Before emails, WhatsApp, and instant messaging, letter writing was the most common way people stayed connected. Whether for business, personal, or official communication, writing letters was considered a necessary life skill. Even today, letter writing holds great importance in schools, professional settings, and competitive exams.
In this blog, you’ll learn what letter writing is, its types, formats, and practical samples for both formal and informal letters. By the end, you’ll know how to structure a clear, effective, and impressive letter.
What is Letter Writing?
Letter writing is the process of communicating ideas, feelings, requests, or information in written form. A letter can be handwritten, typed, or even digital (like an email). Letters can be used for:
- Professional communication (business, official, job-related)
- Personal communication (friends, family, relatives)
- Semi-professional communication (colleagues, acquaintances)
This makes letter writing a flexible form of communication. Depending on the receiver and the purpose, letters are broadly divided into three types:
- Formal Letters
- Informal Letters
- Semi-formal Letters
Types of Letter Writing
1. Formal Letters
Formal letters are used for professional or official purposes. They must follow a specific structure, use polite vocabulary and maintain a serious tone.
Common types of formal letters:
- Business Letters: Quotations, orders, complaints, requests.
- Job Application Letters: Applying for a role in an organization.
- Complaint Letters: Addressing grievances politely.
- Official Letters: Communication with government offices, schools, or companies.
2. Informal Letters
Informal letters are written to friends, family, or close acquaintances. The tone is casual, warm, and personal.
Common types of informal letters:
- Personal Letters: Sharing news, feelings, congratulations, or condolences.
- Invitation Letters: Inviting someone for a celebration or event.
- Friendly Letters: Everyday communication with relatives or friends.
3. Semi-formal Letters
These letters are a balance between formal and informal. They are usually polite but not too rigid.
Examples:
- Letters to colleagues or acquaintances.
- Letters to distant relatives.
- Invitations for semi-professional gatherings.
Structure of Letter Writing in English
Formal Letter Format
- Sender’s Address
- Date
- Receiver’s Address
- Subject Line
- Salutation (Dear Sir/Madam, etc.)
- Body (Introduction → Details → Conclusion)
- Closing (Sincerely, Yours faithfully, etc.)
- Signature & Name
Informal Letter Format
- Sender’s Address
- Date
- Greeting (Dear + Name/Relation)
- Introduction (ask about health, share purpose)
- Body (casual conversation, updates, details)
- Conclusion (friendly closing remarks)
- Signature (With love, Yours lovingly, etc.)
Letter Writing Samples
Formal Letter Sample
Situation: Writing to a publisher to place an order for books.
Sender’s Address:
Naved
XYZ Book Store
54, Bhagat Singh Marg
Dewas – 455001
Date: 14th February 2025
Receiver’s Address:
The Manager
ABC Publishing House
Mumbai – 400012
Subject: Requirement of New Books for the Store
Salutation: Dear Sir,
Body:
I am writing to place an order for the following books for our bookstore. The last order was delivered promptly and in excellent condition, and I hope for the same service this time.
| Book Title | Author | Quantity |
| A Thousand Splendid Suns | Khaled Hosseini | 5 |
| Atomic Habits | James Clear | 10 |
| The Alchemist | Paulo Coelho | 2 |
| 1984 | George Orwell | 15 |
Kindly ensure delivery to our warehouse address by [insert date].
Thank you for your continued service.
Closing: Yours sincerely,
(Signature)
Naved
Manager, XYZ Book Store
Informal Letter Sample
Situation: Writing to a cousin about their trip abroad.
Sender’s Address:
47, Civil Lines
Jaipur – 302006
Date: 14th February 2025
Greeting: Dearest Kajal,
Body:
I was so excited to hear that you returned safely from your UK trip! It must have been an incredible experience to travel abroad for two months.
I saw your pictures online, and they look absolutely stunning. I can’t wait to hear your stories in person—about the places you visited, the food you tried, and the new friends you made. I’ll be visiting you next week, and I’m already looking forward to it.
Closing: With love,
Poonam
Trending Topics for Letter Writing
| Formal Letter Topics | Informal Letter Topics |
| Job Application | Letter to a Friend |
| Complaint to a Company | Apology Letter |
| Resignation Letter | Thank You Letter |
| Request for Information | Letter to a Cousin |
| Letter to a Publisher | Invitation Letter |
Tips for Effective Letter Writing
✔ Identify the type of letter before you start.
✔ Keep the structure clear and concise.
✔ Avoid grammar mistakes—proofread your letter.
✔ Be polite and professional in formal letters.
✔ Use a warm and natural tone in informal letters.
✔ Stay relevant—don’t add unnecessary details.
Conclusion
Letter writing in English is more than just a skill, it’s an art of expressing thoughts clearly. Whether it’s a formal business letter or an informal note to a friend, following the right format ensures your message is delivered effectively. Practice with the samples above, and soon you’ll master writing impactful letters for any occasion.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is letter writing in English?
Letter writing is a method of communication where ideas, requests, or emotions are expressed in written form. It can be formal, informal, or semi-formal depending on the purpose and receiver.
2. What are the main types of letter writing?
The three main types of letters are:
Formal letters (official or professional use)
Informal letters (personal communication)
Semi-formal letters (to acquaintances or colleagues)3. What is the format of a formal letter in English?
A formal letter includes: Sender’s address, date, receiver’s address, subject line, salutation, body (introduction, details, conclusion), closing, and signature.
4. How is an informal letter different from a formal letter?
An informal letter is casual, warm, and friendly, usually written to family or friends. A formal letter is structured, polite, and professional, written for official or business purposes.
5. What are some examples of formal letters?
Examples include job application letters, resignation letters, complaint letters, official communication to government offices, and business order letters.
6. What are some examples of informal letters?
Examples include letters to friends, cousins, or family members for invitations, congratulations, condolences, or sharing personal updates.
7. What is the purpose of letter writing?
The purpose of letter writing is to convey information, emotions, requests, or official updates in a clear and structured manner, depending on the type of letter.
8. How should I start a formal letter?
A formal letter usually starts with the sender’s address and date, followed by the recipient’s details, subject line, and salutation such as “Dear Sir/Madam.”
9. What is the proper closing for a formal letter?
Common closings include “Yours sincerely,” “Yours faithfully,” or “Best regards,” followed by your name and signature.
10. Can I use contractions in a formal letter?
No. Contractions like “don’t” or “can’t” should be avoided in formal letters. Always use full forms such as “do not” or “cannot.”
11. How long should a letter be?
A letter should be clear and concise. Formal letters are usually 150–250 words, while informal letters can be longer, depending on the topic.
12. What are semi-formal letters?
Semi-formal letters are used for acquaintances, colleagues, or relatives. The tone is polite but less rigid than formal letters, without slang or casual abbreviations.
13. What are some common mistakes in letter writing?
Using informal tone in formal letters.
Forgetting to mention the date or subject.
Writing unnecessary details.
Grammatical and spelling errors.14. Why is letter writing still important today?
Even with modern technology, letters are important in exams, business communication, job applications, and formal requests, where structure and professionalism are required.
15. What are trending topics for letter writing practice?
Trending topics include job applications, complaint letters, resignation letters, letters to friends abroad, apology letters, and thank-you notes.