We all talk to people we love every day — on the phone and via texts. But there is something about a well-written letter that brings back nostalgia. A handwritten letter shows effort. And when it comes to sharing personal thoughts, experiences, or feelings, an informal letter is one of the most genuine ways to do it.
For students, informal letter writing is not just about exams, though it absolutely helps there, too. It is about organising your thoughts, expressing emotions clearly, and communicating with warmth. This guide walks you through the recipe for writing an impactful informal letter.
What Is an Informal Letter?
An informal letter is a personal letter written to someone you know well. The recipient can be a friend, a parent, a sibling, a cousin, a grandparent, or even a teacher in a personal context. It is also called a personal letter.
Unlike formal letters, which follow strict rules and professional language, an informal letter gives you freedom. You can express feelings and emotions in your writing in the way you talk to the person.
When Do You Write an Informal Letter?
People write informal letters for many different reasons. Here are some of the most common ones:
- Sharing personal news or experiences
- Expressing feelings of gratitude, excitement, concern, or apology
- Inviting someone to a family function or an event
- Asking for advice or information
- Staying in touch
- Congratulating someone on their achievements
- Offering encouragement
What is the correct format for an informal letter?
Here is the step-by-step format for drafting an informal letter.
1. Sender’s Address
Begin with your address at the top left corner of the page. Write the complete address, including the house number, area and pin code. This helps the person receiving the letter know where to reply.
Example:
14, Lilac Garden
Sector 22, Dwarka
New Delhi – 110077
2. Date
Leave one blank line after the address, then write the date.
Example:
You may write the date in any of these formats:
- British: 15th November, 2025
- American: November 15, 2025
- DD/MM/YYYY: 15/11/2025
3. Salutation
Since an informal letter is written to someone you know, ensure that the salutation sounds warm and personal. Always place a comma after the salutation.
Example: Dear Aman, My dear Mum, Dear Papa, Dearest Grandpa, Dear Ms. Sharma
4. Body of the Letter
The paragraphs that follow the salutation comprise the body of the letter. Ensure that there is a warm introductory paragraph, a brief body, and a concluding paragraph. The following is the function of each paragraph:
- Introduction: It sets the tone for the letter and conveys the intent of the sender.
- Body: It conveys the emotions and thoughts of the sender in detail.
- Conclusion: It includes a proper call to action and ends the letter on a positive note.
5. Closing Compliments
It is advisable to choose a closing that suits your relationship with the person.
Example:
For friends:
Best wishes
With lots of love
Take care
For family:
Yours lovingly
With love and respect
Your loving son/daughter
For older acquaintances:
Yours affectionately
Warm regards
Kind regards
6. Signature
Write your first name below the closing. In informal letters, you usually do not need to write your full name or surname, unless specified.
Sample 1: Letter to a Friend About a School Trip
42, Siddhi Apartments
Jaipur, Rajasthan – 302001
20th October, 2025
Dear Priya,
I hope you are doing well!
I have been wanting to write to you for a while. I was excited to tell you about the school trip, but amidst the frenzy of travelling and homework, I couldn’t find the time.
Last week, my entire class went on a school trip to Udaipur, and it was so much fun! All of us were very excited for the trip. The first place we visited was the City Palace. I cannot tell you how awestruck I was with the paintings and the architecture of the palace. Then we had a serene picnic by Lake Pichola. Overlooking the still waters, I couldn’t help but imagine how deep the waters run. We spent the evening at ‘Saheliyon ki Bari’, where our teacher told us about its history. This was my favourite part of the entire trip, and I listened to the teacher mesmerised.
I really wish you were there with us. You would have loved every minute of it. You must come along on the next trip!
How are things at your end? Do write back soon.
Give my love to your parents.
With love,
Meera
Sample 2: Letter Inviting a Friend to a Birthday Party
B-12, Sunshine Apartments
MG Road, Bangalore – 560001
5th December, 2025
Dear Arjun,
I hope you are keeping well, and the cold you had is long gone.
I am very excited about my 16th birthday, which is on 15th December. Because it is, after all, THE SWEET SIXTEEN, I am throwing a party at home! A few of my classmates, apart from you, have been invited to the party.
Mum will be making the delicious chocolate cake you so love, and yours truly will be hosting a thrilling game of Dungeons and Dragons. The party will commence at 5 PM and last till 9 PM. Dinner will be served!
It would mean a lot to me if you could be there. It has been a while since we all got together. Please let me know if you can make it. I am really looking forward to seeing you!
Yours affectionately,
Kabir
What is the difference between a formal and an informal letter?
Here is a clear comparison between a formal and an informal letter:
| Feature | Formal Letter | Informal Letter |
| Purpose | Official or professional communication | Personal communication |
| Recipient | People you may not know personally — employers, authorities, editors | People you know well — friends, family, relatives |
| Tone | Polite, serious, and professional | Warm, friendly, and conversational |
| Language | Formal vocabulary, no contractions or slang | Simple, everyday language; contractions allowed |
| Structure | Strict format with subject line, receiver’s address, and formal salutation | Flexible format with no subject line or receiver’s address |
| Salutation | Respected Sir/Madam, Dear Mr. Sharma | Dear Aman, My dear Mother, Hi Neha |
| Closing | Yours faithfully, Yours sincerely | With love, Yours affectionately, Best wishes |
| Length | Concise and to-the-point | Can be longer and more detailed |
| Examples | Complaint letters, job applications, letters to the editor | Letters to friends, family invitations, thank-you notes |
Dos and Don’ts of Informal Letter Writing
What You Should Do:
- Write in such a way that it seems like you’re speaking to the person in real life.
- Convey your feelings through a colourful and expressive vocabulary.
- There should be a proper introduction, body, and conclusion.
What You Should Avoid:
- Avoid usage of overly formal language that may break the personal connection.
- Do not be careless or disrespectful in your words or tone.
- In exams, missing the address or date means losing marks. So, ensure that you use the correct format.
- Address the intent clearly without deviating in the introduction.
Tips for Writing Informal Letters in Exams
Here are some practical strategies to tackle the letter-writing section in board exams:
- Read and understand the question properly before you start drafting. Ensure that it is clear who the recipient is.
- Outline and plan the paragraphs in advance, before you start writing.
- Set a warm tone by starting with a quick line that asks about the reader’s well-being or refers to previous contact.
- Use connecting words like ‘also’ and ‘besides’, making the letter flow naturally.
- Asking the recipient to write back, visit, or share their thoughts is a natural and effective way to close.
- Lastly, proofread the entire letter and ensure it does not exceed the word limit.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can contractions be used in an informal letter?
Yes, it is fine to use contractions like “I’m,” “can’t,” “won’t,” and “don’t”.
2. How many marks is an informal letter worth in CBSE exams?
CBSE 12th Boards – 5–10 marks
ICSE 12th Boards – 10 marks
3. What are some common topics for informal letter writing?
Some common topics are:
- Writing about a holiday trip
- Inviting someone to a party/event
- Congratulating a friend on exam results
- Thanking a relative for a gift
- Asking for advice on career decisions
- Describing a festive celebration
4. How long should an informal letter be?
CBSE 12th Boards – 120 –150 words
ICSE 12th Boards – 150 words
5. Do I need to write the receiver’s address in an informal letter?
Informal letters do not require the recipient’s address.
Writing a good informal letter is more an art than a skill. We hope this guide has been helpful. You can also check out our blog on writing a formal letter here: The Art of Writing a Formal Letter: A Comprehensive Guide for Students.
