Letter writing is a fundamental concept in English creative writing. While letters are still written in real life, it is no longer the primary preference of people. In this day and age, people prefer online or telephonic communications. These electronic communications channels are quicker and easily trackable. Letter correspondence is not very quick and can take many days. In English language, letter writing and different letter writing formats are noted as creative exercises. Letter writing format also helps us to understand how the content of the letters need to be written. Letter writing format can differ depending on languages and official institutions.

Letter Writing Format

Letter writing format follows simple rules. Those rules are:

  • Letters must have two-three distinct paragraphs
  • Letters must have a proper introduction, a body where the topic of the letter is explained, and a conclusion
  • Letters must follow either the standardised formal format or informal format
  • Letters should have the address of the sender on the left-hand side

Types of Letters

There are two types of letter writing formats. Those are:

  • Informal Letter
  • Formal Letter

The specifics of letter writing format can be different according to the educational board but here are some basic elements:

Informal Letter Writing Format Formal Letter Writing Format
These are usually addressed to family, friends, or relatives These are usually addressed to officials, people in authority or ranks
It begins with ‘Dear Sia’ or ‘Dear Mom’ It begins with ‘Respected Sir’ or ‘Respected Ma’am’
The length of the letter can be long and can have more than 3 paragraphs This is written very precisely and concisely
It ends with signing ‘Yours lovingly or ‘Yours affectionately’ It ends with signing ‘Yours sincerely or ‘Best regards from’

Hindi Letter Writing Format

Hindi letter writing format also has two types of letters which are formal and informal. Hindi letter writing format is quite similar to that of the English letter writing format.

How Hindi letter writing format is done is given below:

  • The address of the sender must be on the left side
  • After leaving a line there should be the date given in the format of dd/mm/yyyy
  • Then a line should be left and it should start as ‘Seva Mein’
  • After that, the letter should be written, introducing the topic in the introduction
  • Explanation and additional details must be given in the body and it should be followed by a conclusion
  • Then it has to end with ‘dhannyavad sahhit’ and the full signature of the sender must be on the right-hand side

However, there are additional kinds of formal letters which are:

  • Aupcharik Patra- Informatonal letters
  • Nivedan Patra- Letters of request
  • Shikayat Patra- Letter of complaints

Formal Letter Writing Format

The format of formal letter writing is very easy and concise. Formal letters are usually addressed to principals, presidents, or chairmen of institutions or organisations. These letters can also be addressed to government or official departments like a police station, new printing offices, or even magazines. The formal letter writing format is as given below:

  • Address of the institution or office on the left
  • A date should be given after leaving a line in the format of dd/mm/yyyy
  • Then there should be the subject line which introduces the reason for writing that letter
  • Then after leaving a line, it should begin with ‘Respected sir/ma’am/rank/designation’
  • Then the letter should begin with explaining the topic shortly, the body should be brief and the conclusion should ask politely to be looked at
  • After leaving line after conclusion, there should be ‘Thanking you and then it should be signed off with the full names of the sender after writing ‘Yours sincerely’

Conclusion

In the English language, there are many types of creative writing exercises. These exercises help a student to improve their writing skills. Letters that are written in Hindi only differ in the sense that they are written in a vernacular language. Otherwise, almost everything else remains the same. In the English language, letter writing and different letter writing formats are creative exercises. Letter writing format also helps us to understand how the contents of the letter need to be arranged.