Informal letters are mainly used for personal communication. They are personal in tone, non-serious in nature and casual in conversation. They are written to close acquaintances, relatives, family members, etc. Thus, they do not have a specific format and layout which one to adhere to it. They can be written as per the writer’s wishes and the requirement of the situation.
Informal letters are flexible in nature. The subject matter of these letters is full of affection and conversation in tone. In these letters, you can use your personal slang language. There is no rigidity over the choice of words and phrases.
Informal Letter Format-
As we mentioned above, that there is no set format for writing an Informal letter. But some general conventions have to be followed. We will be looking at the general pattern to write effective and impressive Informal letters.
• Sender’s Address
• Receiver’s Address (optional)
• Date
• Main body- [i] Introduction [ii] Explanation [iii] conclusion
Let’s detail the parts of formal letter:
• Sender’s Address: Address of the sender should be located at the right or left corner. It is necessary to provide full address with a name, street name, city, zip code, country, etc so it helps the recipient to make a reply.
• Receiver’s Address: This part is optional as the receiver’s address is also written on the envelope.
• Date: The date is mentioned below the address after one-line spacing. It is customary as it allows the receiver to know when the letter has written.
• Main Body: Usually, the main body is divided into three parts-[i] Introduction: Informal letters start with great warmth and a casual tone. Begin with asking or showing concern towards the recipient. Example-
Hope you are doing good.
It’s been a while when I have heard you.
I hope this letter finds you in the best of spirits.
[ii] Central Body: In this part, the main intention of writing a letter is revealed in the most unofficial and conversational tone.
[iii] Conclusion: It is the closing part of the letter where the writer summarises and bid goodbye with affection. Example-Hope to see you soon, etc.
• [iv] Closing: At last writer close the letter with affectionate phrases like- Yours Lovingly, Lots of Love, Yours Affectionately. These closings are followed by the writer’s name.
Sample of Informal letter-
Sample Example-
Write a letter to your friend Suchita inviting him to spend the summer vacation at your place in Nainital. You are Suchita/ Sumit. Do not exceed 120-150 words.
131, Adarsh Nagar
Haldwani
Nainital-263001
January 05, 2020
Dear Suchita,
It’s been a while since I’ve heard from you. Where have you been? I hope this letter finds you in the best of your spirit.
As summers are approaching, I was thinking if we could spend the summer break together at my place in Nainital. I will introduce you to all my friends and close relatives. I will give you a city tour as well. We will spend some quality time in the afternoons near the beautiful Naini Lake. To add a cherry on the cake, the weather here is very pleasant during those days due to mountain winds.
I am excited even at the thought of you and I spending the summer together after so long. I have to tell you a lot of things and expect the same from you. Give my regards to aunty and uncle!
Hope to see you soon.
Yours lovingly
Sumit.