-
Writing an email giving instructions
In this lesson, you will learn how to write a short email with instructions using imperatives and polite questions. Check the following example:
New Message
Hi Emma,Thanks again for staying at my house. Please, could you do these things while I’m away?
First, could you please feed the dog every morning? He usually eats after 8 o’clock. Don’t forget to give him fresh water too. Take him for a short walk in the evening and close the garden gate when you come back.
Also, please water the plants in the living room. They don’t need much water, just a little every two days. Open the curtains in the morning and close them again in the evening. The plants need light.
On Tuesday, remember to put the rubbish out. Please close the windows at night and lock the door when you go out. And can you call me if there is any problem?
See you soon, and thanks a lot for your help!
Best,
Tom➟ You can start your informal email with Hi [name], Dear [name], or Hey [name].
➟ You can finish it with Best, Cheers, or Take care.
➟ Use can/could you to ask your friend to do something in a polite way.
➟ Use imperatives to give instructions.
➟ Use connectors to start the paragraphs.Structure of the email
When you write an email giving instructions, organise it in three parts:
‣ Opening: Start with a greeting (e.g. Hi Emma,) and a short line to explain why you are writing (e.g. Thanks again for staying at my house. Please, could you do these things while I’m away?).
‣ Body: Give your instructions. Use short sentences and organise them in small paragraphs. Use each paragraph to talk about one idea; for example, one paragraph about the dog, another about the plants, and another about the rubbish and security. Use connectors such as First, Also, On Tuesday to make the text clear.
‣ Closing: Finish with a friendly closing line (e.g. See you soon, and thanks a lot for your help!) plus your ending (Best, Tom).Grammar focus: Imperatives
We use the imperative to give instructions.
Use the verb without to and without you:- Feed the dog.
- Close the window.
To make it negative, use do not or don’t + infinitive (no subject):
- Don’t forget to lock the door.
- Don’t give the plants too much water.
Add please to sound polite:
- Please water the plants.
For more practice with this grammar, see our A1 lesson here: The imperative: Sit down! Don’t talk!
Useful language
When you write an email giving instructions, these expressions are helpful:
Starting and finishing the email
- Hi [name], / Hello [name], / Dear [name],
- Best, / Cheers, / Take care,
Opening lines
- Thanks for… (staying at my house/helping me/etc.)
- Please, can/could you…?
- I need your help with…
Closing lines
- See you soon. / Talk to you soon.
- Thanks a lot for your help! / I really appreciate your help.
- Enjoy your weekend. / Have a great day.
Polite questions
- Can you (please) call me if there is a problem?
- Could you (please) water the plants?
💡 Note: You can use please to make the question more polite.
Don’t forget / Remember to do something
- Don’t forget to lock the door.
- Remember to put the rubbish out.
Paragraph connectors
- First, / Then, / Next,
- Also, / And,
- On Tuesday, / In the evening,
-
Subscribe to enjoy PDF downloads!
Subscribe to our PRO platform to enjoy all these extra features:
- PDF downloads of all lessons and tests
- Improved design with no ads
- Track your progress
- Level badges for every skill
- Leaderboards to compete with other learners
Exercises
Explanation
Downloads
