Read the passage and answer questions below.     People use e-mail because it is so convenient and fast. Writers like the informality of e-mail. The question is, can informality be carried too far? If you are writing to a friend or family member, informality is acceptable. If you are writing an e-mail at work, think again. Even if you are on friendly terms with your boss, you need to think about the impression your e-mail makes. Any spelling or grammar mistakes you make may be seen by many people!     In an e-mail to a friend, you might not use a salutation (Dear Amy, Dear Ron). Instead you... Show more

Read the passage and answer questions below.    

People use e-mail because it is so convenient and fast. Writers like the informality of e-mail. The question is, can informality be carried too far? If you are writing to a friend or family member, informality is acceptable. If you are writing an e-mail at work, think again. Even if you are on friendly terms with your boss, you need to think about the impression your e-mail makes. Any spelling or grammar mistakes you make may be seen by many people!    

In an e-mail to a friend, you might not use a salutation (Dear Amy, Dear Ron). Instead you might start your message, the text, immediately.    

From: Ken Lester [email protected]    
To: Ron Mott [email protected]    
Subject: Lunch    
Date: January 12, 2008    
I’m leaving for lunch at 1. Where do you want to go?    
How does the above e-mail differ from the business e-mail that follows?    

From: Ken Lester [email protected]    
To: Ron Mott [email protected]    
Subject: Luncheon meeting    
Date: January 12, 2008    

Dear Mr. Mott,    
I am looking forward to our luncheon meeting today. I hope that 1 PM is still good for you. If so, I will see you at The Greenhouse Café at 1 PM.   

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