Formal vs Informal School Letters
In our school life, we often write letters for different reasons. Sometimes we need to write to the principal for leave, and other times we want to write to a friend about our exam results or share something funny that happened in class. But all letters are not the same. Some are formal, and some are informal. These two types of letters are used in different situations. Knowing the difference between formal and informal school letters is very important for every student. It helps us to write the right way to the right person.
What is a Formal School Letter?
A formal letter is written when we need to talk about something serious or official in school. These letters are written to teachers, principals, school office, or any higher authority.
When do we write a formal letter?
To request for a leave
To ask for a certificate (like character or bonafide)
To make a complaint (like fan not working in class)
To give a suggestion or feedback
To request for fee concession or section change
What does a formal letter look like?
It starts with your address and date
Then you write the receiver’s designation (like The Principal)
Add a subject line (to tell the purpose of the letter)
Use a polite salutation like “Respected Sir/Madam”
Write your letter in short and clear paragraphs
End with “Thank you” and a proper closing like “Yours sincerely” or “Yours faithfully”
Sign your name at the bottom
Language and tone
Formal letters use respectful words. You should avoid using short forms like “I’m” or “don’t”. Instead, write “I am” or “do not”. No emojis, no jokes, and no personal stories. The tone should be polite and serious.
What is an Informal School Letter?
An informal letter is written to someone you know well, like your friend, cousin, or classmate. This type of letter is used for friendly and personal communication.
When do we write an informal letter?
To invite a friend to your birthday party
To share exam results or school experiences
To say thank you for helping in homework
To congratulate a friend
To write about a school trip or vacation
What does an informal letter look like?
You can start directly with a greeting like “Hi Riya” or “Dear Aayush”
Write the date (if needed)
No need for subject lines
Write freely, like how you speak to your friend
End with lines like “Take care”, “Lots of love”, or “See you soon”
Sign off with your name
Language and tone
Informal letters are casual and friendly. You can use short forms, jokes, and even write about your feelings. There is no need to be too serious. It’s like talking to your friend in writing form.
Main Differences Between Formal and Informal Letters
| Point | Formal Letter | Informal Letter |
|---|---|---|
| Tone | Polite and serious | Friendly and relaxed |
| Purpose | Official matters like leave, complaints, etc. | Personal talk, sharing news, or casual conversation |
| Format | Follows a fixed format (address, subject, etc.) | No fixed format required |
| Language | Professional, no short forms | Casual, can use short forms and emotions |
| Greeting | “Respected Sir/Madam” | “Hi”, “Hello”, “Dear friend” |
| Closing | “Yours sincerely” or “Yours faithfully” | “Take care”, “With love”, “Yours truly” |
| Example | Leave application to principal | Letter to friend about summer holidays |
Why Is It Important to Know the Difference?
It’s important to understand the difference between formal and informal letters because both are used in different situations. If you write an informal letter to your principal using words like “Hey!” or emojis, it will look very rude and disrespectful. On the other hand, if you write a formal letter to your best friend, it may look boring and cold.
So before writing any letter, always ask yourself:
Who am I writing to?
What is the purpose of this letter?
Is this a serious matter or a friendly one?
Once you know the answers, you can easily choose whether to write a formal or informal letter.
Some Easy Tips
For formal letters:
Be clear and to the point
Use simple and respectful language
Always check your spelling and grammar
Follow the format
For informal letters:
Write freely and with emotion
Share your thoughts openly
Use simple, everyday language
No need to follow strict rules
In the end, both formal and informal letters are important parts of school life. Formal letters help us talk to teachers and school staff in a proper way. Informal letters help us stay connected with our friends. By learning how to write both types of letters properly, we can become better at communication. So, always write your letters with care and choose the correct type depending on the situation. A good letter, whether formal or informal, always creates a good impression.