What is a Formal and Informal Letter ???
Writing
letter these days has become restricted to business and governmental
organizations as mobile have taken over this mode of communication as
people prefer to SMS each other not bothering to write. However, the
importance of writing letters can never be underestimated. It has to be
understood that writing to a letter is certainly different from writing
to the principal of your college as you are informal with your friend
while you are required to behave formally with your principal. There are
differences in writing styles of formal and informal letters that shall
be highlighted in this article.
Do you notice the difference when you
are reading a text book and when you are reading a movie magazine?
Obviously you do. The whole style of writing gets changed as it is all
academic and scientific in a text book while it is like telling a story
to a friend in case of a gossip magazine. As the setting changes so do
tone, syntax, and entire vocabulary. There are no slang in a text book
while movie magazine is full of slang. You can understand the difference
between a formal and informal letter visualizing yourself well dressed
for a wedding with the tie when you go out to a casual beach party with
your friends.
Formal Letters
Formal letters are sent to
organizations, government departments, chair holders, etc to make
complaints, requests, inquiries, orders etc. In case of formal letters,
the person to whom you are addressing the letter is not a friend or any
other person known to you. Your tone is full of respect making use of
formal words and sentences to create a nice impression on the recipient.
Formal letter follow a set format where you write the name,
designation, and address of the recipient on the top left while your own
name and address at the top right. You sign off at the bottom left
under yours truly or yours faithfully.
Informal Letters
Informal letters are written to friends
and relatives. The purpose of writing a letter is not to make a
complaint or inquiry, and the tone is also casual. The words used can be
colloquial and slang, and you are not there to create an impression.
Informal letters can be considered a freestyle swimming where you are
free to write in the style and tone as you wish. There is no set format,
and there is no need to be using formal style and tone.
what is the difference between formal and informal letter ?
1. The purpose of writing an informal letter is totally different from the purpose of a formal letter.
2. The content of the two styles is also different.
3. The style of greeting and addressing the letter is different.
4. There is a set format for formal letters while there is not set structure for an informal letter.
5. Slang and colloquial words can be used in an informal letter but not in a formal letter.
Example for formal letter
http://www.differencebetween.com/difference-between-formal-and-vs-informal-letter/
http://www.kuliahbahasainggris.com/contoh-formal-letter-surat-resmi-dalam-bahasa-inggris-dan-terjemahannya/
Example for formal letter
Dear Sir or Madam,
Through this letter we announce that we will be holding a celebration of the 58th anniversary of SMAN KBI on:
day/date: Saturday, 29th November 2014.
time: 10.00 p.m
time: 10.00 p.m
We would be very grateful if you could attend to the event. Thank you for your attention.
Sincerely,
The Principal of SMAN KBI
Joko Subagio, M. Pd
Joko Subagio, M. Pd
http://www.differencebetween.com/difference-between-formal-and-vs-informal-letter/
http://www.kuliahbahasainggris.com/contoh-formal-letter-surat-resmi-dalam-bahasa-inggris-dan-terjemahannya/
