When composing an informal letter of email you may find these expressions useful:

To begin the letter or to give reasons:

• I’m writing to tell you…
• I’m emailing you to…
• I’m writing just to let you know that…
• Thanks very much for your letter. It was great to hear from you.

Apologise:

• I’m (really/terribly) sorry about/ but…
• Sorry I couldn’t manage to…
• I’m afraid that…

Offer/Request:

• Can I…?/Could you…?
• Can I help you?
• Can I do anything to help you?
• Would you like to…?
• Would you mind if…?
• I was wondering if you can…
• If you’ve got a spare moment, do you t ... Read more »