Informal Letter Writing in English
Definition:
Informal letters are non-official letters used for personal communication with friends, family, or acquaintances.
Key Components of an Informal Letter
1. Sender’s Address
The sender’s address is written at the top right corner of the letter.
Example:
1234 Elm Street
Springfield, IL 62701
2. Date
The date is written below the sender’s address, also on the right side of the page.
Example:
June 11, 2024
3. Salutation
The salutation is a greeting to the recipient. Common greetings include “Dear [Name],” or “Hi [Name],”.
Examples:
Dear John,
Hi Sarah,
4. Opening Paragraph
The opening paragraph sets the tone for the letter. It usually starts with asking about the recipient’s well-being and mentioning the purpose of the letter.
Example:
I hope this letter finds you in good health and spirits. I wanted to share some exciting news with you…
5. Body of the Letter
The body contains the main message. It can be divided into multiple paragraphs, each dealing with a specific point or topic.
Example:
As you know, I have been working on my new project for months. Finally, it has started to take shape, and I couldn’t be happier…
6. Closing Paragraph
The closing paragraph wraps up the letter with final thoughts, good wishes, or a summary of the points discussed.
Example:
Looking forward to hearing from you soon. Give my regards to your family. Take care!
7. Closing
The closing is a short phrase followed by a comma, placed a few lines under the body of the letter.
Examples:
Best regards,
Yours truly,
Warm wishes,
8. Signature
The signature is the sender’s name, written below the closing phrase.
Example:
Emily
Example of a Complete Informal Letter
1234 Elm Street
Springfield, IL 62701
June 11, 2024
Dear John,
I hope this letter finds you in good health and spirits. I wanted to share some exciting news with you. As you know, I have been working on my new project for months. Finally, it has started to take shape, and I couldn’t be happier.
The project has received great feedback so far, and I am optimistic about its future. I would love to catch up and share more details in person. Maybe we can grab a coffee sometime next week?
Looking forward to hearing from you soon. Give my regards to your family. Take care!
Best regards,
Emily
Tips for Writing Informal Letters
- Be Natural and Friendly: Use a conversational tone.
- Be Personal: Share feelings, thoughts, and experiences.
- Be Clear and Concise: Express your message without unnecessary details.
- Be Positive: Maintain a positive tone throughout the letter.