How to Write an Informal Letter Step by Step
An informal letter is a personal letter written to friends, family, or close acquaintances. Informal letters are important for school English exams, class assignments, and daily English practice. They help you express yourself freely and build better written communication skills.
What is an Informal Letter?
An informal letter is a personal letter you write in a casual, friendly tone to someone you know well. It is different from a formal letter, which is used for official or business communication. Informal letters are used for sharing personal news, giving invitations, sending thanks, apologizing, or just staying in touch.
Informal Letter Format
| Part | What to Write | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Sender’s Address | Write your address at the top (right or left side). Include street, city, and postal code. | If writing to someone in another country, add your country. |
| Date | Add the date below the address. | Use DD/MM/YYYY (British) or MM/DD/YYYY (American). |
| Greeting/Salutation | Start with "Dear," "Hi," or just the person's name and a comma. | Use first names for friends; use titles (Mr./Mrs.) if needed for elders. |
| Introduction | A short first paragraph that sets the tone. Ask how they are and give your reason for writing. | Be friendly and warm. |
| Body | Your main message. Share news or updates, describe events, ask questions, or explain something. | Let your personality show. Use clear, simple language. |
| Conclusion | Summarize or end the letter with a nice statement. | Examples: "Hope to see you soon" or "Write back soon!" |
| Sign-off/Signature | End the letter with "Best wishes," "Love," "Yours," or another friendly closing. Add your name below. | Pick one that matches your relationship. |
How to Write an Informal Letter: Step by Step
- Start with your address and the date.
- Greet the reader in a friendly way.
- Begin with a warm, personal introduction.
- Clearly state your reason for writing in the body.
- Use conversational language and personal stories.
- Close your letter with a polite or affectionate sign-off.
- Write your name at the end.
Common Greetings and Closings for Informal Letters
| Greeting | When to Use |
|---|---|
| Dear (Name), | Most common; good for any recipient. |
| Hi (Name), | Very casual, for close friends. |
| My dear (Name), | For family or someone special. |
| Closing | When to Use |
| Best wishes, | General use. |
| Love, | Family or close friends. |
| Yours truly, | Warm and polite for all situations. |
| Take care, | Casual, modern. |
Informal Letter Example
52, Fig Street, Indira Nagar
Kadavanthra
Kochi
Kerala
11th August 2020
Dear Mill,
Hope you are safe and well-protected from the outbreak of the Virus. It’s been a long time since I wrote to you. Due to the pandemic, I am working from home, so I decided to write you and know how you have been doing.
Everything is fine here in India, and we all stay indoors most of the time as India has growing numbers of active cases of COVID-19. It is pretty mundane staying inside all the time but I have stopped complaining and started reading books. It is the best way to utilise time.
How did you manage to complete your exams during the pandemic? My sister just had a baby girl and I am babysitting for her. Once this Pandemic is over, I will come and see you.
Hope to hear from you soon.
Love,
Sandra
Popular Informal Letter Topics
- Inviting a friend to your birthday
- Thanking someone for a gift
- Apologising for missing a meeting
- Describing your summer holidays
- Sharing family news or achievements
- Recounting a recent trip or event
- Congratulating on exam results
- Explaining a hobby or new interest
Tips and Common Mistakes in Informal Letters
| Tips | Common Mistakes |
|---|---|
| Keep the tone natural and friendly. | Using overly formal words or structure. |
| Add personal stories or details for interest. | Forgetting the address or date (in school/exams). |
| Ask questions to keep the letter interactive. | Using slang unsuitable for the recipient. |
| Check spelling and grammar, especially for exams. | Writing long, confusing paragraphs. |
| Use a clear layout with short paragraphs. | Skipping an appropriate closing/sign-off. |
At Vedantu, we simplify letter writing for students and exam aspirants. Remember to personalize your informal letters, follow a simple structure, and match your tone to your recipient. With regular practice, you’ll gain confidence and skill in all types of English letter writing.
