In Part 1, you learned how to approach an IELTS General Training Task 1 letter and choose the appropriate tone.
In Part 2, you learned useful language for different functions, such as making requests, complaining and apologising.
In Part 3, you’ll learn how to make informal letters sound more natural with everyday vocabulary, phrasal verbs and expressions.
You don’t need to use lots of idioms or complicated vocabulary to get a high score. The aim is to choose natural, accurate language that is appropriate for the person you’re writing to.
1. Formal vs everyday vocabulary
English has many words with Latin roots, and these words are often similar to words in other European languages. They tend to sound more formal in English.
For example:
to receive = ricevere (Italian), recevoir (French), recibir (Spanish), receber (Portuguese)
A more everyday English alternative is:
to receive → to get
Here are some other examples:
- to inform → to tell
- to enquire → to ask
- to request → to ask for
- to complete → to finish
- to apologise → to say sorry
Why this matters in IELTS
When you’re writing an informal letter, you don’t need to avoid formal words completely. However, using too many formal or academic words can make your letter sound unnatural.
Compare:
I am writing to inform you that I will be unable to attend.
with:
I’m writing to let you know that I can’t make it.
The second version sounds much more natural when you’re writing to a friend.
Remember: the aim isn’t to replace every “formal” word with a simpler one. Choose vocabulary that sounds natural and appropriate for your reader.
Expressions with ‘get’
Get is one of the most useful words in everyday English. Using common expressions with get can help your informal letters sound more natural and conversational.
Here are some sentences from a recent class. Can you make them less formal by using an expression with get?
I’ve done the first one for you.
- I want to strengthen my body. = to get fit.
- I am suffering from the flu.
- My English ability is improving.
- The temperature is rising.
- I need to prepare for my journey.
- If I eat any more chocolate I’ll increase my weight.
- I want to strengthen my body. = I want to get fit.
- I am suffering from the flu. = I’ve got the flu.
- My English ability is improving. = I’m getting better at English.
- The temperature is rising. = It’s getting warmer.
- I need to prepare for my journey. = I need to get ready for my trip.
- If I eat any more chocolate I’ll increase my weight. = I’ll get fat.
Notice how natural these expressions sound in conversation. This is the kind of everyday language you can use in an informal letter when it fits the situation.
2. Phrasal Verbs for IELTS informal letters
Perhaps the best way to learn phrasal verbs for IELTS is to learn them in context and by topic, rather than trying to memorise long lists.
Look at the example below, taken from my General Training Models Course.
As you read the letter, notice the phrasal verbs and think about why they work well in an informal letter.
Your English-speaking friend who lives in your town has asked for your advice about learning a new sport. Write an email to your FRIEND. In your email
- recommend a new sport that would be suitable for your friend to learn
- explain how your friend could learn this sport
- suggest that you both learn this sport together
Possible Model Answer
Hi Helena
Hope all is well with you. Great to hear that you’re thinking of having a go at a new sport! At our age, it’s always a good idea to try new things and stay active. The gym can get a bit tedious after a while.
Given how much we both love being outdoors, do you fancy kayaking? I’ve done some research and it seems to be a fantastic sport that’ll give us a taste of adventure as well as some peace and quiet away from the kids! With all the rivers and lakes nearby, we’ve got the perfect playground to explore.
How about we book a lesson with a local club so we can learn the basics? Lots of places offer introductory courses that will show us the ropes. And there’s plenty of stuff online about any kit we need to buy.
What do you think? It would get us out of the house at the weekend and I’d rather go exploring with someone I know than on my own (but it’s also a great chance to meet new people).
Let me know what you think, and I’ll send you the info.
Chat soon,
Fiona
Can you find the phrasal verbs?
Look through the letter again and underline the phrasal verbs. What do they mean, and what more formal expressions could you use instead?
Phrasal verbs from the letter
Here are some useful phrasal verbs for talking about hobbies, interests and developing skills.
- take up = start a new hobby or activity
I’ve decided to take up painting. - pick up = learn something informally, often without much deliberate study
She picked up Spanish while travelling in South America. - brush up on = improve a skill you already have
I need to brush up on my Spanish before the trip. - get into = become interested in a hobby or activity
He’s been getting into photography lately. - keep at it = continue doing something despite difficulties
Don’t give up. Just keep at it! - work on = spend time improving a skill or ability
I’m working on my cooking skills.
Which ones could you use in an IELTS letter?
These phrasal verbs are particularly useful when you’re writing to a friend about hobbies, interests, learning or personal development.
For example:
You should take up a new hobby. I’ve recently got into photography and I’m really enjoying it. I’m also working on my Spanish because we’re going to Spain next summer.
Remember: You don’t need to use phrasal verbs just to impress the examiner. Use them when they are natural and appropriate for the topic and tone of your letter.
3. Idiomatic expressions for informal letters
I don’t recommend trying to fill your letter with idioms. They can be difficult to use naturally, and using them incorrectly can make your writing sound unnatural.
However, well-chosen idiomatic expressions can be useful in an informal letter when they fit the topic and you are confident using them.
