Informal and Formal Letter Examples in English
Letters are a form of written communication that can be used for various purposes. They can be formal or informal depending on the context and the relationship between the sender and the receiver.
Formal Letters
Formal letters are usually written for official purposes, such as applying for a job, making a complaint, or writing to a government agency. They should be written in a professional tone and style, and should follow certain conventions.
Here's an example of a formal letter:
[Your Name] [Your Address] [Your Phone Number] [Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Recipient's Name] [Recipient's Title] [Recipient's Organization] [Recipient's Address]
Dear [Recipient's Name],
[Start with a clear statement of the purpose of the letter]
[Continue with the body of the letter, providing details and supporting evidence]
[End the letter with a call to action or a statement of your intent]
Sincerely, [Your Name]
Informal Letters
Informal letters are written to friends, family, and other people you know well. They can be written in a more casual tone and style, and don't need to follow strict conventions.
Here's an example of an informal letter:
[Your Name] [Your Address] [Your Phone Number] [Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Recipient's Name] [Recipient's Address]
Hey [Recipient's Name],
How are you doing? I hope you're having a great week.
[Continue with the body of the letter, sharing personal updates and experiences]
Let me know what you're up to!
Love, [Your Name]
Key Differences Between Formal and Informal Letters
Here are some key differences between formal and informal letters:
Formal Letters:
- Tone: Professional and serious
- Style: Formal and structured
- Language: Clear and concise
- Greeting: Dear [Recipient's Name]
- Closing: Sincerely or Yours sincerely
- Use of contractions: Not used
Informal Letters:
- Tone: Casual and friendly
- Style: Less structured
- Language: Conversational and relaxed
- Greeting: Hi [Recipient's Name] or Hey [Recipient's Name]
- Closing: Best wishes or Love
- Use of contractions: Commonly used
By understanding the differences between formal and informal letters, you can write effective and appropriate letters for all occasions.
