Writing an Informal Letter: Format and Samples

Writing an informal letter in English may seem daunting at first, but it's actually much simpler than you think. It's like having a casual conversation with a close relative or friend. In this article, we'll delve into the structure of informal letters and explore it in the upcoming sections:..

What is an informal letter?

Informal letters serve as a means to share the happenings of your life with your loved ones and express your gratitude. These personal letters are typically sent to family members, close friends, or acquaintances. The language used in informal letters is relaxed and intimate, reflecting the close relationship between the sender and the recipient.

What Can You Write About in an Informal Letter?

Feel free to express yourself and share whatever is on your mind. You have the freedom to write about anything you desire, whether it's informing your loved ones about your recent contest victory, discussing a movie you just watched, or even planning and sharing details about your upcoming vacation. The possibilities are endless! Additionally, you can inquire about your loved ones' well-being and invite them to join you on an exciting adventure. Moreover, you can express your gratitude for their new job or simply show your appreciation for them. Remember, when writing a casual letter, you have the liberty to be as personal as you want. So go ahead and let your thoughts flow onto the paper!

How do Write an Informal Letter?

Just like any other letter you write, there's a special way to craft an informal letter in English. Unlike formal letters, informal ones don't require specific information and can be written in a casual and conversational style. These letters are like friendly chats with your pals, so you can talk about a wide range of topics and share anything you want with your loved ones. Instead of using formal language, you can sprinkle in some colloquial words to make it more personal. To create charming and informal letters, there are a few easy guidelines you can follow.

• Address and Date:
  If you're wondering how to compose a casual letter, here's what you should keep in mind:. To ensure that your informal letter format is correct, it's crucial to begin with the sender's address. The address should be placed on the left-hand side of the page. It's important to provide the complete address so that the recipient can send a reply. Therefore, make sure to write an accurate address, including your postal code. If you're writing to a different country, remember to include the country's name in the address. For example, 29 NBC Garden, Coimbatore, India, 641053. Following the address is the date. The date should be written in a way that helps the recipients understand when you sent the message. You can write the date in one of the following formats: For instance, 1/06/2024, 1 June 2024, or June 1, 2024.
• Forms of Greeting/Salutation:
  When writing informal correspondence to family and friends, you can address them by their names, preceded by qualifier words like Dear, My Dear, etc. You can also use the names of your pets (e.g., Dearest Rosy, Dearest Andy, and Dearest Sweety) or their relationship to you (Dear Uncle, Dearest Grandma, and Dear Cousin). If you're writing to a casual acquaintance who is older or holds a more prestigious position, it is acceptable to use prefixes such as Mr., Mrs., Ms., etc. For example, Dear Mr. Reddy…
• Introduction and Body of the Letter:
  The words you use set the tone for your letter. Kick off your informal correspondence with an introduction that sets the mood for the topic at hand. Begin by inquiring about the well-being and health of your recipient. For instance, you could start with, “I hope this letter finds you in good health.” Then, delve into the purpose of your letter, adding as many details as you'd like—unlike formal letters. Your letter should read more like a friendly chat than a formal essay. Feel free to write in a relaxed and personal manner. If your recipient is older, steer clear of using impolite phrases or sentences.
• Conclusion:
  Wrap up your informal letter with a warm closing. Write in a way that leaves the reader feeling like they've just had a pleasant conversation with you. Don't forget to mention that you're looking forward to hearing back from them.
• Forms of Subscription and Signature:
  For letters to family and friends nearby, you can sign off with: “Yours affectionately,” “Yours sincerely,” “Your beloved friend with love,” followed by your name (usually your first name). If you're writing to a friend whom you've addressed as “Dear Mr. or Mrs.,” you could use phrases like “your heartfelt thanks,” “best wishes,” etc. before signing off.
• Informal Letter Format Samples

Let's examine examples of formal letter format to help you better understand the format.

Formal Letter Format 1 Letter to Your Cousin Inquiring about Her First Trip to Ethiopia

34, Park Avenue

London, 400023

²⁴September 2024

Dearest Celestine,

I was very happy that I heard from Mom that you were back at home following your trip. I hope that you had an enjoyable and safe trip. I've been waiting for the details of your journey from you.

Because this was your first time visiting a foreign country, I'm sure every aspect of your journey was as enjoyable as you imagined it to be. I've heard from acquaintances who live in the area that it is beautiful and people living there are charming. But I was a bit worried when I heard there were some bombs that went off during your time there. I hope you are all secure. I'm hoping everything was okay, minus this.

I spoke with your mother earlier and she had told me that you'd return home in two weeks. I saw your photos on Instagram and Twitter as well. I'm eager to meet you and listen to the stories you share. I'm waiting with bated breath for your response.

Your loving cousin,

Israel

informal letter format 2. Letter to a Friend regarding the possibility of arranging a gathering

BB Street,

Allahabad (211005)

12/02/2024

Dear Gift,

I hope that you're all well and that everyone in your home is well and safe. It's been a while since we've had a meeting and I was wondering if we could get together. I've been planning to host an event in the coming month. I would like to hear more details about the idea.

The group could get together at the end of Friday night and then stay for the weekend in the resort in Munnar. The weather in Munnar is excellent and is a great stress-busting experience. We can also explore the tourist destinations if everyone is keen. If you're ready to discuss the idea, we could also talk with other people. I'll visit you this weekend to talk about this further.

I'm waiting for your response and I hope to see shortly.

Love,

Israel

Informal Letter Format 3: Reply Regretting Inability to Join

144, Stark Lane

London (400054)

15/02/2024

Dear Gift,

It's incredibly thoughtful of you to arrange an event for everyone. I would like to join with you; however, I'm sorry to announce that I am working on an upcoming project and it won't be feasible for me to attend. If there's any possibility of organizing the gathering anytime before the end of the month, I'm definitely able to attend the gathering.

I'm hoping that we can move event and don't miss out on the opportunity to meet. I'm eager to hear from you.

With Love,

Israel

FAQ on Informal Letter Format