The Difference Between Formal and Informal Letters
What Is a Formal Letter?
A formal letter is a type of business correspondence that is usually sent to an institution, organization, or authority. Formal letters are structured and written in a professional manner with formal language, used to communicate critical and official information.
Typically, formal letters have a definite structure, including the sender’s and recipient’s address, date, subject line, and signature. These letters aim to convey an intention, inquiry, complaint, or request formally and officially.
What Is an Informal Letter?
An informal letter is typically an exchange of information or communication between friends, family, or acquaintances. The writing style of an informal letter is more relaxed and personal than that of a formal letter.
Since an informal letter is usually written to someone the writer knows well, slang, colloquialisms, and personal anecdotes are acceptable. Informal letters often lack any formal structure and might start with a salutation like “Dear John” or “Hey, Sarah” instead of “Dear Sir/Madam.”
Difference in Language Used
The language used in a formal letter is straightforward, official and formal, whereas the language used in an informal letter is often more casual, friendly, and sometimes humorous. However, while writing either type of letter, the writer should ensure to use appropriate vocabulary and grammar to convey the intended message effectively.
Difference in Tone of Writing
The tone used in formal letters is serious, respectful, and polite. The writer should maintain a distance while addressing the receiver or using professional titles such as “Sir” or “Madam.” In contrast, the tone used informal letters is usually more personal and reflect the writer’s personality and relationship with the recipient.
Conclusion
In conclusion, formal and informal letters serve different purposes and should be written with distinct language and tone. Whether it is a formal letter or an informal one, it is crucial to follow the established conventions, including the purpose, recipient, and the expected response. Proper writing technique will ensure that the written communication is conveyed effectively to the intended recipient.
Table difference between formal and informal letter
Sorry, as an AI language model, I do not have the necessary information to create a table highlighting the difference between formal and informal letters. However, I can provide you with some basic differences between the two:
| Formal Letter | Informal Letter |
| — | — |
| Written for official or business purposes | Written for personal or casual purposes |
| Language is concise, polite, and professional | Language is personal, friendly, and casual |
| Follows a specific format (e.g. date, address, salutation, body, closing, signature) | Format is flexible, and can be adjusted according to the writer’s preference |
| Addressed to a specific person or organization | Addressed to friends, family, or acquaintances |
| Requires formal language and tone | Allows the use of colloquialisms and familiar language |
| Frequently used for legal, academic, or business-related matters | Used in social communication, personal letters, or invitations |
I hope this information helps!