Informal Letter: Format, Samples and Writing Tips

One of the compulsory exercises that you’ll cover in school grammar is informal letters. It’s a nonofficial letter where you communicate with your peers, friends, or parents to convey a message. 

You must follow specific rules and a structured format to write an informal letter. Informal letters in English vary from formal letters in form and tone. 

If you’re wondering what an informal letter is and how to write one with elaborate examples, you’re in the right place. 

This blog will take you through the steps to write an informal letter and ace your school examination. 

Sounds interesting? Great, let’s start reading!

Informal Letter Format 

In this section, we will explain the informal letter format and show you how to write one in detailed steps. 

1. Sender’s Address:

You need to start with your address at the top left of the page. Include the street, city and postal code. Skip a line before moving on to the next part.

2. Date:

Here comes the second step. Now, you need to put the date below your address. Use a standard format like “28th June 2024″ to clarify.

3. Salutation:

Start with a friendly greeting. Typical examples are “Dear [Name]” or “Hi [Name],”. Use a comma after the name. If you’re addressing it to an elder, you can use ‘respected.’ 

4. Body:

Now, you have come to the main content of your letter. There should be three paragraphs:

• Introduction: Start with a friendly opening. Ask about their well-being or share a recent experience with them. You can let them know how you’re doing. 

• Primary Content: Move to the main reason for writing. This can be anything from sharing recent news to asking for advice, inviting them to an event, etc. 

• The end: Conclude your thoughts. You hope to hear back soon and express good wishes and love. 

5. Closing:

End your letter with a warm closing phrase like “Yours lovingly,” “Best wishes,” or “Take care,” followed by a comma.

You must remember that the tone of an informal letter is conversational and personal.

What is the difference between Formal and Informal Letters?

Many students confuse Formal and informal letters when they first learn them in their curriculum. Formal and informal letters differ in their tone, structure and purpose.

Formal Letters are used for professional or official communication. They follow a strict format with the sender’s address, date, recipient’s address, salutation, body, closing and signature. 

The language is formal and respectful. It’s usually used in business, academic, or official contexts. It can include a letter to the principal, librarian, or complaint letter. 

Informal Letters are used for personal communication with friends, peers, or family. They have a relaxed structure, including the sender’s address, date, salutation, body and closing, and the tone is informal and friendly. 

The content is more personal and can consist of sharing news, experiences, invitations, sending presents, etc. 

You can say that formal letters focus on professionalism and clarity, while informal letters are based on a personal and friendly tone.

Informal Letter Writing Topics 

You can be assigned various informal letter-writing topics in your assignments, homework, and exams. Here are some of the most popular and commonly asked topics. 

• Letter to your friend inviting him to your birthday party. 
• Letter to your cousin asking him about his health after the fever. 
• Letter to your aunt thanking her for the birthday gift she sent you. 
• Letter to your father asking him about his health as he is away on an office tour. 
• Letter to your friend asking him about his plans for summer vacation. 
• Letter to your mother describing how your exams went and when you’ll return from the hostel. 
• Letter to your brother asking him how he spent his Diwali and describe your experience. 
• Letter to your uncle informing him about your fever. 
• Letter to your friend congratulating him on his excellent results. 
• Letter to your cousin congratulating him for winning the singing competition. 

These are some of the usual topics from which you can expect questions in your examination. 

Informal Letter Samples 

Here, we will take you through an informal letter example for a clearer understanding.

403, Gorakh Road

Delhi 

07/06/2024

Hi Preeti, 

How are you doing? How are aunty and uncle? We are all fine here. 

I heard that you have scored excellent marks in your final exams. 

Congratulations! You’re a hard worker and getting the prize for that. I know how much you practiced the exercises, and I’m thrilled you came out with flying colours. This incident indeed calls for a celebration. 

So, when are you throwing a party? I’m so excited to be a part of it. Hope to see you soon. Sending you best wishes and love. 

Yours lovingly

Smriti 

Informal Letter Format for Class 6 Students

This section will give you a sneak peek into informal letter writing for class 6.

406, Gorakh Nagar

Delhi 

08/07/2024 

Dear Raju,

I heard that you have had a fever since Tuesday. How are you doing now? Have you seen the doctor?

