structure of an Informal Email

You might ask, “What’s the big deal about writing an informal email?” That’s a good question, and in fact, it is not a big deal at all. Informal emails are used all the time, and they are used in just about every setting. Remember how this article refers to “friends” in its title? Well, who qualifies as a “friend?” Anyone you know or correspond with. In business, this can be a colleague, a client, or yes, even a friend you’ve made during your employment at a company. The most important thing is that an informal email follows a similar structure as a formal email, but it does allow for a little more leeway.

1. Start with a greeting – Unlike a formal email, you can start with a greeting that is more personal. For example, “Hi [Name],” or “Hello [Name],” or even “Hey [Name],”.
2. Be friendly and casual – The tone of your email should be friendly and casual. Avoid using formal language or jargon. Use contractions and abbreviations where appropriate.
3. Get to the point – Informal emails should be to the point. Don’t ramble on for too long. Get your message across clearly and concisely.
4. Use a call to action – If you want your reader to do something, such as reply to your email or visit a website, include a call to action at the end of your email.
5. Proofread – Before you send your email, proofread it for errors. Make sure there are no typos or grammatical errors.

Here is an example of an informal email:

Hi John,

How are you doing today?

I’m writing to let you know that I’ll be out of the office next week. I’m going on vacation to Hawaii. I’ll be back in the office on Monday, August 12th.

If you need to reach me while I’m out, please email me and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

Have a great week!

Best regards,

Jane

Sample Informal Emails to a Friend

Invitation to a Casual Get-Together

Hey there, buddy!

How’s it going? I was thinking it’d be great to catch up sometime this week. We could grab a coffee, go for a walk, or just hang out at my place. Let me know what works for you!

Cheers,

Your trusty pal

Request for Help with a Project

Hi there, my resourceful friend!

I’m working on a personal project and I could really use your expertise in [insert area of expertise]. I know your skills in this area are top-notch, and I’m wondering if you’d be willing to lend me a hand for a few hours.

I promise it won’t be too much work, and I’d be happy to buy you lunch or dinner in return.

Let me know if you’re free,

Your eternally grateful friend

Offer to Assist with a Task

Hey there, my reliable pal!

I heard you were a bit stressed with [insert task]. Just wanted to let you know that I’m available if you need any help. I’ve done similar tasks before, and I’d be happy to lend a hand.

No worries if you don’t need it, but I figured I’d offer.

Cheers,

Your ever-supportive buddy

Apology for a Mistake

Hey there, my esteemed friend,

I’m writing to sincerely apologize for [insert mistake]. I know I messed up, and I truly regret the inconvenience it’s caused.

I’ve taken steps to ensure this doesn’t happen again, and I hope you can forgive me. I value our friendship immensely, and I’d be devastated to lose it.

Your understanding means the world to me,

Your remorseful pal

Gratitude for a Favor

Hey there, my generous friend,

I just wanted to send you a quick note to express my sincere gratitude for [insert favor]. Your kindness means the world to me, and I’m so appreciative of your willingness to help.

I’m truly lucky to have you as a friend.

Cheers,

Your eternally grateful pal

Catching Up and Sharing an Update

Hey there, my dear friend,

I hope this email finds you well. It’s been a while since we’ve chatted, so I thought I’d reach out and share how things are going.

I’ve been keeping myself occupied with [list of activities or updates]. How about you? Anything exciting going on in your life?

Would love to schedule a time to catch up soon,

Your ever-loving friend

Request for Feedback or Advice

Hey there, my wise friend,

I’m currently facing a bit of a dilemma and would love your perspective. I’m trying to decide whether [insert decision], and I’m not sure what the best course of action is.

I value your opinion and judgment, so I’d be grateful if you could provide me with some feedback or advice.

Thanks in advance,

Your thought-seeking pal

How to Write an Informal Email to a Friend

What are some informal email format to a friend?

An informal email to a friend should be written in a conversational tone, as if you were talking to them in person. You can use contractions, slang, and personal anecdotes. You don’t need to be as formal with your grammar and punctuation as you would in a formal email.

The email should start with a salutation, such as "Hi [friend’s name]" or "Hey [friend’s nickname]." The body of the email should be written in a friendly and chatty tone. You can tell your friend about your day, share news, or ask them questions. The email should end with a closing, such as "Love, [your name]" or "Best, [your name]."

Here are some examples of informal email formats to a friend:

• Hi [friend’s name],

I hope you’re having a great day! I’m just writing to you to catch up. I’ve been really busy lately, but I’ve been thinking about you a lot.

I’m so excited to hear about your new job! It sounds like it’s going to be a great opportunity for you. I know you’re going to do great things.

I’m also really excited about our upcoming trip to [destination]. I can’t wait to spend some time with you and catch up in person.

I hope to hear from you soon!

Love,
[Your name]

• Hey [friend’s nickname],

What’s up? I’m just writing to you to see how you’re doing. I’ve been thinking about you a lot lately.

I’m so sorry to hear about your breakup. I know how much you loved [ex’s name]. I’m here for you if you need anything.

I’m also really excited to hear about your new apartment! It sounds like it’s going to be a great place for you. I can’t wait to come over and see it.

I hope to hear from you soon!

Best,
[Your name]

• Dear [friend’s name],

I hope this email finds you well. I’m just writing to you to catch up. I’ve been really busy lately, but I’ve been thinking about you a lot.

I’m so sorry to hear about your mom’s health problems. I know how close you are to her. I’m here for you if you need anything.

I’m also really excited to hear about your new job! It sounds like it’s going to be a great opportunity for you. I know you’re going to do great things.

I hope to hear from you soon!

Love,
[Your name]

Thanks for hanging out and reading my piece on writing casual emails to your pals! I hope you found it helpful and informative. If you have any more burning email-related questions, feel free to drop me a line any time. In the meantime, stay tuned for more email etiquette tips and tricks coming your way soon. Catch you later, friend!