Understanding Informal Letters: Structure, Purpose, and Writing Tips

Informal letters are a form of personal correspondence used to communicate with friends, family, or acquaintances. Unlike formal letters, they are written in a casual and friendly tone, reflecting the writer's personality and relationship with the recipient. In this article, we will delve into the structure, purpose, and tips on how to write an effective informal letter, along with examples to illustrate the points.

Characteristics of Informal Letters

Informal letters, also known as friendly or personal letters, vary in terms of structure, tone, and purpose. They are more conversational and relatable, making them suitable for maintaining personal connections and discussing personal experiences or events. Unlike formal letters, informal letters often do not follow a strict structure and can be shorter in length.

Key Characteristics

Tone: Casual and friendly, often reflecting the writer's personality and relationship with the recipient. Structure: Typically includes a greeting, introduction, body, conclusion, and sign-off. However, there are no strict rules. Content: Discusses personal experiences, feelings, or casual topics, making them more relatable and engaging. Length: Generally shorter than formal letters, ranging from a few sentences to a few paragraphs.

Purpose of Writing Informal Letters

Informal letters serve various purposes, including expressing feelings, sending invitations, and maintaining contact on festive and personal occasions. They are often written to friends, classmates, neighbors, family members, and relatives. The format of these letters can vary from expressing emotions to sharing news and experiences. Even emotional undertones can be included when discussing significant personal events.

Structure of an Informal Letter

To write an effective informal letter, follow these steps:

1. Greeting

Begin the letter with a friendly greeting. For example:

INTRODUCTION: Add pleasantries and mention the topic.

2. Body

The body of the letter should include:

Details about the reason for writing the letter Expression of feelings or emotions Description of events, situations, or personal experiences

Keep the body concise and to the point. Aim for 2 to 3 paragraphs.

3. Conclusion

Conclude your letter with gratitude or a hope for a favorable response. Add a sign-off as follows:

CONCLUSION: Conclude your letter and say goodbye. Sign off with warm regards or yours truly. End with your name.

Examples of Formal and Informal Letters

To better understand the difference, let's look at examples of formal and informal letters:

Formal Letter Example

To:

The President of…Association

Dear:

President

Subject:

My resignation to our Association

Ref: Last week’s unruly happenings in the meetings and rallies.

I do not think the happenings you and I witnessed belong to the culture of any one whom we emulate. I hereby submit my polite resignation for your kind acceptance.

Your faithfully,

….

Informal Letter Example

To:

The President

Sir

Those nasty words thrown on you, your near and dear, and on me too can not be forgotten by me at least. You are the President, and you can bear and you have to also, as everybody feels.

I will not attend any meetings with you any more. I will not come to the association in the coming one century. Try to return my subscriptions at least from next month onward immediately in cash as I paid it so.

Yours truly,

…

Conclusion

Writing an informal letter requires a friendly and conversational tone, enabling the writer to connect with the recipient on a personal level. Understanding the structure and purpose of informal letters can help you create meaningful and relatable correspondence. By following the tips and examples provided, you can effectively communicate your emotions, experiences, and genuine feelings in a style that resonates with your audience.