Introduction: INFORMAL LETTER
Informal letters are personal letters that are written to let your friends or family know about what is going on in your life and to convey your regards. An informal letter is usually written to a family member, a close acquaintance or a friend. The language used in an informal letter is casual and personal.
Nowadays, it’s quite rare to receive or write a letter to your friend. This is due to the use of instant messaging, emails and other technologies that make communication more immediate.
But, the excitement of receiving a letter remains. And, the act of writing a letter has its benefits too.
Setting time aside to write a letter to your friend, shows them you have been thinking of them and makes them feel special. Taking the time to write is also a great chance for you to express yourself and order your thoughts.
Types and Reasons to Write Informal Letters:
You can literally write about anything you feel or think you want to convey. Informal letters can be written to inform your dear one about your success in a competition, about a movie you watched recently, about the trip that you would be going on, etc. It can also be to enquire about their well-being, to invite them to go along with you on a trip, to congratulate them on their new job, to convey your regards, etc. You can be as personal as you want when writing an informal letter.
Informal letters are written for a whole range of reasons you might write a letter to your friend to:
- Share news
- Say thank you
- Wish them a happy birthday
- Invite them to an event
- Congratulate them on something
- Apologise
- Tell them about a holiday
Features of an Informal Letters:
Informal letters have different features in comparison to formal letters. They aren’t as rigid in the way they are structured or written. And this means when you write a letter to your friend you can have some fun by breaking the usual letter writing rules.
The way you structure your letter will depend on the type you are writing. But there are a few common features that are noticed when writing informally. These are:
- A friendly opening and close
- A date
- Informal and chatty language
- Written in first person
- Paragraphs
- Addresses of the sender and recipient (depending on the type of letter)
Format and Key Points to Write an Informal Letter
Like any letter, there is a format to write an informal letter in English. Unlike a formal letter, an informal letter does not need to state something specific. It can be written in an easy, conversational style. They are in the nature of a friendly chat, so it can include a variety of topics. It can have all that you want to tell your dear one about. You can use colloquial expressions, unlike formal letters. There are a few easy guidelines that you can follow to be able to write impressive informal letters.
Address and Date: If you are thinking about how to start writing an informal letter, here is what you should know. To get your informal letter format right, you have to begin it with the sender’s address. The address is written on the left-hand side of the paper. It is necessary that you write the complete address so that the receiver can write back to you. So, see to that you give the correct address along with the pin code. In case you are writing to someone in a different country, make sure you include your country in the address. For example,
29, NBC Garden
Coimbatore – 641053
This is followed by the date. Writing the date is important as it would help the receiver know when exactly you had written the letter. You can write the date in either of the following formats:
For example,
15/11/2021 or 15th November 2021 or November 15, 2021
Forms of Greeting/Salutation: In informal letters to friends and family, you can address them by their names prefixed by qualifying terms such as Dear, My dear, Dearest, etc. You can also address them by their pet names (Eg: Dearest Rosy, Dear Andy, My dear Sweety…) or by their relationship with you (Dear Uncle, Dearest Grandma, My dear Cousin…). If you are writing to an ordinary friend who is older than you are, or of superior rank, it is respectful to use prefixes such as Mr, Mrs, Ms, etc. For example, Dear Mr Reddy.
Introduction and Body of the Letter: The words you use determine the nature of your letter. You can start your informal letter with an introduction to set the tone of the matter that is going to be discussed. You can begin by enquiring about the health and well-being of the recipient. For instance, I hope this letter of mine finds you in the pinkest of health. You can then explain the reason behind the letter and provide the details as elaborate as you wish to, unlike formal letters. The letter can be more like a friendly chat than an essay. You can write in a very casual and personal tone. If you are writing to an older person, do not use disrespectful terms or sentences.
Conclusion: End the informal letter on a friendly note. Use words in such a way that the recipient feels like they have had a wonderful time chatting with you. See to that you make sure you let them know that you would be awaiting their response to your letter.
Forms of Subscription/Signature: You can use the following in informal letters to relatives and near friends. Yours affectionately, Yours lovingly, Your loving friend, With love, etc., followed by your name (mostly your first name).
