An informal letter (also called a personal or friendly letter) is written to someone you know well — a friend, cousin, grandparent or pen pal. You can use contractions, a warm tone and everyday vocabulary, but the letter still needs a clear purpose and paragraphs.
Informal letter format
| Part | What to write | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Sender's address | Your address, top right (school-exam format). Often skipped in emails and IELTS. | 14 Lake View Road Pune 411001 |
| 2. Date | Below the address | 8 October 2026 |
| 3. Greeting (salutation) | Dear + first name, followed by a comma | Dear Kabir, |
| 4. Opening paragraph | Friendly opening + reason for writing | I hope you're doing well! I'm writing to tell you some exciting news. |
| 5. Body (1–2 paragraphs) | The main message — news, invitation, thanks, advice | Details, feelings, questions to your friend |
| 6. Closing paragraph | Wrap up and look ahead | Write back soon and tell me your plans. |
| 7. Sign-off + name | Warm closing, comma, then your first name | Lots of love, Anaya |
Some school boards place the address on the left; follow your syllabus. Whichever side you choose, be consistent and leave a line between paragraphs.
Informal vs. formal letters
| Informal letter | Formal letter | |
|---|---|---|
| Reader | Friend, family, someone you know well | Official, company, unknown person |
| Greeting | Dear Riya, / Hi Riya, | Dear Sir or Madam, / Dear Mr Rao, |
| Tone | Warm, personal, chatty | Polite, neutral, direct |
| Contractions | Yes (I'm, can't, it's) | No (I am, cannot) |
| Subject line | No | Usually yes |
| Receiver's address | No | Yes |
| Sign-off | Best wishes, Love, Take care, See you soon | Yours faithfully, Yours sincerely |
For the official version, see formal letter writing.
Useful phrases by purpose
| Purpose | Phrases |
|---|---|
| Opening | I hope you and your family are well. · It was great to hear from you! · Sorry I haven't written for so long — things have been busy. |
| Giving news | Guess what? · You'll never believe what happened… · I've got some great news to share. |
| Inviting | Would you like to come…? · I'd love it if you could join us. · Let me know if you can make it. |
| Thanking | Thanks so much for… · It was really kind of you to… · I really appreciated… |
| Apologising | I'm really sorry about… · I feel bad that I… · I hope you can forgive me for… |
| Giving advice | If I were you, I'd… · Why don't you…? · Have you thought about…? |
| Closing | Anyway, I'd better go. · Can't wait to see you. · Give my love to everyone. · Write back soon! |
Example 1: inviting a friend (school-exam format)
Task: Write a letter to your friend inviting them to spend the winter holidays at your home.
Pune 411001
8 October 2026
Dear Kabir,
I hope you're doing well and that your exams went smoothly. I'm writing because I have a plan for the winter holidays, and it involves you!
My parents have agreed that you can stay with us for a week in December. Pune is lovely at that time of year — cool mornings and sunny afternoons. We could hike up Sinhagad Fort, try the famous street food on FC Road, and finally finish that cricket match we started last summer.
You wouldn't need to bring much — just warm clothes for the evenings and your old cricket bat. My mother has already started planning what to cook, so come hungry.
Let me know if your parents agree, and I'll send you the train timings. Can't wait to see you!
Lots of love,
Anaya
Example 2: thanking a relative (informal email / IELTS GT style)
Task: Your aunt sent you a birthday gift. Write to thank her, say how you will use it, and invite her to visit.
Thank you so much for the beautiful watch you sent for my birthday. It arrived the day before, so it was the first present I opened — and it's perfect!
I've wanted a proper watch for ages, especially now that I'm preparing for my exams and need to time myself. I've been wearing it every day, and my friends keep asking where I got it.
It would be wonderful to see you soon. Why don't you come for lunch one Sunday next month? Mum says she'll make your favourite biryani.
Thanks again for thinking of me.
With love,
Rohan
In IELTS General Training, a letter like this must cover all three bullet points in the task and be at least 150 words. More in the IELTS Task 1 guide.
Common mistakes
- Too formal: "I am writing to inform you that I am fine" sounds like a business letter. Try: "Just a quick note to say I'm doing well."
- No paragraphs: one long block is hard to read, even in a friendly letter.
- Forgetting the purpose: say why you're writing in the first paragraph.
- Wrong sign-off: "Yours faithfully" is only for formal letters to an unknown person.
- Punctuation in greetings: put a comma after the greeting and the sign-off — see punctuation rules.
Practice task
Write an informal letter (120–150 words) to a friend who has just moved to a new city. Ask how they are settling in, share one piece of your own news, and suggest a time to video-call.
Show a checklist
- Greeting with first name and a comma
- Opening line + purpose
- Paragraph 1: questions about the new city
- Paragraph 2: your news
- Paragraph 3: suggestion for the call + closing line
- Warm sign-off and your first name
Frequently asked questions
What is the format of an informal letter?
Sender’s address and date (in school-exam format), a greeting such as “Dear Kabir,”, an opening paragraph with the purpose, one or two body paragraphs, a closing paragraph, and a warm sign-off with your first name.
How do you start an informal letter?
Use “Dear” or “Hi” with the person’s first name, then a friendly opening line such as “I hope you’re doing well” followed by the reason you are writing.
How do you end an informal letter?
Finish with a closing line (“Write back soon!”) and a warm sign-off such as “Best wishes,”, “Take care,” or “Lots of love,” followed by your first name.
Can I use contractions in an informal letter?
Yes. Contractions such as I’m, can’t and it’s make an informal letter sound natural and friendly.
What is the difference between formal and informal letters?
Informal letters go to people you know and use a warm, personal tone with contractions. Formal letters go to officials or organisations and use a polite, neutral tone, a subject line and formal sign-offs.