Перейти к содержанию
Request a consultation
Preparing for TCF

Starting and ending a letter in TCF Canada, Tâche 1: opening and closing phrases

Alena Kopalina

One of the things I enjoy most is preparing students for the writing section. Surprisingly, I’ve written very little about this part of the exams — and I have plenty to say.

For example, 90% of the letters from Tâche 1 of the TCF that students send me for review begin with a simple “Salut” or “Bonjour” and end with “Au revoir”.

No, I’m not saying that it’s impossible, it’s just possible in a different way, a little more substantively or something. To make it clear in general to whom you are writing your message.

Here are examples of how to greet the recipient and the phrases you can use before signing your name at the end of a letter.

Greeting (Formule d’appel):

  • Salut Stéphanie,
  • Bonjour Stéphanie,
  • Cher papa/chère maman/chers parents,
  • Cher/chère + prénom,
  • Mon cher/ma chère + prénom,
  • Cher ami/chers amis,
  • Salut tout le monde!
  • Chers (es) collègues!
  • Cher Monsieur Armal/Chère Madame Armal
  • Madame, Monsieur,
  • Mesdames, Messieurs, ⠀

The ending of your letter can be more or less formal.

See options 👇 ⠀

Formule de politesse: ⠀

Informal

  • À bientôt, j’espère.
  • À plus/À très vite.
  • Je t’embrasse/Je vous embrasse.
  • Gros bisous.
  • Amitiés.
  • Bien à toi.
  • Bien cordialement/sincèrement.
  • Amicalement.
  • Avec toute mon amitié.
  • Sincères salutations.
  • Affectueusement.
  • Ton ami(e). ⠀
  • Bises.

Formal

  • Dans l’attente de votre réponse, je vous pris d’agréer, Madame, Monsieur, mes salutations distinguées.
  • Je vous prie d’agréer, Madame, Monsieur, l’expression de mes sincères salutations.
  • Je te prie d’agréer mes salutations les plus cordiales.
  • Veuillez agréer, Madame, Monsieur, l’expression de mes sentiments distingués. ⠀

In the following articles I will write how you can write a beautiful conclusion in letters. With it, the text is always transformed. ⠀

Sign up for classes to prepare for the written part TEF/TCF Canada by link 

Read other articles:

Is French required to immigrate to Canada?

Canadian French: why is it so unusual?

Textbooks on French phonetics: which one to choose?

Popova.Kazakova: what do I think about the classic French textbook