Informal Letter Writing Format, Examples & Questions

What is an Informal Letter?

An informal letter is a personal correspondence written with whom you have a friendly or close relationship. Unlike formal letters, informal letters are relaxed and conversational. It can be used to share news, offer advice, congratulate the recipient, or simply stay connected. The language in an informal letter is more casual and conversational, allowing for a personal, emotional, and warm tone.

For instance,

• Write a letter to your friend seeking details about her boarding school located in Punjab.
• Write a letter to your aunt thanking her for the gift she gave you for topping your class 10 board exams.

How to write an Informal Letter?

Step 1. Sender's Address

Begin your letter with the sender’s address aligned to the left-hand side. Ensure to write the complete address so that the receiver can respond to you with ease. If the recipient’s address of the letter is International, do not forget to mention your country as well as in the address.

Example
No. 35, JSK Street,
Park Town Crossroad,
Mumbai, India - 230456.

Step 2: Include the Date

Just below the address, write the date leaving a line space. This helps the readers understand as to when the informal letter was exactly written providing context for the contents. It's best to use the date preferably in fully expanded form.

Example
Write it completely as August 30th, 2024

Step 3: Salutations

Since you are familiar with the person you’re writing to, the greeting can be informal. For a friend or someone close to your age, you can greet them by their first name like Dear Alex. If you’re writing to relatives like your mother, father, or uncle you may greet them with personal salutations such as Dear Mom. If you’re writing to an elder person or someone you hold with high regard, it's appropriate to use titles like Mr or Mrs.

Example
Dear Alex,
Dear Mom,
Dear Mr. Kulkarni

Step 4: Introductory Paragraph

The introductory paragraph establishes the tone for the rest of the correspondence. You might start by asking the recipient about their well-being or you may greet them by expressing that the letter finds them in good health and high spirits. The opening of the informal letter should be warm and relaxed, setting a comforting tone, unlike formal letters that have a strict and organised structure. Please introduce the main reason for your letter in the first paragraph itself.

Step 5: Body of the letter

The overall tone of the letter should be friendly but be sure to adjust the language and words according to who you’re writing to. For a friend, you can use an informal approach, possibly being playful even depending on your comfort level. If you’re writing to an elder relative it's important to be extremely respectful and considerate.

Step 6: Conclusion

This paragraph must reiterate the purpose of that letter. It should reflect to offer a heartfelt and warm goodbye to the reader. It's important to encourage the reader to write back or reply to the letter as it helps maintain the connection and keep the conversation going.

Step 7: Complimentary Closing

End the letter politely and friendly thanking them. Include phrases like Best wishes, Regards, kindly, and lots of love.

Example
With Lots of Love,
or
Yours affectionately,

Step 8: Sign off with your name

Mention your name below the complimentary closing.

Example
Yours lovingly,
Smitha Sharma

Step 9: Proofreading

• Review your letter carefully to check if there are grammatical errors, grammar detective.
• Read it aloud to enhance clarity and professionalism.

Things to keep in mind while writing an Informal Letter

1. Be Clear and Concise

   Ensure that the introduction of your letter clearly states the purpose and is to the point to avoid confusion.

2. Proofread

   Before sending your informal letter, carefully read it over for spelling and grammar errors.

3. Use the Right Tone

   Maintain a casual and warm tone throughout your letter. Use casual language and avoid formal expressions.

4. Use the Right Format

   Make sure to follow an informal format to personally connect well with your close acquaintances. Avoid using orderly and structured sentences and ensure a casual way of expressing emotions.

Download Informal Letter Writing Format ICSE PDF

Example of an Informal Letter

Write a letter to your best friend inviting her to your birthday party which is to be held at the Grand Palace Hotel in Bangalore.

Smitha Sharma
123 Cross Street
Vikas Nagar
Bangalore- 112008.
India.

17th September, 2024.

Informal Letter Writing Sample Practise Questions

Here are some sample informal letter writing questions for the ICSE Class 10, 9, 8 students to practise:

1. Write a letter to your friend congratulating him/her on the success of the Class 10 Board Exams. Write for about 120-150 words.
2. You are the Sports Committee leader of the XYS School of Management. Write a letter to your friend inviting her to join the Sports Club.
3. Write a letter to your grandmother inquiring about her health as she has been sick for the past two weeks.
4. You have got a transfer from Mumbai to Bangalore. Write a letter to your Aunt's family requesting her to spend some quality time with you.
5. Your brother has graduated from college and got placed in a company. Write a letter to your brother congratulating him on his new job. Enquire about his new workplace as well. Write for about 120-150 words.

Sum-Up

Informal letters always enhance the building of a personal relationship with the person with whom you are communicating and also create a beautiful bond with your closed ones.

By following the guidelines stated above, ensure that your informal letter is always in a warm tone that personally connects to whomever you are writing. Hope adhering to these guidelines was beneficial to the ICSE Class 10, 9 and 8 students to present an impactful and impressive informal letter.