Are you stuck on how to write an informal letter? Don’t worry – you’re not alone! Informal letters can be a bit tricky to navigate, especially if you’re not used to their conversational tone. Fortunately, I’m here to help. In this article, I’ll be sharing with you an example of an informal letter that you can use as a guide to get started on your own.
But before we dive into the example, I want to make one thing clear: this is just a guideline. Informal letters are meant to be personal and reflective of your own thoughts and writing style. So, feel free to edit the example as needed to make it your own.
Without further ado, here’s an example of an informal letter:
Dear John,
How’s it going, my friend? I hope this letter finds you well. It feels like ages since we last caught up and I wanted to drop you a line to see how you’re doing.
Things have been pretty crazy on my end. Work has been nuts and I feel like I’ve been running around like a headless chicken. But, I’m not complaining – I know things could be a whole lot worse.
Speaking of work, did I tell you I got promoted? Yup, I’m now leading the marketing team, which is pretty cool. It’s been a bit of a learning curve, but I’m enjoying the challenge.
Enough about me though, what’s new with you? I heard through the grapevine that you took up surfing. That’s awesome! I remember when we used to talk about hitting the waves back in college. Have you caught any good ones yet?
Anyway, I don’t want to take up too much of your time. Let’s catch up soon – it would be great to chat over a cold one.
Take care,
Jane
See how the letter has a casual and conversational tone? That’s what sets informal letters apart from formal ones. Try to keep your own informal letter true to your own voice and style.
So, go ahead and use the example above to get started. And remember, don’t be afraid to make it your own!
The Best Structure for an Informal Letter
When it comes to writing an informal letter, the structure can vary depending on the purpose and your personal style. However, there are a few key elements that should be included in your letter to ensure that it is effective and engaging.
1. Salutation: Start your letter by addressing the recipient in a friendly and informal way. Use their first name if you know them well, or their title and last name if you are less familiar.
2. Opening: In the opening paragraph, briefly introduce yourself and explain the purpose of your letter. This could be to catch up with a friend, share exciting news, or simply to say hello.
3. Body: The body of the letter should be the main focus and the bulk of your content. Here you can elaborate on the purpose of your letter, share personal experiences, and convey your thoughts and feelings. Use descriptive language and examples to make your letter interesting and engaging.
4. Closing: In the closing paragraph, wrap up your letter by summarizing your main points and reiterating your purpose. You can also express your gratitude and wish the recipient well.
5. Signature: End your letter with an informal sign-off such as “Cheers” or “Best regards”, followed by your name. If you are writing to a close friend or family member, you can also include a personal message or inside joke.
In summary, the best structure for an informal letter is to start with a friendly salutation, introduce yourself and explain the purpose of your letter, use the body to convey your message and thoughts, wrap up with a summary and sign-off, and personalize your letter to suit your relationship with the recipient. By following these guidelines, you can create a compelling and engaging informal letter that will leave a lasting impression.
Seven Examples of Informal Letters
Letter of Congratulations
Dear Larry,
I wanted to take a moment to congratulate you on your recent achievement of completing your Master’s degree in accounting. This is such a huge accomplishment and I am so proud of you! With your hard work and dedication, you have set a great example for us all. You have inspired me to pursue my own academic goals and I am grateful for your support and encouragement along the way.
Wishing you all the best as you embark on the next chapter of your life!
Warm regards,
Lisa
Letter of Recommendation (Academic)
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend Emily Smith for admission to your undergraduate program in English. I had the pleasure of teaching Emily in two courses and, in my experience, she is one of the most intelligent, motivated, and passionate students I have taught in recent years.
Emily consistently demonstrated her aptitude for critical analysis and her ability to communicate complex ideas with clarity and precision. She is a dedicated scholar who approaches each assignment with enthusiasm and rigor. She is also a dynamic participant in class discussions, consistently engaging with her peers and offering thoughtful insights.
I am confident that Emily will excel in your program and make significant contributions to your academic community. I wholeheartedly recommend her for admission.
Thank you for considering Emily’s application.
Sincerely,
Dr. Thomas Jones
Letter of Sympathy
Dear Janet,
I was saddened to learn of the passing of your mother. Please accept my deepest sympathies during this difficult time. Losing a loved one is never easy, and I can only imagine how hard this is for you and your family.
While there are no words that can fully alleviate the pain of loss, please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you. I am here for you if you need someone to talk to or if there is anything I can do to support you during this time.
With heartfelt condolences,
Samantha
Letter of Invitation
Dear John,
I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to invite you to a dinner party at my home on Saturday, August 28th at 7pm. I would be delighted if you could join us for food, drinks, and good conversation.
We will be having a barbecue and there will be plenty of food and drink. You are welcome to bring a guest if you like. Please let me know if you are able to attend so I can plan accordingly.
