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 is an informal letter?
An informal letter is a personal, friendly communication written to friends, family, or close acquaintances. It uses a casual, conversational tone and doesn't adhere to strict formal letter structures. Unlike formal letters, informal letters prioritize expressing personal thoughts and feelings.
2. What is the structure of an informal letter?
While less rigid than formal letters, informal letters generally include: Sender's Address (optional, but helpful for replies), Date (helps with context), Greeting (e.g., 'Dear [Name], 'Hi [Name],'), Body (the main content, conveying news, thoughts, and feelings), Closing (e.g., 'Best,' 'Love,' 'See you soon,'), and Signature (your name).
3. What are suitable greetings and closings for informal letters?
Greetings vary depending on your relationship with the recipient. Common options include: 'Dear [Name],' 'Hi [Name],' '[Nickname],' or simply the person's first name. Closings should be equally warm and friendly: 'Best,' 'Love,' 'Lots of love,' 'See you soon,' 'Warmly,' 'Cheers,' or similar expressions reflecting your relationship.
4. How is an informal letter different from a formal letter?
Formal letters use formal language, follow a strict format, and maintain a professional tone. They're for official communication. Informal letters use casual language, have a flexible format, and prioritize personal expression. They're for personal communication with close relationships.
5. Can you give an example of an informal letter to a friend?
See example letter provided on the main page. This example showcases a typical structure and conversational tone.
6. Is it necessary to write the address and date in every informal letter?
The address is optional but recommended if you expect a reply. The date adds context and is generally included. It's less crucial than in formal letters, but still helpful.
7. How can I add humour or emotion to my informal letter without it being inappropriate?
Use humour and emotion relevant to your relationship with the recipient. Share anecdotes, personal experiences, and use descriptive language to convey feelings authentically. Avoid anything offensive or overly personal that could cause discomfort.
8. If I make a grammar mistake in an informal letter, will it affect my exam score?
Grammar mistakes will still be assessed, even in informal letters written for exams. While the tone is more relaxed, basic grammar and spelling accuracy are still important for clarity and demonstrating language skills.
9. Are digital (email or WhatsApp) informal letters allowed in school exams?
Check your exam guidelines. Most exams require handwritten letters to assess handwriting and formatting skills. Digital submissions are sometimes permitted, but confirm with your instructor.
10. What are some suitable topics for informal letters?
Suitable topics include sharing personal news (e.g., job changes, travel experiences), expressing gratitude, inviting to events, offering congratulations, sharing hobbies, reminiscing about shared memories, or asking for advice.
11. How do I personalize an informal letter while maintaining clarity?
Personalize by using the recipient's name frequently, referencing shared experiences or inside jokes, and adopting a conversational tone. Maintain clarity by structuring your thoughts logically and using grammatically correct sentences.
12. What are common mistakes to avoid in informal letter writing?
Avoid overly informal language (slang, excessive contractions), poor grammar and spelling, and unclear or disorganized writing. Ensure your tone is appropriate for your relationship with the recipient and the context of the letter.
