(1)时间
(2)人名
(3)事由
例：因你母亲突然生病，周末你不能和汤姆去跳舞了，你找了舞跳得很好的时黛来代替你，并表示抱歉。
此英语便条为：
July 6，2002
Dear Tom，
　　I am sorry to inform you that I won't be able to go to dance with you this weekend． My mother is suddenly taken ill．In order not to disappoint you，I have asked Shi Dai to take my place．She is a better dancer，I think．My regrets．
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　Joe
　　从便条中可以看出，英语表达先“果”—I won't be able to go to dance with you this weekend后“因”—my mother is suddenly taken ill，即所谓的“先果后因”。
【例一】
Wednesday, 21st March
Dear Prof. Rainman,
I'm sorry I couldn't make our 11 o'clock appointment. Prof. Wolf's lecture lasted a lot longer than I expected. I could meet you in the library Reading Room 4 tomorrow at 10, if that is convenient for you. If not, please leave a note in my mailbox ＃334, this afternoon.
Thank you,
Elizabeth
【例二】
8:30 A.M.
Dear Peter:
I have done all my things here. I sincerely thank you for the trouble you have taken for my sake. I am leaving for home by train at two this afternoon. This is to say good bye to you. Please kindly remember me to your wife.
Yours ever,
Jack
【例三】
Babara,
Please reserve a double room and bath at Holiday Inn for Mrs. Robert Anselmi of Eagle Sports from December 3rd to December 6th. They will arrive the evening of the 3rd, before 6 p.m. and depart the 6th before 11 a.m.
If a room is not available for that weekend, please make other plans. Otherwise please advise her of the reservation.
Jasper