Looking forward to having you over!
Warmly,
Alice
Letter of Appreciation (Personal)
Dear Mom and Dad,
I just wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude for everything you have done for me over the years. You have always been there for me, providing love, guidance, and support through all of the highs and lows of life. I am so lucky to have parents like you.
Thank you for always being my rock, for instilling in me the values of hard work and perseverance, and for showing me what grace, kindness, and love truly mean. I appreciate you more than words can say.
With all my love,
Jessica
Letter of Complaint (Consumer)
Dear Customer Service Representative,
I am writing to express my disappointment with the food I received on my recent visit to your restaurant. I ordered your famous burger and fries, but I was unsatisfied with the quality of the food and the level of service I received.
The burger was overcooked and dry, and the fries were cold and soggy. When I brought this to the attention of my server, he seemed uninterested in my feedback and did not offer to make things right. I was left feeling extremely dissatisfied with my experience.
As a regular patron of your establishment, I hope that you will take my feedback seriously and take measures to improve the quality of your food and the level of service provided to your customers.
Sincerely,
Michael Smith
Letter of Apology (Personal)
Dear Sarah,
I am writing to apologize for my behavior at the party last weekend. I realize that I was out of line and I am so sorry for any hurt or embarrassment I may have caused you.
It was never my intention to make you feel uncomfortable or disrespected. I was having a lot to drink and I lost my sense of judgment. This is not an excuse for my actions, but rather an explanation.
I value our friendship and I hope that you can forgive me. I promise to be more mindful of my actions in the future and to respect your boundaries.
With sincere apologies,
Mike
Tips for Writing an Informal Letter
Writing an informal letter may seem easy, but it is important to understand the basic etiquette and tone that is expected in such letters. Below are some tips to help you write an effective and engaging informal letter:
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Begin with an informal greeting – Start your letter with a friendly and informal greeting like ‘Dear’, ‘Hello’, or ‘Hi’ followed by the recipient’s first name or nickname. This helps to establish a connection and sets the tone for a casual conversation.
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Use a conversational tone – Informal letters are an opportunity to communicate with someone in a relaxed and casual manner. Therefore, it is important to use a conversational tone and avoid formal language and jargon that can make your letter sound stiff and impersonal. Use contractions and slang where appropriate.
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Include personal details – One of the benefits of writing an informal letter is the ability to share personal stories, updates, and anecdotes that are relevant to the recipient. These details help to make your letter more engaging and interesting to read.
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Avoid negative or controversial topics – It is important to keep in mind that an informal letter is not a platform to express negative or controversial opinions. Stick to positive and lighthearted topics that are relevant to the recipient and show your appreciation for them.
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End with a friendly closure – Conclude your letter with a friendly and informal closing such as ‘Take care’, ‘All the best’, or ‘Cheers’ followed by your name or nickname. This helps to leave a positive impression and encourage your recipient to respond.
Writing an informal letter can be a fun and rewarding experience, as it allows you to connect with someone in a personal and meaningful way. By following the above tips, you can effectively communicate your thoughts and feelings in a relaxed and engaging manner.
Example of an Informal Letter
What is an informal letter?
An informal letter is a type of personal letter that is often written to friends, family, or acquaintances. It is characterized by its casual tone, conversational language, and lack of strict formatting conventions.
What are some examples of situations in which you might write an informal letter?
You might write an informal letter to a friend who lives far away, thanking someone for a thoughtful gift, or inviting someone to a casual event like a barbecue or a movie night.
What are some common features of an informal letter?
Some common features of an informal letter include personal anecdotes, jokes or humor, casual language, and a relaxed tone. The writer may also include drawings, doodles, or stickers to add a personal touch.
How is an informal letter different from a formal letter?
Unlike a formal letter which follows strict formatting guidelines and is often used for business or professional communication, an informal letter is more personal and relaxed in tone. It may also be less structured and may not follow traditional letter-writing conventions.
Should I use contractions in an informal letter?
Yes, using contractions is normal and expected in an informal letter. It can help create a more casual, conversational tone and make the letter easier to read.
How should I close an informal letter?
Common closings for an informal letter include “Love,” “Take care,” “Your friend,” or simply “Best.” You can also add a personal note or additional message before the closing.
Is it necessary to include a formal address and date in an informal letter?
No, it is not necessary to include a formal address or date in an informal letter. However, you may choose to include a date or location if it is relevant to the content of the letter.
That’s it!
You’ve reached the end of our example informal letter. We hope you found it helpful and possibly even inspiring if you’re planning to write your own. Don’t forget to come back to our website for more tips and tricks on writing, as well as other useful information. Thanks for reading, and we’ll see you soon!