What is Meant by Letter?

In simple terms, a letter is defined as a handwritten or printed message conveyed from one individual to the other through a specific medium. It is a written medium of communication between two individuals. A letter can either be sent through a post or email. 

Letters have been contributing a vital role in communication all over the world. Letter writing is a specialized form of writing as it contains specific rules. Now that there are different types of letters, one needs to have sufficient knowledge about different types of letter writing. 

What are the Different Types of Letters?

There are different types of letter, including acceptance letters, acknowledgment letters, agreement letters, appointment letters, appreciation letters, and many others. But when it comes to the main types of letter writing, it can be divided into formal letters and informal letters. 

  • Formal Letters

Formal letters are known as formal ones because they are written according to specific specified rules. They are strictly kept professional and directly addressed to the concerned issue and person. When writing formal letters, an individual must follow a particular pattern and formality. 

  • Informal Letters

Informal letters, also known as personal letters, are addressed to individuals related to some personal issue. People, including friends, relatives, and family members, are the one who writes informal letters specifying their personal contact information to one another. There is no requirement for the individual to follow any specific formalities when writing an informal letter.

Formal Letters and Informal Letters: Difference

 

Formal Letters

 

Informal Letters

 

Formal letters are written by following pre-specified patterns and rules

 

Now that there is a varied pattern of styles in informal letters, there is no such requirement of following fixed rules

 

The most common application of formal letters is in the working environment

 

There is a very negligible application of informal letters in the working environment

 

The language used in a formal letter is impersonal and professional (related to work)

 

The language used in an informal letter is personal and related to different socio-cultural aspects

 

A formal letter may have an informal tone when written under particular circumstances

 

Informal letters are written to express emotions and thus, can never have a formal tone

 

Formal letters prohibit the usage of informal words such as dude, bro, what’s up

 

Usage of slang or non-conventional words is common in informal letters

 

It is to be taken care that appropriate salutation is maintained in a formal letter

 

Individuals can use the salutation they are comfortable with

 

Formal letters are kept short to medium length. They should not be too long

 

The length of the informal letter does not matter

It can be short, medium or longer depending on the subject matter

 

Closing or complimentary gestures in the formal letters vary according to the subject matter

 

Closing or complementary gestures do not vary in informal letters

 

Letterhead in the formal letters acts as the conventional practice

 

Letterhead in informal letters doesn’t act as the conventional practice

Mentioning Different Types of Formal Letters

When it comes to the types of formal writing, the most common are business letters. Formal letters are written for internal and external communication for work purposes. Here mentioned are some different types of formal writing:

  • Order letter
  • Sales letter
  • Letter of inquiry
  • Promotion letter
  • Dismissal letter
  • Cover letter, etc.

Mentioning Different Types of Informal Letters

Informal letters are the non-official types of letter that individuals write to share personal information with close ones.

Here are some examples of informal letters:

  • Inviting a friend for a birthday party
  • Invitation for marriage to relatives
  • Congratulating a relative or friend for success in career
  • Asking a friend for help, etc.

Tips To Consider When Writing Letters

Now that you know the types of letter, let us learn some essential tips to write different types of letters. 

  1. First, you need to identify the type of letter and the individual you will write. For instance, if you are writing a letter to your principal for leave, you will have to follow the pattern laid down to write the formal letters.
  2. Next, make sure to open and close the letter using the correct structure (salutation and greetings). 
  3. If you are writing a formal letter, then be careful of the language you are using to write it. The formal letter must sound professional.
  4. Make sure to clear the intent or objective of the letter immediately. Be concise with your words and sentences, especially when writing formal types of letter.
  5. Once you are done writing the letter, proofread it to find any grammatical or spelling mistakes. 

Conclusion

Before the emergence of modern communication mediums, the art of writing multiple types of letters was considered an essential requirement. Although informal letters have negligible existence in workspace, formal letters are used for fulfilling workspace communication requirements. Whether you have to apply for the job, communicate with the employer, or if the college sends you an acceptance letter- different types of letters still contribute a lot to the mode of communication. Therefore, the individual must know about the art of writing both formal and informal letters.