• Address and Date:
If you are thinking of how to start writing an informal letter, here is what you should know. To
get your informal letter format right, you have to begin it with the sender’s address. The
address is written on the left-hand side of the paper. It is necessary that you write the
complete address so that the receiver can write back to you. So, see to that you give the
correct address along with the pin code. In case you are writing to someone in a different
country, make sure you include your country in the address. For example,29, NBC
GardenCoimbatore, India – 641053This is followed by the date. Writing the date is important
as it would help the receiver know when exactly you had written the letter. You can write the
date in either of the following formats:For example,
15/11/2021 or 15th November, 2021 or November 15, 2021
• Forms of Greeting/Salutation:
In informal letters to friends and family, you can address them by their names prefixed by
qualifying terms such as Dear, My dear, Dearest, etc. You can also address them by their pet
names (Eg: Dearest Rosy, Dear Andy, My dear Sweety…) or by their relationship with you
(Dear Uncle, Dearest Grandma, My dear Cousin…). If you are writing to an ordinary friend
who is older than you are, or of superior rank, it is respectful to use prefixes such as Mr, Mrs,
Ms, etc. For example, Dear Mr Reddy.
• Introduction and Body of the Letter:
The words you use determine the nature of your letter. You can start your informal letter
with an introduction to set the tone of the matter that is going to be discussed. You can
begin by enquiring about the health and well-being of the recipient. For instance, I hope this
letter of mine finds you in the pink of health. You can then explain the reason behind the
letter and provide the details as elaborate as you wish to, unlike formal letters. The letter can
be more like a friendly chat than an essay. You can write in a very casual and personal tone. If
you are writing to an older person, do not use disrespectful terms or sentences.
• Conclusion:
End the informal letter on a friendly note. Use words in such a way that the recipient feels
like they have had a wonderful time chatting with you. See to that you make sure you let
them know that you would be awaiting their response to your letter.
• Forms of Subscription/Signature:
You can use the following in informal letters to relatives and near friends: Yours
affectionately, Yours lovingly, Your loving friend, With love, etc., followed by your name
(mostly your first name).If you are writing to a close acquaintance whom you have addressed
as Dear Mr, Mrs, etc., you can use Yours sincerely, Kind regards, etc.
Informal Letter Format Samples
Let us now look at some examples of informal letter formats to help you understand better.
Informal Letter Format 1 – Letter to Your Cousin Enquiring about Her First Visit to Ethiopia
34, Park Avenue
Mumbai – 400023
24th September, 2021
Dearest Maria,
I was so glad to hear from my mother that you are back home after the trip. Hope you had a safe and
enjoyable trip. I have been waiting to hear all about the trip from you.
Since this was the first time you have been to a foreign land, I guess every little bit of the trip was as
exciting as you expected it to be. I have heard from my friends residing there that the place is
extremely beautiful and that the people there are very endearing. However, I was worried when I
knew that there were a few bomb blasts during your stay there. Hope all of you there were safe. I
hope everything else was fine except for this.
I had spoken to your mother earlier, and she told me that you would be coming home after two
weeks. I saw your pictures on Instagram as well. I can’t wait to meet you and hear all your stories.
Waiting eagerly for your reply.
Your loving cousin,
Sarah
Informal Letter Format 2 – Letter to a Friend about Arranging a Get-together
BB Street,
Allahabad – 211005
12/02/2020
Dear Surya,
Hope you are keeping well, and everyone at home is keeping safe and healthy. It has been a long
time since all of us have met, so I was thinking we could all meet up. I have planned to have a get-
together next month. I would love to discuss more about it.
All of us could meet on Friday evening and stay over the weekend at a resort in Munnar. The climate
in Munnar is great and it will be a good stress reliever. We could also go around the tourist spots if
everyone is interested. If you are ready, we could talk to the others also. I will visit you next weekend
to discuss more on this.
Awaiting your reply and hoping to meet you soon.
Love,
Sreya
Informal Letter Format 3 – Reply Regretting Inability to Join
144, Stark Lane
Mumbai – 400054
15/02/2020
Dear Sreya,
It is extremely thoughtful of you to plan a get-together for all of us. I wish I could join you, but I am
sorry to say that I have a project starting next month, and it would not be possible for me to be
there. If there is any way of preponing the get-together to any time before the month-end, I can
definitely make it to our gathering.
I hope we can reschedule the get-together and not miss the chance to meet up. Waiting to hear from
you.
With love,
Surya