These times are complex, and the weather keeps changing. That’s why many people fall ill or catch fever. Please listen to Aunty and eat the food she asks you. Don’t forget to have timely medicines. It will help in your speedy recovery. 

I’m sure you’ll get well soon. Take care, and I’ll visit your house tomorrow to check on you. Please stay careful. 

With love, 

Meera 

Informal Letter Format for Class 7 Students

Let’s look at an informal letter–writing example for the seventh grade. 

403, Gorakhpur Road 

Delhi 

09/09/2024 

Respected Father, 

How are you and mom doing? I’m good and enjoying my hostel life. 

I have made a few friends in a short time and had great moments together. Our classes will start next week, and I’m excited to meet my new classmates and teachers. But I’m missing both of you. I’ll hear back from home as soon as the vacation comes. 

Please, both of you, take care of yourself. Mom has to make my favorite dishes on that day. We will have our meals together!

Your lovingly

Rekha

Informal Letter Format for Class 8 Students

493, Gorakhpur Road

Delhi

08/09/2024

Respected Mother,

I hope everything is okay with you, Mom. I just reached my aunt’s house safely. 

The train journey was a bit tiring, but I enjoyed it, too. I got a window seat and passed the time admiring the wonderful beauty of nature outside. I also bought a few food items from the hawkers to keep myself full. From the station, it was a ten-minute auto journey. 

Please inform Dad that I have reached out. Take care of yourself, and I’ll be back home soon. 

With regards, 

Minu 

Informal Letter Format for Class 9 Students

493, Gorakhpur Road 

Uttar Pradesh

08/09/2024 

Hey Swati,

How are you doing? I hope everyone is doing great at your home. I’m doing good, too. 

I’m excited to invite you to my birthday party next Sunday. I’ll be turning 14 that day, and want to celebrate it with my amazing friends and family. Other friends will be here too. There will be arrangements for games and delicious food items. Together, we will have lots of fun. 

I can’t wait to see you next Sunday. Have a superb time together! See you soon. 

Yours lovingly

Ritu 

Informal Letter Format for Class 10th Students

403, Gorakhpur Road 

Delhi 

07/03/2024 

Dear Ruchi, 

How are you doing? I just received your gift, and I’m elated! 

What an excellent choice, Ruchi! I was sad you couldn’t attend my birthday, but I understand you had exams. Today, after receiving your gift, I’m on cloud nine because a PS5 is what I have always dreamed of having. I’ll install this letter in my room as soon as I finish it. This is one of the best presents I’ve ever had. 

Thanks a lot for being so thoughtful. I hope to see you soon next week. 

With love, 

Deb. 

Tips and Tricks to Write an Informal Letter

1: Warm Opening: To maintain an unofficial tone, start with a friendly greeting, such as “Dear [Name]” or “Hi [Name].”

2: Personal Touch: Include personal anecdotes or recent events to make the letter feel charming and engaging.

3: Conversational Tone: Write as if you’re directly conversing with the person you’re sending it to, using simple language.

4. Positive Closing: End on a positive note with phrases like “Take care,” “Best wishes,” “Looking forward to hearing from you soon,” and “Hope to meet you soon.” 

Checkout: Story Writing Format

Mistakes To Avoid While Writing Informal Letters 

You need to remember inevitable mistakes that might happen and be cautious about not committing them while writing the informal letter. They are: 

1: Use of formal Language: Avoid using formal language. Keep it casual and friendly to match the informal tone.

2: Avoiding the Recipient’s Interests: Don’t focus entirely on yourself. Show genuine interest in the recipient’s life by asking questions and asking them to stay well. 

3: Avoid Long Paragraphs: Avoid using long paragraphs. Use short, clear sentences and break up your text to make it easy for the receiver to read.

Wrapping Up

With that, we conclude our discussion on informal letters. We hope this comprehensive guide helps you have a clearer understanding of the subject. Remember, the more you practise, the better you’ll get at it. 

So, pick up some topics, practise writing, and get your teacher to check them. This way, you’ll be in a strong position before the exams and can do a great job securing decent marks! 

All the best! 

Informal Letter FAQs