For example, if you’re writing about learning a new skill or hobby, you could use:
- have a go (at) = try something
I’ve never played golf before, but I’m willing to have a go. - learn/show someone the ropes = learn or teach someone how to do something
I’ve never been kayaking before, so I need someone to show me the ropes. - get the hang of something = become able to do something successfully
At first, skateboarding was difficult, but I soon got the hang of it. - trial and error = learning by trying different methods
Learning to cook involves a lot of trial and error. - practice makes perfect = regular practice helps you improve
Don’t worry if you’re not great at the guitar yet. Practice makes perfect! - go back to square one = return to the beginning because something hasn’t worked
After I messed up the recipe, I had to go back to square one.
A word of caution
Don’t learn these expressions simply because you think you need idioms for Band 7. Choose an expression because it is the natural way to say what you mean.
For example, if you’re writing to a friend about learning to play guitar:
I’m still trying to get the hang of it, but I’m really enjoying it.
That sounds natural because the idiom fits the situation.
Useful expressions for informal letters
You will come across lots of useful expressions when you read, listen to or practise English. However, don’t assume that an expression is suitable for an informal IELTS letter just because you see it in an English resource.
When you find a useful expression:
- Check what it means.
- Check when and how it is normally used.
- Check whether it is appropriate for an informal letter.
- Add useful expressions to your own list and practise using them in context.
Here are some expressions that can be useful in informal letters.
📚 Build your own bank of useful expressions. The best expressions to learn are ones you understand, can use accurately and are likely to use again.
⚠️ Don’t use these expressions just to sound informal
Some expressions are very informal, some are conversational, and some are appropriate only with people you know well.
You don’t need to use lots of idioms or slang to get a high score. Choose expressions that you understand and that fit naturally into your letter.
Opening the letter
- ⚠️ Long time no see!
- How’ve you been?
- What’s new with you?
- Have you been up to much?
- Hope all is well!
- It’s been ages!
- Great to hear from you!
- Thanks for your message.
Sharing personal news
- I’ve been keeping busy.
- Guess what?
- Believe it or not…
- I’ve got some good news!
- I can’t complain.
- You’ll never guess what happened!
- I’ve got some exciting news.
- Things have been pretty busy lately.
- I thought I’d let you know that…
Asking for news
- Any news?
- What have you been up to?
- Drop me a line.
- Fill me in!
- Keep me posted.
- Any news on your end?
- What’s been happening?
- How are things?
- Let me know how you’re getting on.
Discussing shared interests
- Have you heard about…?
- It’s right up your alley.
- We should catch up on…
- I’m really into…
- Are you still into…?
- I’ve got really into…
- You should check out…
Describing feelings and emotions
- I was over the moon = extremely happy
- They were on cloud nine = extremely happy
- He was a bit down in the dumps = feeling sad
- I was really pleased about…
- ⚠️I was gutted when… (very informal, British English)
- I couldn’t believe it!
- I was so relieved!
Expressing gratitude or appreciation
- Thanks a bunch!
- ⚠️ You’re a star!
- You’re the best!
- I really appreciate it.
- Thanks so much for…
- I can’t thank you enough.
Closing the letter
- Take care!
- Keep in touch!
- All the best!
- Catch you later!
- Speak soon!
- Chat soon!
- Hope to hear from you soon!
- ⚠️ Lots of love! (only when appropriate for the relationship)
✅ Tip: If you’re not sure whether an expression is appropriate, check it before using it in the exam. A phrase that sounds impressive but is unnatural or too formal can make your letter less effective.
Can AI write a good informal IELTS letter?
I’ve tested AI-generated informal IELTS letters, and I’ve often found them far too formal.
In the example below, I’ve put some of the formal words and expressions in bold.
Before looking at the model answer, see if you can replace them with more natural, informal alternatives.
Then compare your answers with the Model Answer above.
Teacher’s tip: This is a good reminder that you shouldn’t automatically trust an AI-generated IELTS model. AI can produce grammatically correct English that is too formal or unnatural for the situation.
I particularly like this as the final teaching section because it brings together the whole point of Part 3:
Good English isn’t necessarily formal English.
Dear [Friend’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I was delighted to receive your request for advice on learning a new sport. Learning something new not only keeps us physically active but also brings a refreshing change to our routine.
Considering your love for outdoor activities and the beautiful surroundings of our town, I highly recommend diving into the world of kayaking. It’s an exhilarating sport that provides both adventure and tranquility.
To commence, I suggest seeking local kayaking clubs or rental services where you can receive basic lessons. Many places offer introductory courses that cover essential techniques and safety guidelines. Additionally, there are a plethora of online resources and tutorials to complement your learning.
How about we make this journey even more enjoyable by learning together? We can schedule regular outings to practice and explore new routes. It will be a great opportunity for us to bond while staying active and enjoying nature.
Let me know what you think, and we can plan our first kayaking adventure together. I can’t wait to embark on this exciting journey with you.
See also: How to use AI for General Training Models (Resource Library).
Want more help with IELTS General Training Writing?
The Resource Library has more step-by-step lessons, model answers and practice for IELTS General Training Writing Task 1 and Task 2.
About Fiona
Fiona is an IELTS trainer, ex-examiner and course creator based in the UK. She has a Master’s in Teaching English as a Foreign Language (Distinction) and over 35 years of teaching experience. She has helped thousands of IELTS candidates develop the language and exam skills needed to achieve their target scores.
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