Difference between Formal Letter and Informal Letter
Basis |
Formal Letter |
Informal Letter |
---|---|---|
Purpose |
These letters are written for official or professional communication. This includes job applications, business inquiries, formal complaints, and official requests. |
These letters are written for personal communication with friends, family, or acquaintances. These can include personal news, invitations, or just keeping in touch. |
Tone |
They sound professional and polite. They’re straight to the point and don’t use jokes or personal stories. |
They sound like a conversation with a friend. They’re friendly, can be funny, and feel more like a chat. |
Format |
Formal Letters follow a strict format with the sender’s address, date, recipient’s address, formal salutation, body, closing, and signature. |
Informal Letters are flexible in format. They usually start with a greeting, followed by the body of the letter, and a casual sign-off, but they don’t require addresses or a formal closing. |
Language Used |
This letter uses formal language and vocabulary. Sentences are well-constructed, and slang or colloquial expressions are avoided. |
This letter uses everyday language and can include slang, idioms, and colloquial expressions. |
Topics |
Formal Letters talk about serious topics like business or legal matters. |
Informal Letters can be about anything, from sharing stories to talking about hobbies. |
Length |
Formal Letters are usually short and direct. |
Informal Letters can be longer and more detailed. |
Who They’re For |
Formal Letters are for organizations or authorities. |
Informal Letters are for friends and family. |
Difference between Formal and Informal Letter
Formal Letters and Informal Letters are very different from one another. They’re used for different reasons, sound different, look different, and are used in different situations. Formal Letters are for important things like job applications or complaints. They sound respectful, like talking to someone you don’t know. They have a set way of looking, with specific parts like your address and the date. Informal Letters are for chatting with friends or family. They sound casual, like talking to someone you know well. They don’t have strict rules about how they look. It’s important to know when to use each type so you can communicate well, whether it’s for official matters or just catching up with loved ones.
Table of Content
- What is Formal Letter?
- What is Informal Letter?
- Difference between Formal Letter and Informal Letter
- Conclusion
- Difference between Formal Letter and Informal Letter – FAQs