Formal and Informal Letter

By: Amanda Bruce

Differences between a formal and informal letter

The purpose of writing an informal letter is totally different from the purpose of a formal letter. The content of the two styles is also different. The style of greeting and addressing the letter is different.

Slang words can be used in an informal letter but not in a formal letter.

Formal Letters

Sent to organizations, government departments, chair holders, etc to make complaints, requests, inquiries, orders etc. In case of formal letters, the person to whom you are addressing is a professional and not your friend. Your tone is full of respect making use of formal words and sentences. Use a business letter format: include your return address the current date formal greeting such as , Dear Mrs. Jones, Dear Sir, To whom it may concern.. Formal closing such as, Sincerely, Yours sincerely, your respectfully be brief and to the point, use formal language, not overly friendly, no abbreviations. use proper, standard English grammar, punctuation and spelling,

November 17, 2012

Dear Ms. Adair, This letter will confirm our arrangements for our sons rehearsal dinner at your facilities. The WhittBryson dinner will be held on the evening of Friday, July 6, 2013 in the Sunset Room. As we discussed, our florist and caterer will both be able to access the room by 3:00 to begin preparations. We will need seating arrangements for 75 people, which will be set up prior to that time. I have enclosed the initial deposit and will forward the remainder within 4 weeks of the event. We thank you for all of your help thus far in planning this important event. We look forward to continuing to work with you to make this evening a night the couple and their friends will never forget.

Sincerely, Paul Bryson

Informal Letters:
Informal letters are written to friends and relatives. The purpose of writing a letter is not to make a complaint or inquiry, and the tone is also casual. The words used can be everyday style and slang, and you are not trying to create an impression. Openings: Hi, Howdy, What's going on? Hey girl, Hey bro Closings: Chao, see ya, catch ya later, bye, later

Steps to Writing
Pre-writing: Brainstorm. Make bulleted list of ideas. Drafting: Write down ideas in complete sentences and in proper format Revisiting: Review, modify, and reorganize Editing: Grammer,spelling,capitalization, punctuation Publishing: Neatness, well-organized, proper letter format

Read about a Veteran

Choose a veteran to read about Choose what type of letter you want to write:
Thank you letter to the veteran A letter as the veteran to a loved one A letter as the loved one to your veteran serving overseas.