Estructura y Vocabulario Esencial para Redactar Cartas en Inglés (Formal e Informal)

Redacción de Cartas Informales en Inglés

Una carta informal se utiliza para comunicarse con amigos, familiares o conocidos. El tono debe ser relajado y personal.

1. El Saludo (Salutation)

Utiliza Dear... seguido del nombre de pila (primer nombre).

Frases de Apertura Comunes:

• Dear [Nombre],
• It was great to hear from you!
• Hope everything’s going well with you.

2. Introducción (Opening)

Explica brevemente por qué estás escribiendo y haz una referencia al contexto reciente.

Ejemplos de Introducción:

• I wanted to share something exciting.
• I thought you’d like to hear about [topic].
• I wanted to ask you for some advice.

3. Cuerpo Principal (Body)

Organiza el contenido en 2 o 3 párrafos, respondiendo a los puntos principales que deseas tratar.

Estructura Sugerida:

• Primer punto: Explica la situación o razón principal.
• Segundo punto: Da detalles o ejemplos personales.
• Tercer punto: Muestra una reacción, un plan o una solicitud.

4. Cierre (Closing)

Cierra con un comentario amigable, una despedida o una expresión de deseos.

Frases de Cierre Informales:

• Looking forward to hearing from you soon, my friend.

5. Firma (Signature)

Solo tu primer nombre (informal).

Redacción de Cartas Formales en Inglés

Las cartas formales se utilizan en contextos profesionales, académicos o de negocios. El tono debe ser respetuoso y directo.

1. Saludo Formal (Formal Salutation)

Usa el título de la persona si lo conoces. Si no lo sabes, utiliza una fórmula general.

• Dear Sir or Madam, (si no sabes el nombre)
• Dear Mr. [Apellido], Ms. [Apellido], Dr. [Apellido], (si conoces el nombre)

2. Declaración de Apertura (Opening Statement)

Explica el propósito de la carta de forma clara y directa.

• I am writing to inquire about...
• I am writing to express my dissatisfaction with...
• I am contacting you in regard to...

3. Cuerpo Principal (Body)

Organiza el contenido en 2 o 3 párrafos, siendo directo pero cortés.

Estructura Sugerida:

• Párrafo 1: Expón la situación o el motivo con claridad.
• Párrafo 2: Da más detalles, ejemplos, fechas, datos, etc.
• Párrafo 3 (opcional): Solicita una acción, solución o haz una sugerencia.

Uso de Conectores Formales:

Firstly, In addition, However, Therefore, As a result, I would appreciate if...

4. Declaración de Cierre (Closing Statement)

Reafirma tu punto principal o agradece por adelantado.

• I would be grateful if you could look into this matter.
• Thank you for your time and consideration.
• I look forward to [hearing from you/your response].
• Please do not hesitate to contact me if you need further information.

5. Despedida Formal (Formal Ending)

Elige según cómo empezaste:

• Yours faithfully, (si empezaste con Dear Sir or Madam)
• Yours sincerely, (si usaste el nombre, como Dear Mr. Smith)

Firma: Nombre completo (Ejemplo: John Smith)

Ejemplos de Cierre Completo:

Ejemplo 1 (Con nombre conocido):

Dear Mr. Smith, ... I look forward to your response at your earliest convenience.
Yours sincerely,
John Taylor

Ejemplo 2 (Sin nombre conocido):

Dear Sir or Madam,... Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Yours faithfully,
Sarah Martinez

Frases de Cierre Comunes y Formales:

• Thank you for your time and consideration.
• I look forward to hearing from you soon.
• Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require further information.
• I would appreciate your assistance with this matter.
• I hope to receive a prompt response.

Verbos y Acciones Comunes

• Aim – apuntar a, tener como objetivo
  This course aims to improve students’ communication skills.

• Aimed – destinado a, enfocado en
  The new policy is aimed at reducing pollution.

• Arrange – organizar, coordinar
  I will arrange a meeting with the manager next week.

• Attaining – alcanzar, lograr
  Attaining work-life balance is difficult but essential.

• Avoid – evitar
  We should avoid making decisions too quickly.

• Avoided – evitado
  This issue could have been avoided with better planning.

• Encouraged – alentado, animado
  Children should be encouraged to explore their creativity.

• Guess – suponer, adivinar
  I guess this topic will be included in the exam.

• Involve – implicar, involucrar
  Parenting involves a lot of patience and responsibility.

• Leaks – filtraciones, fugas
  The plumber fixed the leaks in the bathroom.

• Should – deberías / se debería
  We should consider all the consequences before acting.

• Stunning – impresionante
  The view from the top of the mountain was absolutely stunning.

• Suitable – adecuado, apropiado
  This topic is not suitable for children.

• Will – (verbo auxiliar para futuro)
  The manager will respond to your request soon.

• Worth – valer la pena
  It is worth investing time in learning new skills.

Verbos Modales y Auxiliares

• Could – podría / podrías
  You could improve your writing by reading more.

• Had – pasado de have, o condicional
  If I had more time, I would help you.

• Must – deber (obligación fuerte)
  You must wear a seatbelt at all times.

• Should – deberías / se debería
  We should recycle more to protect the environment.

• Will – futuro
  This change will benefit many people.

• Would – (cortesía, hipótesis, deseo)
  I would like to apply for this position.

• Would you – ¿Podrías...?
  Would you be able to send me the information by Monday?

Frases Útiles para Redacción Formal / Informal

• Although – aunque
  Although it was expensive, the trip was worth it.

• However – sin embargo
  The idea is interesting. However, it may not be practical.

• I wish – ojalá / desearía
  I wish I had more time to travel.

• Unless – a menos que
  You won’t pass the exam unless you study harder.

• Whilst – mientras que (más formal que while)
  Whilst some people agree, others strongly disagree.

• While – mientras / aunque
  While I understand your concerns, I believe the decision is fair.

Otras Palabras Comunes

• Abroad – en el extranjero
  Many students choose to study abroad for better opportunities.

• Advisable – recomendable
  It is advisable to arrive at the airport early.

• Advice – consejo
  I need your advice on how to prepare for the interview.

• Below – debajo / a continuación
  Please see the instructions below.

• Depth – profundidad
  This topic requires more depth and analysis.

• Environment – entorno / medio ambiente
  A healthy environment is essential for learning.

• Environmental – medioambiental
  Environmental issues should be a priority in schools.

• Length – longitud / duración
  The length of the course is six weeks.

• Often – a menudo
  People often forget the importance of mental health.

• Onward – en adelante
  The schedule is valid from July 1st onward.

• Through – a través de
  He gained experience through volunteering.

• Throughout – a lo largo de
  The students remained focused throughout the entire lesson.

• Timetable – horario / calendario
  We received the new timetable for next semester.

• Whose – cuyo / cuya
  The teacher whose class I enjoyed the most was Mr. Lee.