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19-10-2024

Informal Letter Formats

From Classroom to Personal Communication: Informal Letter Writing

Basic Informal letter Format

[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Date]

Dear [Recipient's First Name],

I hope this letter finds you in good health and spirits. It's been a while since we last caught up, and I wanted to take some time to write to you and share what's been happening on my end.

[Start the body with casual conversation, updates, or personal stories. For example, mention something interesting or exciting that has happened recently in your life.]

I’ve been thinking about [something that reminded you of the recipient] and wanted to reach out to see how you’re doing. It would be great to catch up sometime soon, maybe over a call or a meet-up if possible.

Please give my regards to [any mutual friends or family members]. I look forward to hearing from you soon and catching up properly.

Take care and stay in touch.

Warm regards,
[Your First Name]

What is an informal letter ?

An informal letter is a personal letter written to friends, family members, or someone you know well. Unlike formal letters, which follow a strict structure and are used for business or official purposes, informal letters are more casual and friendly. They allow you to express thoughts, feelings, and updates in a relaxed way.The tone is conversational, as if you're talking to the person directly. There’s no need to follow strict rules; you can start with a simple greeting like "Hi" or "Dear" and end with phrases like "Take care" or "Best wishes."

The main goal of an informal letter is to maintain a connection and communicate openly, just like having a face-to-face chat.

How to write an informal letter?

[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Date]

Dear [Recipient's First Name],

I hope this letter finds you in good health and spirits. It's been a while since we last caught up, and I wanted to take some time to write to you and share what's been happening on my end.

[Start the body with casual conversation, updates, or personal stories. For example, mention something interesting or exciting that has happened recently in your life.]

I’ve been thinking about [something that reminded you of the recipient] and wanted to reach out to see how you’re doing. It would be great to catch up sometime soon, maybe over a call or a meet-up if possible.

Please give my regards to [any mutual friends or family members]. I look forward to hearing from you soon and catching up properly.

Take care and stay in touch.

Warm regards,
[Your First Name]

What is the format of an informal letter?

Informal letters have a casual tone and they are more personalised. In these letters, there is more flexibility and the letter can include only the name of the Sender’s city and date on top. You needn’t add a Subject line either. 

The elements of an informal letter are - 

  • Sender’s address 
  • Date
  • Greeting or Salutation 
  • Body of the Letter 
  • Subscription 
  • Signature

Let us examine these elements that define the format of an informal letter.

Sender’s Address

The writer can choose to write their entire address or only the location from where they are writing. This is written to let the receiver know where the sender is writing to them from. 

Date

The date is written just below the sender’s address, which lets the recipient know when the letter was written. The date may be written in different formats as:

  • 5th June 2024
  • June 5, 2024
  • 5/6/2024
  • 5-6-2024
  • 5.6.2024

Greetings and Salutations 

The tone of the Salutation will depend on the relationship between the sender and the receiver- 

  • In personal relations such as family and friends, one can choose to address them as Dear Father, My Dearest Friend, Dear Uncle, Dear Rohan, etc.
  • Among acquaintances, business relations, higher authorities and colleagues, it could be Dear Sir/Madam, Dear Sirs. Madams, Sir/Ma’am, etc.

Body of the Informal Letter

You will write the message in the body of the letter. Even if the style of writing reflects familiarity, it will be semi-formal or informal in tone depending on who the receiver is. The body must be divided into short paragraphs with a new paragraph for a change in subject matter. Write in an active voice and use simple and direct language. You can list the points you want to cover and then elaborate on them in the letter. Using correct punctuation is important to ensure that the correct message is received. 

Subscription

The subscription must be polite and it will vary depending on the nature of the sender’s relationship with the receiver. In personal relations, it can end as ‘With Love’ or as ‘Yours lovingly’. In formal letters it can written as “With Best Wishes”, “Kind regards”, “Yours faithfully” or “Yours sincerely”. 

Signature

The signature of the sender should be made just under the subscription with their name written under the signature. The sender can also add your Mobile number. The sender can choose to write only their first name or complete name.

