An informal letter is a personal letter written to friends, family or acquaintances in a casual and expressive tone. The format usually includes the writer’s address, date, greeting, introduction, body, conclusion and signature. Unlike formal letters, they don’t require strict structure and can be friendly, emotional or conversational. Types include thank you letters, personal letters, invitations, and apologies, each tailored to the recipient. Always keep the language natural and respectful for elders. Practicing informal letters improves communication and writing skills, making them an important part of English learning.
Letter writing may sound old-fashioned in today’s world of instant messages and emails, but it still holds a special charm. An informal letter is one of the most personal ways to stay connected with people you know well—your friends, family members, or close acquaintances. Unlike formal letters, which follow strict rules, informal letters allow you to write in a free-flowing, conversational style. They give you space to express emotions, share personal experiences, and maintain bonds, even across distances.
Whether you are writing a heartfelt apology, thanking someone for a kind gesture, or inviting them to a celebration, informal letters make communication warm, personal, and memorable. In this blog, we’ll explore the informal letter format, structure, and examples, along with topics you can practice to improve your writing.
What is an Informal Letter?
An informal letter is a personal type of letter written to friends, relatives or acquaintances. Unlike formal letters, it doesn’t require a strict structure or professional tone. Instead, it allows you to express thoughts, feelings, and emotions casually and conversationally. You might write an informal letter to thank a friend, share news, apologize, or invite someone to an event.
- Used for personal communication
- Friendly, emotional and expressive in tone
- Flexible format but still follows basic structure
- Written to people you know well
Informal Letter Format in English
Although informal letters are not bound by strict rules, following a simple structure makes them clear and effective.
- Address – Writer’s address (top left of the page).
- Date – Date of writing/posting.
- Greeting – Casual greeting (Dear, Hi, Dearest).
- Introduction Paragraph – Start with a warm note, ask about well-being or state purpose.
- Body of the Letter – Main content (2–4 paragraphs).
- Conclusion – Summarize, add warm wishes, and request a reply.
- Signature/Closing – End with “Yours lovingly,” “With love,” “Best regards,” etc.
Example Closing Phrases: With love, Yours truly, Warm regards, Take care.
Types of Informal Letters with Examples
1. Thank You Letters
Used to show gratitude to friends, family, or acquaintances.
Sample
78 – Karol Bagh, Delhi
24th February 2025
Hey Kanika,
Thank you for sending me my favourite flowers on my birthday. The rain spoiled my party plans, but your thoughtful gift brightened my day. I feel lucky to have such a friend. Can’t wait to see you back in town and catch up on everything!
Lots of love,
Priyanka
Topics for Practice
- Thank your grandmother for congratulating you on exam success.
- Thank a neighbour for looking after your pet.
- Thank a friend for giving you advice.
2. Personal Letters
These letters share experiences, updates, or emotions.
Sample
52/90 Mansarovar, Jaipur
24th February 2025
Dearest Sakina,
I was thrilled to hear about your trip to Germany! It must have been an amazing experience. I’ve seen your photos and they’re stunning, but I’d love to hear your personal stories. Let’s meet soon—I’m eager to listen to every detail.
With love,
Sumaiya
Topics for Practice
- Write to your friend about planning a trip together.
- Share your exam results with your cousin.
- Ask your parents for money for a college trip.
3. Invitation Letters
These invite friends or family to an event or celebration.
Sample
12-XYZ Street, New York
24th February 2025
Dear Sasha,
I’m inviting you to my sister’s 19th birthday party. She would be so happy to see you there. The celebration is at ABC Banquet Hall, 7:00 PM, and the dress code is pink. Your presence will make her day even more special.
With love,
Emily
Topics for Practice
- Invite your relatives to your wedding.
- Invite your best friend to a BBQ night.
- Invite friends to a birthday trip.
4. Apology Letters
Apology letters express regret for mistakes or missed occasions.
Sample
123/29 Agarwal Farm, Jaipur
24th February 2025
Dear Rajesh,
I’m really sorry for not replying to your texts. Work has kept me tied up, but I miss our conversations. I hope you’ll forgive me, and I promise to stay in touch more regularly.
Kind regards,
Poonam
Topics for Practice
- Apologize for missing a birthday.
- Apologize to your sister for damaging a gift.
- Apologize to friends for canceling a trip.
Tips to Write a Good Informal Letter
- Use simple and expressive language.
- Keep it friendly and warm, but respectful when writing to elders.
- Avoid slang or abbreviations.
- Proofread for clarity and grammar.
- Keep it concise, but don’t skip emotions.
Conclusion
An informal letter is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to stay connected with loved ones. Following the basic format of address, date, greeting, body, conclusion and signature makes your letter structured while still allowing freedom of expression. Whether it’s saying thank you, sharing personal news, sending an invitation or apologizing, informal letters help you convey emotions in a personal way. Practicing with different topics will improve your writing and communication skills.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is an informal letter?
An informal letter is a personal letter written to friends, family, or acquaintances in a casual and conversational style.
2. What is the format of an informal letter?
The format includes: Address, Date, Greeting, Introduction, Body, Conclusion, and Signature.
3. How do you start an informal letter?
You can start by greeting the recipient warmly, asking about their well-being, or mentioning the reason for writing.
4. How do you end an informal letter?
End with a closing line like “Take care,” “With love,” or “Yours lovingly,” followed by your name.
5. Is subject required in informal letters?
No, a subject line is not needed in informal letters, unlike formal ones.
6. What is the tone of an informal letter?
The tone is friendly, warm, emotional, and conversational.
7. What are examples of informal letters?
Examples include letters of thanks, invitations, apologies, or sharing personal news with friends or family.
8. What greeting is used in informal letters?
Greetings like “Dear Riya,” “Hi John,” or “Dearest Uncle” are commonly used.
9. How long should an informal letter be?
It can be short or long depending on the purpose, but usually 1–2 pages.
10. What are some topics for informal letters?
Thanking a friend, inviting someone to a birthday, apologizing for missing an event, or sharing travel experiences.
11. What is the difference between informal and formal letters?
Informal letters are personal, friendly, and flexible in format, while formal letters are official, structured, and professional.
12. Can I use contractions in informal letters?
Yes, contractions like “don’t” and “can’t” are acceptable in informal letters.
13. Do informal letters require an address?
Yes, the writer’s address and date are usually included at the top left corner.
14. Can emojis or slang be used in informal letters?
It’s better to avoid emojis and heavy slang. Keep the tone natural, simple, and expressive.
15. What is the importance of informal letter writing?
It helps improve communication, express emotions, and maintain personal relationships.
16. Are informal letters still used today?
Yes, they are still used for personal communication, though emails and messages are more common.