FORMAL AND INFORMAL LETTER

FORMAL AND INFORMAL LETTER

Definition of Formal Letters

A formal letter is any letter written in the professional language, with a prescribed format for a formal purpose, i.e. it can be a recommendation letter, enquiry letter, complaint letter, cover letter and so on. All business letters are formal, but vice versa is not possible. Such letters are used for a variety of reasons like a formal invitation, proposal, reference, making a complaint or inquiry, applying for a job. While writing a formal letter one should keep in mind the following things:

• It should be in specified format

• It should avoid the use of unnecessary words.

• It should be straight to the point.

• It should be relevant and objective.

• It should be complex and thorough.

• It should be polite, even if it is a complaint letter.

• It should be free from any mistakes, i.e. grammatical or spelling.

There are three types of formal letters, i.e. business letters, letters for outlining civic problems and job applications.

Definition of Informal Letters

An informal letter is a letter written to someone; we know fairly well. The letter can be used for some reasons like conveying message, news, giving advice, congratulate recipient, request information, asking questions, etc. It is a personal letter, written to whom you are familiar with, like friends, siblings, parents or any other closed one. There is no specific format prescribed for writing this letter.

While writing an informal letter, one can afford to be friendly, and make use personal or emotional tone. Slang or colloquial terms, codes, abbreviations, etc. can also be used at the time of writing it, depending on the familiarity with the recipient.

Comparison Chart

Basis for Comparison	Formal Letter	Informal Letter
Meaning	A formal letter is a letter, written in formal language, in the stipulated format, for official purpose.	A letter written in an friendly manner, to someone you are familiar with, is called informal letter.
Objective	Professional Communication	Personal Communication
Format	Written in prescribed format only.	No prescribed format.
Written in	First person - Business letters, third person - others.	First, second or third person.
Written to	Business, college/institute, employer, organizations, etc.	Friends, family, acquaintances etc.
Voice	Passive	Active
Sentences	Long and complex	Short and simple
Size	Concise	Large or concise
Contractions and Abbreviations	Avoided	Used

Example of a Formal Letter

Kemakmuran Sentausa, PT

Lenteng Agung Street no.2

Jakarta

Warung Pasta Depok

Margonda Raya Street no.58

Tel (021) 78882366

Depok

12 January 2017

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing to complain about a meal we had in your restaurant yesterday.

We had booked a table for four but when we arrived there were no free tables and we had to wait for more than 45 minutes to sit down.

From a menu of 13 dishes, only five were available and their quality was poor. The pizza, in particular, the cheese are so nasty, not melted with the dough and the waiter was rude when we told him about this.

We have eaten in your restaurant several times in the past but this is the first time we have received such bad treatment. I am not asking for a refund but I would like you to improve the quality of your dished and service.

Your faithfully,

Novi Permata

Example of an Informal Letter

Dear Prof. Tito,

I hope you are doing fine. I am now in Singapore, but will go back to Surabaya to attend the conference. We would like to visit you to say thank you for your cooperation. During this week, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, please let me know when you will be in your office. We would like to visit you shortly.

Sincerely,
DindaHau

Daftar Pustaka :

http://www.perfectyourenglish.com/businessenglish/example-formal.htm

http://mainbahasainggris.blogspot.com/2016/02/struktur-penulisan-surat-resmi-bahasa-inggris-yang-benar.html