Context to choose formal or informal letter writing format

Are you puzzled “What is the format of formal and informal letters?” in some contexts? An informal letter can be sent to make enquiries from authorities, to send a memo to a colleague or team leader internally, or to teachers when you are sending a personal letter. For instance, the format for a letter to a camp organiser enquiring about dates will look like this - 

A format for an informal letter to your friends asking them to join you in the campy can be written as - 

Informal letter samples 

Format 1: Informal letter on Friendly Update

[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Date]

Hi [Recipient's First Name],

I hope everything’s going well on your end! I’ve been meaning to write to you for a while now. So much has happened recently that I thought I’d give you a quick update.

[Begin with a fun or personal story, share recent experiences, or talk about any interesting events.]

I’d love to hear what you’ve been up to! Let’s catch up soon. Maybe we can plan a [coffee meet-up/call/chat] sometime next week?

Take care, and don’t be a stranger!

Cheers,
[Your First Name]

Format 2: Informal Letter on Expressing Gratitude

[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Date]

Dear [Recipient's First Name],

I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for [reason for gratitude, like a recent gift, support, or kind words]. It truly meant a lot to me, and I’m so grateful to have you in my life.

[Express more feelings about the gesture, then transition into asking about the recipient's life, offering your own updates.]

I hope everything is going well for you, and I can’t wait to hear from you soon!

With love and thanks,
[Your First Name]

Format 3 : Informal Letter on Inviting to an Event

[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Date]

Hey [Recipient's First Name],

Guess what? I’m organizing [an event, party, or gathering] next [week/month], and I’d love it if you could make it! It’s going to be a fun time, with [mention any activities, food, or highlights], and it wouldn’t be the same without you.

I really hope you can come! Let me know what your schedule looks like, and I’ll make sure to send you all the details.

Looking forward to seeing you soon!

Best,
[Your First Name]

Format 4:Informal letter on Apology Letter

[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Date]

Dear [Recipient's First Name],

I wanted to write to apologize for [what happened]. I realize that it was [wrong/misunderstood], and I didn’t mean to cause any hard feelings. I really value our friendship and would love to make things right.

Let’s talk when you have a moment? I’d like to explain myself better and clear the air.

Thanks for understanding, and I hope we can move past this.

Sincerely,
[Your First Name]

Sample 5: Congratulating a Friend

[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Date]

Hey [Recipient's First Name],

Congratulations on [reason for congratulations: new job, promotion, wedding, etc.]! I’m so excited for you, and I just had to send you a quick note to say how proud I am of you.

I know you’ve worked hard for this, and I’m sure you’re going to do amazing things. Can’t wait to celebrate with you soon! Let’s catch up when you have a moment.

All the best,
[Your First Name]

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

To write an informal letter, start with a casual greeting like "Dear [Friend's Name]." Express your feelings and ask about the recipient. In the body, share stories or discuss mutual interests. Conclude warmly with a friendly closing, such as "Best wishes," followed by your name.

An informal letter is a personal correspondence written to friends, family, or acquaintances. It uses casual language and a friendly tone, allowing for personal expression and connection.

The process remains similar, but you can incorporate modern elements like friendly tones, emojis, or memes. If sending digitally, keep the format engaging and share personal anecdotes or current events that resonate with both you and the recipient.

Topics can include personal updates (travel, hobbies, family), invitations to events (parties, gatherings), sharing experiences (books, movies, trips), seeking advice, or expressing feelings (gratitude, sympathy).

The format includes your address (optional), the date, a greeting (e.g., "Dear")

123 Maple Street
Springfield, IL
October 23, 2024

Dear Sarah,

I hope this letter finds you well! It’s been a while since we last caught up. I wanted to share that I recently went on a hiking trip to the mountains, and it was absolutely breathtaking!
How have you been? I’d love to hear all about your new job.
Looking forward to catching up soon!

Best wishes,
Emily

In Word, start with your address and the date (optional). Use a casual greeting and write the body in clear paragraphs. Close with a friendly sign-off and your name.

The format includes your address (optional), the date, a salutation (e.g., "Dear [Friend's Name]"), an introduction (greeting and well-wishes), the main content (body), a conclusion, and a sign-off (e.g., "Warm regards,") with your name.

An informal letter in English follows the same structure outlined above, using a casual tone and personal anecdotes to engage the reader.

The format includes your address (optional), the date, a greeting (e.g., "Hi [Friend's Name]"), a body with a clear introduction, main content, and conclusion, and a closing (e.g., "See you soon,") followed by your name.
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