Differences between Formal and Informal Letter

Differences between Formal and Informal
Letter

The purpose of this lesson is to
differentiate between Formal and Informal
letter. There are some significant
differences between formal and informal
letter that should not be overlooked. Many
students do not really know these
differences. Here is an opportunity for you
to learn, know and understand these
differences.

1. Purpose : As I mentioned earlier, the
purposes of these letters are quite
different. Formal letter is usually written
for official reasons. A formal letter , also
known as a business letter, and it
is written in a formal language with a
specific structure and layout.
To
Make a complaint
Request something
Make an inquiry
Apply for a Job
Proposal
Reference
Invitation to speak
An informal letter is a personal letter, you
may want to ask for something,
or communicate with a friend far away. An
informal letter is a letter you would write
to a friend, a family member or an
acquaintance.

2. Format: When writing a formal letter,
you must be conscious of the arrangement
from the addresses and dates; to the
salutation and heading; down to the
introduction; body and conclusion; and
then closing and signature. An informal
letter is quite different because you can
choose to write it the way you want. You
only need to follow some simple rules
especially if you’re writing an informal
letter during an examination. If not for
exams, an informal letter is just a written
form of communication without formalities.

3. Language: In informal letter, you are
allowed to use codes, slang, abbreviation if
you like. Formal letter is different because
you have to mind your language usage.

4. Manner : You have to go straight to the
point when writing a formal letter, keep it
simple and short and also avoid all
unnecessary friendly chat and casualness.
An informal letter allows you to greet and
gist a little before going to the issue at
hand depending on your relationship with
the recipient.

Related Article: Summary of the 3 Types
of Letters;
Formal Letter
Informal Letter Sample
Informal Letter
Formal Letter Summary

Features of a Formal Letter:

Your Address and date: This should be
written at the top right corner.

Recipient Address : This is the address of
the receiver of the letter, it should be
written at the left hand side after the date.

Salutation : Dear Sir/Ma

Heading: This carries the reason you are
writing the letter in one sentence, it should
be in capital letters, if not, it should be
underlined.

Body : First paragraph should be
introductory while the second paragraph
should convey whatever it is you want to
get across, in details. The last paragraph
should be conclusive.

Signature : This should be written at the
left side after the conclusion with your
names.

Note: When writing formal letters, you are
not allowed to write in abbreviations or
words like, don’t, shouldn’t or aren’t.
Informal Letter Summary

Features of an Informal letter:

1. Address and Date
The address and date should be written at
the top right corner. If the letter is going
to be sent to someone in another country,
you should add your country to the
address.

Example:

Mayflower Secondary School,
P.O Box 23546,
Ikenne,
Ogun State,
Nigeria.
7th Apr 2015.

2. Salutation
The salutation is written at the left hand
side following the address and date, the
most common salutation in informal letter
is “Dear _____”. However, you are allowed
to salute your recipient as you feel like
depending on how close you are to the
him/her. For instance you may want to use
“Hey” or “Hi” when writing to your friend
but you may not like to use that when
writing to your father.

3. Body
The first paragraph generally expresses a
greeting, followed by wishes of good
health. Remember you are writing to
someone you know very well, so try to be
as friendly as possible:
How are you my dear sister?
The second paragraph carries the reason
you’re writing the letter
Try to be as conversational as possible.
You are allowed to use colloquial language
– i.e. language that is appropriate for
speech but not really for writing:
My journey back here was fine, though
it was quite a long one. I wanted to
travel by BRT bus but guess what; all
the wretched buses were full! So I had
no choice but to travel by a small car.
The journey took seven hours. By the
time we arrived, my legs were tried
and my bottom was severely sore,
ugh! Next time, I promise, I’m not
gonna use one of those tiny buses!

4. Complimentary Close
This is written at the left hand side. In
informal letter writing, the complimentary
close is always very friendly:

Love,
Lots of love,
Best wishes,
Missing you lots,
Yours forever, etc
Remember, a comma must follow the
complimentary

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