If you are writing to a close acquaintance whom you have addressed as Dear Mr, Mrs, etc., you can use Yours sincerely, Kind regards, etc.
Samples of Informal Letters
Example – Letter to a friend about arranging a get-together BB Street,
Allahabad – 211005 12/02/2020
Dear Surya,
Hope you are keeping well, and everyone at home is keeping safe and healthy. It has been a long time since all of us have met, so I was thinking we could all meet up. I have planned to have a get-together next month. I would love to discuss more about it.
All of us could meet on Friday evening and stay over the weekend at a resort in Munnar. The climate in Munnar is great and it will be a good stress reliever. We could also go around the tourist spots if everyone is interested. If you are ready, we could talk to the others also. I will visit you next weekend to discuss more on this.
Awaiting your reply and hoping to meet you soon. Love,
Sreya
Sample 2 – Reply, regretting inability to join. 144, Stark Lane
Mumbai – 400054 15/02/2020
Dear Sreya,
It is extremely thoughtful of you to plan a get-together for all of us. I wish I could join you, but I am sorry to say that I have a project starting next month and it would not be possible for me to be there. If there is any way of preponing the get-together to any time before the month-end, I can definitely make it happen.
I hope we can reschedule the get-together and not miss the chance to meet up. Waiting to hear from you.
With love, Surya
1. Letter to a Friend About a Recent Trip
Sender’s Address
[Your Address]
[City]
[Date]
Dear [Friend’s Name],
I hope this letter finds you in the best of health and spirits. I am writing to tell you about an amazing trip I recently went on to [destination]. The place was absolutely stunning with [mention highlights, e.g., mountains, beaches, or landmarks].
The best part of the trip was [describe an experience, e.g., a trek, local food, or meeting new people]. I clicked so many pictures and tried some delicious local dishes like [name of dishes]. I wish you had been there with me; it would have been even more fun.
Looking forward to hearing from you soon. Do let me know how things are at your end.
Yours lovingly,
[Your Name]
2. Letter to Your Cousin Inviting Them to Your Birthday Party
Sender’s Address
[Your Address]
[City]
[Date]
Dear [Cousin’s Name],
I hope you are doing well. I am writing to invite you to my birthday party, which will be held on [date] at our home. The party will begin at [time], and we have planned some exciting games and activities.
I am so excited about turning [your age] and celebrating the day with my favorite people. Please come and make the day even more special. Also, let me know if you have any preferences for food or music.
Looking forward to seeing you!
Yours affectionately,
[Your Name]
3. Letter to Your Best Friend About Your New Hobby
Sender’s Address
[Your Address]
[City]
[Date]
Dear [Friend’s Name],
I hope you’re doing great. I just had to share something exciting with you—I’ve recently picked up [hobby, e.g., painting, gardening, or playing guitar] as a new hobby, and I’m loving it!
It started when I [mention how you got interested]. Now, I spend hours practicing and learning. The best part is that it helps me relax and express myself. You should totally try it too; I bet you’d enjoy it as much as I do.
Let’s catch up soon! Can’t wait to hear what’s new with you.
Yours truly,
[Your Name]
4. Letter to a Sibling Sharing a Fun Incident
Sender’s Address
[Your Address]
[City]
[Date]
Dear [Sibling’s Name],
How are you? I miss you so much here. The other day, something funny happened that I couldn’t wait to tell you about. [Describe the funny incident, e.g., your pet did something silly, or you had an awkward moment in public.]
It was hilarious, and everyone around couldn’t stop laughing! I instantly thought of how much you would’ve enjoyed it. Life isn’t the same without you here.
Write back soon, and share what’s happening with you.
Love,
[Your Name]
5. Letter to a Friend Thanking Them for a Gift
Sender’s Address
[Your Address]
[City]
[Date]
Dear [Friend’s Name],
I hope this letter finds you well. I wanted to thank you for the wonderful gift you sent me on [mention the occasion, e.g., my birthday]. I absolutely loved it! [Describe the gift and why you liked it, e.g., “The book was just perfect for me; I’ve already started reading it!”].
It’s always so thoughtful of you to know exactly what I’d like. I feel so lucky to have a friend like you. Let’s plan to meet soon—I miss our chats and fun times.
Take care!
Yours lovingly,
[Your Name]
