10 Differences Between A Formal And Informal Letter

1. A formal letter is one, written in formal language, in the stipulated format, for
official purpose. A letter is said to be informal when it is written in a friendly
manner, to someone you are familiar with.
2. Formal letters are written for official or professional communication. On the other
hand, informal letters are used for casual or personal communication.
3. There is a manner prescribed for writing formal letters. As opposed to informal
communication, which does not follow any format.
4. Formal letters are usually written in the third person, however, for business letters,
first person is used. On the contrary, informal letters are written in first, second and
third person.
5. Formal letters are used for writing letters to business, i.e. partners, suppliers,
customers, clients, etc. , college or institute, employer, professionals, etc. As against
this, we use informal letters for writing letters to friends, relatives, acquaintance,
etc.
6. While writing formal letters, we use passive voice. Conversely, an active and
imperative voice is used.
7. The sentences we use at the time of writing a formal letter are, long and complex.
Unlike an informal letter, where we use short and simple sentences which are easy
to interpret.
8. The size of a formal letter should be concise; that does not include irrelevant matter.
In contrast, the informal letter can be concise or large.
9. Formal letters do not include contraction like (didn’t, can’t) and abbreviations
rather it uses full forms. As compared to informal letters, which makes use of
contraction, abbreviation, idioms, phrasal verbs and even slang and colloquial
terms.
10.There is a set format for formal letters while there is no set structure for an informal
letter.
11.Slang and colloquial words can be used in an informal letter but not in a formal
letter.
5 DIFFERENCES BETWEEN INFORMAL AND SEMI FORMAL LETTER

 Semi-formal letters are sent to people that we do not know well. They are more
polite than an informal letter and are written in a neutral style, not too formal nor
too informal.
 Semi formal is the fine line between formal and informal. It signifies that you
know the person, but not on a personal level. It is used occasionally and the
majority of the usage comes from the corporate environment. Day-to-day
interaction with colleagues is one instance
 Informal letter writing is addressed to relatives, friends when the subject of letter
is also informal.
 A semi formal is a blend of both formal and informal where either the subject
matter is formal but is addressed to near ones or subject matter is partially
formal. Such letters are often addressed to colleagues in corporate environments.
 Informal letter It is a personal letter, written to whom you are familiar with, like
friends, siblings, parents, or any other closed one. 

SAMPLE OF SEMI FORMAL LETTER

Dear Mr Jones,

I am writing to request a few days of unpaid leave in March.

It is my parents’ wedding anniversary on 22nd March and they are planning to celebrate
their special day with their children and grandchildren in a cottage, which they have
rented to accommodate all the family.

To participate in this special occasion I would need to be away from work for four days,
from Tuesday 19th to Friday 22nd. My schedule for that week is relatively light apart
from two meetings with clients. Anna would be able to attend the meetings in my place, as
she has dealt with both of these clients in the past. I have no other meetings nor any other
urgent work that needs to be completed at that time.

I would be very grateful if you could allow me to take these four days off as it is very
important to my parents that I attend and I would appreciate it if you could let me know
by the end of the week.

Kind regards,

Tom Watson

SAMPLE OF INFORMAL LETTER

B-32, sector-11
Rohini
New Delhi-110034

July 10, 2018

Dear Muskan

My happiness knew no bounds when I got to know that you have topped your school and
achieved your dream. I felt so pleased that I wish I were there to congratulate you
personally.

The result has proved that hard work, determination and perseverance bring good results.
You were so laborious and passionate about it. I know you were very nervous too, but I
was always very confident that you would come out with flying colours. I apologise that I
couldn’t even attend the celebration party despite my wishes.

Hope to see you soon. Please be encouraged and continue your hard work. Your future is
very bright. My parents and elder sister have sent lots of love and heartiest
congratulations.

With lots of love and best wishes.

Yours lovingly

Shefali
SAMPLE OF FORMAL LETTER

New Business World

16 Ring Road
Delhi – 01

November 30, 20xx

The Manager
ABC Stationary King
35 Patel Street
Delhi − 18

Dear Sir,

Sub.: Complaint against Order No. S/24-201S-1147.

This is with reference to the Order No. S/24-201S-1147 place on Nov 17, 20xx. The order
consists of letterhead and business cards. As per the agreement, we were promised of
receiving the order latest by Nov 22, 20xx. First of all the order did not reach in time. Also,
the quality of the papers and design selected for business cards is not matching with the
selected one.

We have faced a lot of embarrassment and inconvenience and our reputation is at stake in
the eyes of our clients.

Kindly ensure that the order will be replaced latest by Dec 4, 20xx, failing which payment
will be stopped or the will be cancelled. I sincerely request you to look into the matter and
do the needful as soon as possible.
Thanking you.

Yours truly
XYZ
General Manager