what is the difference between formal letter and informal letter ?are their format same or different?
how to write a letter to a news editor? please experts i want these answers before 9th of this month please.
Differences between a formal and informal letter
The basic difference between informal and formal letters is that of the receiver. Informal letters are written to friends, family, relatives, and other near and dear ones, while the formal letters are written for official purposes or to write to the editor of a magazine, the commissioner, the principal of a school, etc.
Difference in their formats
It is compulsory to include a subject in a formal letter which is not necessary in an informal letter. We usually add both the addresses in a formal letter while it is only important to write the recipient's address in an informal letter. The language of a formal letter is also very formal and precise while one is allowed to use colloquial language in an informal letter.
Format of a formal letter (especially to an editor)
Writer’s Address
(Leave a line)
Date:
(Leave a line)
Recipient’s Address
The Editor,
The Times of India
New Delhi
(Leave a line)
Salutation (Respected Sir/ Madam),
(Leave a line)
Subject: The objective of writing the letter is written in brief.
(Leave a line)
Body:
First paragraph
The first paragraph should state the purpose of writing the letter in a concise form. For example: "Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper I would like to draw the attention of the concerned authorities towards the problem faced by senior citizens in Delhi."
Second Paragraph
This paragraph should contain the vital information, providing explanation wherever required. Letters should not be too lengthy. Thus, the information should be kept precise, concentrating on organising it in a clear and logical manner rather than expanding too much.
Last Paragraph
The last paragraph of a formal letter should affirm what action you expect the recipient to take, like to publish the letter etc.
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Yours (truly/ sincerely),
Writer’s Name