25 Friendly Email Opening Lines (+ Free PDF)

How many emails do you send every day? At least one, right? And do you know how to write emails properly?

That’s something most of us don’t know at the beginning. As much as it sounds natural and easy, writing a polite and professional email isn’t just a piece of cake. There are some ‘rules' to follow, from opening sentences to the end of the email.

Then there is a difference between writing professional emails and the ones you are sending to your friends or relatives. In other words, there are formal and informal emails.

Unfortunately, none of us has been taught that at school. 

On the other hand, we are lucky to live in an internet era where we can find practically anything we need. 

And you are even luckier because besides professional tutors who can, besides other things about languages, can help you learn to write emails the right way, learn the difference between writing formal and informal emails, 4 must-read tips that can help you write friendly emails opening lines, and even see some real casual and friendly opening sentences you can use. And all that in one place, here.

So, now, let’s dive in.

The Difference Between Formal And Informal Emails

You already know that you are using different words when you are in your office or having a business meeting and when you are chit-chatting with your family members or friends.

The situation is the same when you have to write an email.

You have to pay attention to whom you are written an email and, therefore, to write a suitable one.

Formal emails are used in business, with colleagues and business partners, or with someone you don’t know very well. In cases when you aren’t sure whether to write a formal or informal email, we suggest you use formal.

Informal emails are, as an informal speech, emails you can write and send to your friends, relatives, or family members. Even though it is recommended to use some patterns for writing emails, in these cases, it isn’t mandatory.

You can also write informal emails to a colleague you know well, for example, and you know that will understand the whole message without finding some hidden intention.

4 Effective Tips For Writing Friendly And Casual Email Opening Lines

Now that you know the basic difference between formal and informal emails, let’s go to the next lesson where you can see 4 effective tips to help you writing friendly emails.

Include The Recipient's Name

Not only in emails, but on every occasion when you mention a person's name, it increases his attention.

So, naturally, when you want for the recipient to really reads your email, don't forget to mention his name.

Don't, however, use only his name. First of all, it isn't correct and it doesn't make any sense.

Use, for example, 'Hi Tom,'  or 'Hey Tom.' If you use 'Dear,' you will sound more formal, so in friendly and casual emails avoid it.

Feel Free to Use Emoticons

Believe it or not, emoticons became more and more popular and accepted even in a formal 

and business conversations.

They became quite useful because they send the message and show your gesture sometimes words can describe.

According to the studies, if you put a smiley face in your email, it will activate happiness in your recipient's brain.

Pay attention, however, that you don't overuse the emotions and also on the recipient's age and your relationship with him. 

If you write an email to the Millenials, you can use the emotions as much as you want. If you, on the other hand, are writing to a middle-aged person, you should avoid using them.

Avoid Using ‘Please’

In emails, especially formal ones, people often use the word ‘please.’ The reason for overusing this word is in explanation to sound nice and professional at the same time.

That’s not what we would suggest.

In emails, especially the friendly and casual ones, it is not necessary to use the word ‘please’ because it doesn’t sound natural nor it is recommended in some phrases, such as ‘Please find this attached…’ In cases like this, you should rather use a normal, simple sentence like ‘I’ve attached the document,’ for example.

If you really want to use the word ‘please,’ limit it to one word per email.

Check Your Email Before Sending

Even though you are writing a friendly and, at some point, a casual email, make sure you’ve written everything right and that you haven’t made some spelling or grammatical mistakes.

Even the ones who are quite confident and sure that they are perfectionists should check out two, even three times before sending.

Friendly And Casual Email Opening Lines

In the following lines, you will find 10 friendly and casual email opening lines you can use in your emails.

On occasions when you can’t reread this article, we have a solution for that, too. At the end of the article, you can find a PDF file with 19 friendly email opening lines you can download for free and take it with you, in your device, wherever you go and whenever you need.

• Hi/ Hey there!

• Congratulations on [ write a recent accomplishment or success]

• How did [the project the current job] turn out?

• I hope you enjoyed your [event].

• I loved your recent [photo/article/post].

• I was just laughing the other day about [ write down the joke or anegdote].

• I was just thinking about you.

• It was great to see you at [mention the event].

• This [article/photo/video/post] made me think of you.

• [Mention mutual person] recommended I get in touch with you.

• Thank you for getting in touch.

• Your kind words have made my day

• I could use your advice…

• Quick question! 

• I’m sure you will be glad to know…

• I hope your week started out well.

Funny And Friendly Email Opening Lines

Everyone likes good humor so why shouldn’t you use it in your email opening lines?

Here are some suggestions.

• Happy “Not Monday.”

• Hello from the other side.

• I’ve got some good news: Only [write down the number] more days until Friday.

• Hope you’re surviving another work week.

• I hope you’ve had your morning coffee.

• It’s me again.

• I’ll keep this short.

• This is just what you want: another email!

• Yup! Me again!

Final Thoughts

We hope that with these casual opening lines, your emails will sound optimistic and friendly but also convey the message you are sending.

Keep in mind, however, that you have to know which of these lines when to use.

In some cases, such as with a business partner, they aren’t appropriate. You will have to know that before you start writing an email. If you have to write a professional email, you can find some effective tips here.

Additionally, you can always seek help from tutors. Not only will you learn to write emails correctly, but you will become a master of spelling, pronunciation, and vocabulary as well.

Download the PDF file here