Semi-formal letters/emails are usually sent to someone we know but not very well, e.g. a routine email to a business/website asking for or giving information, a thank-you letter to your friend's parents, etc. They include: • a formal greeting (Dear Ms Cole, Dear Mr and Mrs Jackson), • an introduction with your opening remarks and the reason for writing, • main body paragraphs each containing a separate topic, • a conclusion with your closing remarks, • an informal ending (Best wishes,/Kindest regards,/Yours, + your full name). Note: when we want to be brief and to the point, emails are usually preferred to letters. Semi-formal style is characterised by: • relaxed, friendly language (Thanks so much for having me to stay with you.) • a polite and respectful tone, depending on the relationship you have with the person (I'm really grateful for all your help.) some short verb forms I'm writing to enquire about tennis lessons in my area.) • full inclusion of pronouns (We'd be happy to answer your queries. • some use of idioms/colloquial expressions but use with care (I hope this information will come in handy sometime.) linking words/phrases for listing points (first of all, secondly, also, finally, etc) Write email