A letter can contain individually grammatical sentences that contradict one another. A promised return next Tuesday becomes confusing if the next sentence says the borrowed object is already back with its owner.
The thank-you letter and commentary in Cambridge B2 First Writing Skills Development with 50 Sets provide a useful starting point for practising time and location. This guide uses a fresh example to make the sequence consistent.
Separate past use, current location and future action
Before writing, make three short notes. What did you borrow and use? Where is it now? When and how do you intend to return it? The answers should describe one coherent situation.
Original timeline practice
Past: Borrowed a camera for a weekend event.
Now: Camera is safely stored at the borrower's home.
Next: Return it to the owner on Wednesday.
Write a consistent return arrangement
Possible wording: “Thank you for lending me your camera for the event. It is safely stored at my home, and I will bring it back on Wednesday evening.”
The sentences distinguish past use, present location and a future plan. They do not imply that the return has already happened.
Check the strength of a promise
“I will bring it on Wednesday” states a plan firmly. “Would Wednesday evening suit you?” asks for agreement. Choose the form that matches the situation rather than making an arrangement on behalf of the recipient.
Keep supporting details relevant
A short description of how the item helped you makes a thank-you letter personal. Avoid adding so many details that the practical return arrangements become difficult to find.
During review, underline every time expression and verb phrase. Place the events in order. If two sentences cannot both be true in your intended scenario, repair the facts as well as the grammar. This method also helps with apologies, invitations and explanations of changed plans.
Explore Cambridge B2 First Writing — Course 5 to see the course outline, current availability and enrolment options. Use the worked exercise above to identify a skill you would like to practise next.
Your next step
Cambridge B2 First Writing — Course 5
Explore the complete course outline and related practice topics.
Source: Cambridge b2 149-2.epub, Jobins Training. Examples labelled original or illustrative were written for this article. Independent exam preparation; no affiliation with or endorsement by the examining body. Practice does not predict an official score.