In summary, an informal letter is a friendly, personal message for classmates, friends, or family. It usually follows a simple structure with greeting, body, and closing. Clear, conversational language makes your letter easy to read and enjoyable. Practice will help you write better, both for school and real life.
Explore related topics: Formal Letter, Letter Writing, and Idioms and Phrases for more help with English writing.
FAQs on Informal Letter Writing in English: Format, Examples & Tips
1. What exactly is an informal letter and who is it meant for?
An informal letter is a personal piece of writing intended for someone you know well, such as a friend, family member, or close acquaintance. Unlike formal letters, its primary purpose is to maintain relationships, share personal news, and express emotions in a casual, conversational tone. It does not follow the strict, rigid rules of official correspondence.
2. What is the standard format for an informal letter according to the CBSE 2025-26 syllabus?
While flexible, the standard format for an informal letter generally includes the following components in this order:
- Sender's Address: Your address, usually placed at the top left corner.
- Date: The date on which the letter is written, placed just below the address.
- Salutation/Greeting: A warm greeting like 'Dear [Name],' or 'Hi [Name],'.
- Body: The main content of the letter, typically divided into 2-3 paragraphs.
- Closing: A complimentary closing such as 'Yours lovingly,', 'Best wishes,', or 'Warmly,'.
- Signature: Your first name, written below the closing.
3. What is the main difference between a formal and an informal letter?
The key difference lies in tone, purpose, and audience. A formal letter is used for official or professional communication (e.g., job applications, letters to officials) and uses a respectful, objective tone with a strict format. An informal letter is for personal communication with friends and family, using a casual, emotional tone and a more flexible structure.
4. What are some suitable topics for an informal letter?
Informal letters are versatile and can cover any personal topic. Common examples include:
- Inviting a friend to a celebration or vacation.
- Thanking someone for a gift or a kind act.
- Congratulating a relative on an achievement.
- Sharing experiences from a recent trip.
- Asking for or giving friendly advice.
- Checking in on a friend or family member's well-being.
5. What are some examples of appropriate greetings and closings in an informal letter?
The choice depends on your relationship with the recipient. For greetings, you can use 'Dear [First Name],', 'Hi [Nickname],', or simply '[First Name],'. For closings, warm options like 'Yours lovingly,', 'With love,', 'Best wishes,', 'See you soon,' or 'Warmly,' are all excellent choices that reflect a personal connection.
6. Why is including the sender's address and date still considered important in an informal letter?
Even in a casual context, the sender's address serves a practical purpose: it allows the recipient to easily write back. The date is crucial for context. It helps the reader understand when the events you're describing happened, preventing confusion and making the letter a more valuable personal record for the future.
7. How can you effectively express a personal tone in an informal letter without being unclear?
To create a personal tone, use a conversational style as if you were speaking directly to the person. You can use contractions (like don't, I'm), ask questions, and share personal anecdotes or inside jokes. Maintain clarity by organising your thoughts into logical paragraphs and ensuring your core message is easy to follow, even with a casual writing style.
8. What are the most common mistakes to avoid when writing an informal letter?
Common mistakes include being too casual (using excessive slang or text-speak like 'lol' or 'u'), which can seem careless. Another error is neglecting the basic format—forgetting the date or a proper closing can make the letter feel incomplete. Finally, poor grammar and spelling can distract from your message, so it's always good to proofread.
9. In the digital age, what is the importance of learning to write a physical informal letter?
While emails and texts are faster, a handwritten informal letter shows a much greater level of personal effort and care. It creates a tangible keepsake that the recipient can hold and cherish, making it more meaningful for important occasions like birthdays or expressing sympathy. It also develops fundamental writing skills, including handwriting, formatting, and structuring thoughts clearly.
10. Beyond just sharing news, what are other functions of an informal letter?
Beyond basic updates, an informal letter serves deeper functions. It can be a powerful tool for strengthening bonds by showing vulnerability and sharing deep feelings. It can also act as a historical record of a friendship or family relationship, capturing moments and emotions in time. Furthermore, writing a letter helps the sender to clarify their own thoughts and reflect on their experiences.
