Comparison Chart
| Basis for Comparison | Formal Letter | Informal Letter |
| Meaning | A formal letter is a letter, written in ... | A letter written in an friendly manner, ... |
| Objective | Professional Communication | Personal Communication |
| Format | Written in prescribed format only. | No prescribed format. |
| Written in | First person - Business letters, third p ... | First, second or third person. |
What is the difference between a formal and informal letter?
There are few very important key points to differentiate between formal and informal letter such as:
- Formal letters are written with lots of attention, it requires correct formatting, before sending it to the receiver. ...
- Informal letters are generally written for personal reasons or purposes. ...
- The style and layout of formal letters deal a particular cause or situation and is usually precise and to the point.
What are the different types of formal and informal letters?
What are the different types of formal letters?
- Formal letter of complaint/concern
- Formal business letter
- Formal email
- Formal thank you letter
What are the methods to write an informal letter?
The format of an informal letter to a friend should include the following things:
- Address of the sender
- Date of writing a letter
- Address of receiver
- Salutation/Greeting
- Body of the letter
- Conclusion
- Signature of the sender
What is the difference between formal and informal writing?
What is the The Difference Between Formal And Informal Writing
- The purpose of writing is different. ...
- Sentence length varies. ...
- Language differs. ...
- Clichés are used in informal writing. ...
- Use of abbreviated words. ...
- Contractions not allowed. ...
- Use of imperative voice. ...
- Difference in use of person. ...
What is formal and informal letter with example?
On the contrary, informal letters are written to friends and relative for personal communication and uses a casual or an emotional tone....Comparison Chart.Basis for ComparisonFormal LetterInformal LetterVoicePassiveActiveSentencesLong and complexShort and simpleSizeConciseLarge or concise6 more rows
What is an informal letter?
Informal letters are personal letters that are written to let your friends or family know about what is going on in your life and to convey your regards. An informal letter is usually written to a family member, a close acquaintance or a friend. The language used in an informal letter is casual and personal.
What is formal letter and example?
A formal letter should include the sender's address, date, receiver's address, subject, salutation, body of the letter, complimentary closing and finally, the signature with name (in block letters) and designation.
What is called formal letter?
A formal letter is one written in a formal and ceremonious language and follows a certain stipulated format. Such letters are written for official purposes to authorities, dignitaries, colleagues, seniors, etc and not to personal contacts, friends or family.
What is formal and informal definition?
Formal language is less personal than informal language. It is used when writing for professional or academic purposes like graduate school assignments. Formal language does not use colloquialisms, contractions or first-person pronouns such as “I” or “We.” Informal language is more casual and spontaneous.
How do you start a formal letter?
Most formal letters will start with 'Dear' before the name of the person that you are writing to. You can choose to use first name and surname, or title and surname. However, if you don't know the name of the person you are writing to, you must use 'Dear Sir or Madam,'.
What are the 4 types of formal letter?
The types of Formal Letter Formats are mentioned below.Letter of Enquiry.Order Letter.Letter of Complaint.Reply to a Letter of Complaint.Promotion Letter.Sales Letter.Recovery Letter.
How informal letter is written?
Informal letters are written to close acquaintances of the writer, their friends, family, relatives, etc. Since they are written to close relations the letters have an informal and personal tone. Casual language is used while writing informal letters. And sometimes the letters may even have an emotional undertone.
What are the 3 types of letter?
Types of LettersFormal Letter: These letters follow a certain pattern and formality. ... Informal Letter: These are personal letters. ... Business Letter: This letter is written among business correspondents, generally contains commercial information such as quotations, orders, complaints, claims, letters for collections etc.More items...
What are the types of informal letters?
Informal Letter ExamplesInviting a friend for a ceremony say for a birthday.Calling a friend for a trip or holiday.Asking sorry or apologizing to someone for mistakes you have done.Congratulating a friend for his success or achievement.Writing just to ask for the well-being of a person.Invitation for a marriage.More items...•
How do we write an informal letter?
The format of an informal letter to a friend should include the following things:Address of the sender.Date of writing a letter.Address of receiver.Salutation/Greeting.Body of the letter.Conclusion.Signature of the sender.
How do you start an informal letter?
As it is an informal letter you can start in a casual and friendly way....I am looking forward to seeing you.I can't wait to see you soon.I can't wait to hear from you.I am looking forward to hearing from you soon.I hope to hear from you soon.See you soon.Send my love to...I hope you are doing well.More items...
What are the 5 parts of an informal letter?
The classic informal letter has five parts as follows:Address Block. Includes your return address and the date of writing the letter. ... Opening Salutation. This is the opening greeting; typically "Dear John". ... Body Block. This is your actual letter content (introduction + main parts + final paragraphs). ... Closing Salutation.
What are the types of informal letter?
Major Differences between a formal and informal letterS.No.BasisInformal letter2GreetingFriend, name of the receiver3AddressOnly the address of the sender is mentioned4BodyNo such prescribed limitations5SubjectNo need for subject5 more rows
What is the difference between formal and informal letters?
