🟩Example Postcard
Check the example below and notice the highlighted expressions.
London Adventures – Thinking of You, Sasha!
Hi Sasha!
I’m having a great time here in London! Right now, I’m sitting at a café beside the River Thames, watching the boats and having a nice cup of coffee. I’m really enjoying my stay in London. I’ve seen Buckingham Palace and Big Ben, I’ve walked across Tower Bridge, and I’ve been to the Science Museum, the Tower of London and the V&A art gallery. Last night, I saw the show Mamma Mia at a theatre in the West End. It was amazing! I loved the music and the dancing. I’ve also been to several markets, and I’ve bought lots of cool clothes. I can’t wait to show them to you! I’ve taken loads of photos of statues and monuments around the city. Tomorrow, I’m planning to go to London Zoo. I’m also hoping to go to Windsor Castle and St Paul’s Cathedral before the end of my trip.
Hope you are enjoying your summer! Wish you were here!
Lots of love,
– Emily
🟩Useful Phrases for Postcards
- Talking about the present moment
- Phrases to talk about past events
- Phrases to talk about plans
🟩City Vocabulary
Useful places to visit in cities:
- river
- bridge
- monument
- statue
- art gallery
- museum
- palace
- castle
- zoo
- cathedral
- theatre
- restaurant
- market
- tower
🟩Holiday Activities
Useful verb + noun phrases for city breaks:
- have dinner / a drink / a great time
- take photos
- buy souvenirs
- go out for a meal / a drink
- go on a river trip / a bus tour
- go to a museum / castle / etc.
- go for a walk
- see / watch a show
- spend (a lot of) money
🟩Language for Postcards
Opening your postcard:
Closing your postcard:
- Can’t wait to… (see you! / show you my pictures / …)
- Wish you were here.
- Hope you are… (enjoying your summer / having a good holiday too / …).
Signing off:
- Take care
- Love / Lots of love (from)
- See you soon
🟩Talking About the Present
Use the present continuous to describe what you’re doing “now” or “these days”.
- I’m sitting at a table outside a café.
- I’m watching the boats on the river.
- I’m having a cup of coffee.
Use time phrases like right now, at the moment.
You can combine actions without repeating “I’m”:
- I’m sitting at a table outside a café and watching the boats.
- I’m sitting at a table outside a café, watching the boats and having a cup of coffee.
🟩Talking About the Past
Use the present perfect for experiences during your trip (no specific time):
- I’ve seen Buckingham Palace and Tower Bridge.
- I’ve taken loads of photos.
- I’ve bought lots of clothes.
With time expressions:
- Since I arrived, I’ve seen Buckingham Palace.
- I’ve taken loads of photos for the last few days.
Use the past simple for finished events with specific times:
- We arrived here on Saturday.
- I went to the Science Museum yesterday.
- I saw a show last night. It was great!
🟩Talking About Plans
Use the present continuous for definite future arrangements:
- We’re seeing a show tomorrow night.
- I’m flying home on Friday.
Use be going to for intentions or decisions (not yet booked):
- I’m going to buy some souvenirs.
- We’re going to hire bikes tomorrow.
Use hope or plan informally:
- I’m hoping to go to the National History Museum.
- We’re planning to visit Chinatown.
🟩Remember!
Keep your postcard friendly and informal. Mix present, past, and future tenses naturally, and use vivid vocabulary about cities and activities!