The significant points of difference between formal and informal letters are discussed as under: A formal letter is one, written in formal language, in the stipulated format, for official purpose. A letter is said to be informal when it is written in a friendly manner, to someone you are familiar with.
What is formal letter?
Meaning. A formal letter is a letter, written in formal language, in the stipulated format, for official purpose. A letter written in an friendly manner, to someone you are familiar with, is called informal letter. Objective.
What are the sentences used in a formal letter?
The sentences we use at the time of writing a formal letter are, long and complex. Unlike an informal letter, where we use short and simple sentences which are easy to interpret. The size of a formal letter should be concise; that does not include irrelevant matter.
What is a letter?
Letters are a form of verbal and written communication, which contains information or message, send by one party to another, to convey the message. It is sent by one party to another, to provide certain important information. There are two types of letters, i.e. formal letters and informal letters. The formal letter is written for business ...
Why do we write a letter?
The letter can be used for some reasons like conveying message, news, giving advice, congratulate recipient, request information, asking questions, etc. It is a personal letter, written to whom you are familiar with, like friends, siblings, parents or any other closed one.
What is the difference between formal and informal letters?
The main difference between the formal letter and an informal letter is that formal letters written for official or professional conversation. On the other hand, informal letters used for casual or personal conversation.
Why is a formal letter important?
A formal letter is in some cases useful because it creates a permanently written document, and may be taken more severely by the recipient than other forms of communication. A formal letter is only written in a proper and ceremonious language and follows a certain stipulated format.
How to write a formal letter?
In a formal letter, we always use captions and surname of the recipient.
What are the three types of formal letters?
It should be free from any flaws, i.e., grammatical or misspelling. There are three kinds of formal letters, i.e., business letters, letters for outlining metropolitan problems and job applications. It is necessary to remember that there are many such formats for formal letters that people follow the track.
What is a headnote in a letter?
Formal letters can have many types of headnotes, for example, to require direct information or activity from another party, to demand supplies from a supplier, to indicate a mistake by the letter’s recipient, to reply straight to a request, to excuse for a wrong, or to convey goodwill.
Can a letter be as long as you wish?
It can be as long and as ordinary as you wish. It allows using any writing style, any words, and any punctuation. You are not limited to any templates. Formal letters sent to businesses, companies, employees, organizations, universities, colleges, and firms and informal letters sent to friends and relatives.
Is informal writing in first person or third person?
On the contrary, informal letters written in first, second and third person. Whereas writing formal letters, we use passive voice. Conversely, an active and imperative voice used. The extent of a formal letter should be short; that does not contain irrelevant matter.
What is a Formal Letter?
A formal letter is a letter that is written in a professional or formal tone. The purpose of a formal letter is to communicate with someone you do not know well, such as a potential employer, or to officially request something from someone.
What is an Informal Letter?
An informal letter is a message that does not need to be formal. It can be written between friends, family members, or coworkers and can include casual languages such as casual words and abbreviations.
Key Differences between a Formal & Informal Letter
Please accept this letter and accompanying resume as my application for the Accounts Manager position recently advertised on your website. I am very interested in working with you, and believe that my qualifications make me a strong candidate for this role.
FAQs
In general, remember these key tips when deciding which type of letter to write:
Conclusion
Formal letters are less personal and more formal while informal letters can be a bit more casual. If you want to write an effective letter, choose the appropriate tone for your audience! Remember that there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to writing good business correspondence.
What is the difference between formal and informal letters?
The main difference between formal and informal letters is that formal letters professionally address someone, and informal letters address someone in a personal way. Other differences include: Formal letters follow a specific format, while informal letters can follow any format. The tone of a formal letter is professional and official, ...
How to write a letter?
The best way to write a letter depends on whether it is formal or informal. Follow these steps when writing a formal letter: Left-align the text. Write your name, address and contact information at the top of the page, typically aligned on the left or right side. Include the full date you wrote the letter.
What is formal letter?
Formal letters include a date and contact information at the top. Unlike informal letters, formal letters do not include grammatical trends like contractions (can't, don't, I've), slang or idioms. Most formal letters are no longer than one page, while informal letters can be any length.
How to address a letter to a friend?
Start with a formal salutation, such as "Dear Mr. Henderson," followed by a colon. You can address them by their full name or their last name. Use "To whom it may concern" if you do not know who will receive the letter. Write a brief introduction or opening sentence stating the letter's purpose.
What to write in a letter to a personal contact?
You might write a letter to personal, professional or academic contacts to: Produce documentation or written proof of an agreement or a conversation. Demonstrate your interest in a job or a cause. Provide a personal touch to a communication. Make an announcement.
How many paragraphs should a letter have?
Write the body of the letter, which provides supporting information and should generally be two to three paragraphs. Each paragraph should make one clear point, and the tone should be professional. Add a concluding statement summarizing the letter's objective and providing the recipient with a call to action.
What is a well written letter?
A well-written and properly formatted letter tells someone you have taken the time to communicate important information and that you are serious about the topic you have written about.