Informal Letter Format in English: Examples & Topics

What Is an Informal Letter?

An informal letter is a personal message written to someone you know, such as a friend, sibling, cousin, grandparent, or relative. It is used to communicate personal news, share experiences, invite someone, congratulate them, thank them, or ask for advice.

Informal letters usually have a warm and conversational tone. Their language and style can change according to the recipient and the purpose of the letter. 

Features of an Informal Letter

The main features of an informal letter are:

• Friendly language: Use natural words and expressions.

• Personal subject matter: Share experiences, news, feelings, or invitations.

• Simple structure: Follow the usual informal letter-writing format.

• Suitable greeting: Address the recipient by name or relationship.

• Clear message: Explain the reason for writing.

• Warm closing: End with good wishes or an affectionate sign-off.

At CuriousJr, students can learn how to write an informal letter to friends and family using a simple format, friendly language, and relevant examples.

Informal Letter Format

The informal letter format is used to write personal letters to friends, family members, cousins, and people we know well. Informal letters use friendly, natural language to share news, describe experiences, invite someone to an event, or express feelings.

The format of an informal letter in English generally includes the sender’s address, date, salutation, introduction, body, conclusion, closing, and name. Unlike a formal letter, an informal letter usually does not require a subject line.

This guide explains how to write an informal letter, provides examples, and shares useful informal letter topics for students in Classes 4, 5, 6, 7, and 10.

Parts of an Informal Letter

1. Sender’s Address: Write your address at the top of the letter.

2. Date: Write the date below the address.

3. Salutation: Begin with a greeting, such as “Dear Riya,” or “Dear Grandma,”.

4. Introduction: Start with a friendly opening and introduce the reason for writing.

5. Body: Explain your message, experience, invitation, or news in one or more paragraphs.

6. Conclusion: End with good wishes or a request to write back.

7. Closing and Name: Use a friendly closing and write your name below it.

Informal Letter Format Example

Here is a sample informal letter to a friend about a recent vacation.

45, Rosewood Apartments
Mumbai – 400001

22 January 2026

Dear Aditya,

I hope you are doing well. I am writing to tell you about my recent vacation to Goa.

I visited Goa with my family during the holidays. We spent time at the beach, explored local markets, and enjoyed watching beautiful sunsets. I also tried parasailing for the first time. It was exciting, and I wished you could have joined us.

I hope we can plan a trip together soon. Write back and tell me how you spent your holidays.

Best wishes,
Manoj

This informal letter example includes the sender’s address, date, salutation, introduction, main message, conclusion, closing, and name.

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How to Write an Informal Letter in English

To understand how to write an informal letter, follow these steps in order. This letter-writing format helps students organise their ideas and write a complete letter.

1. Write the Sender’s Address

Write your address at the top-left side of the page. Include the relevant address details so the recipient can identify where the letter was sent from.

Example:

45, Rosewood Apartments
Mumbai – 400001

2. Add the Date

Write the date below the sender’s address. You can write it as “22 January 2026” or follow the date format recommended by your school.

Example:

22 January 2026

3. Write the Salutation

The salutation is the greeting used to address the recipient. Choose one that matches your relationship with the person.

Examples:

• Dear Riya,

• Dear Rahul,

• My dear Aunt,

• Dear Grandma,

• Dear Ananya,

4. Write the Introduction

Begin with a friendly sentence. You can ask about the recipient’s well-being or explain why you are writing.

Examples:

• I hope you are doing well.

• How have you been? I have some exciting news to share.

• I am writing to invite you to my birthday party.

• I wanted to tell you about our recent school trip.

5. Write the Body

The body is the main part of an informal letter. Explain your message clearly and include details that help the reader understand the topic.

Depending on the purpose, you can:

• Share a personal experience.

• Invite a friend or relative to an event.

• Congratulate someone on an achievement.

• Thank someone for a gift or favour.

• Apologise for a mistake.

• Describe a festival, holiday, or school event.

• Ask for advice or share personal news.

Use separate paragraphs when discussing different ideas. This makes your informal letter easier to read.

6. Write the Conclusion

End the letter with a friendly sentence. You may express good wishes, ask the recipient to reply, or mention that you look forward to meeting them.

Examples:

• I hope to hear from you soon.

• I look forward to seeing you during the holidays.

• Give my regards to everyone at home.

• Write back and tell me about your plans.

7. Add the Closing and Name

Finish with a suitable sign-off and write your name underneath it.

Examples of informal letter closings:

• Best wishes,

• With love,

• Yours lovingly,

• Yours affectionately,

Choose a closing that suits your relationship with the recipient.

Informal Letter Writing: Important Tips

Informal letter writing allows you to communicate personal thoughts and experiences in a natural way. Keep these points in mind when writing an informal letter in English:

• Use simple, friendly, and appropriate language.

• Keep the purpose of the letter clear.

• Organise the body into short paragraphs.

• Use a greeting that suits the recipient.

• Avoid unnecessarily formal expressions.

• Check spelling, punctuation, and grammar.

• Follow the format required by your school or examination.

• Do not add a subject line unless the question specifically asks for one.

A good informal letter should sound personal while remaining clear and well organised.

Informal Letter Topics

Students can practise informal letter writing by choosing familiar topics related to school, family, hobbies, holidays, and friendships.

Common informal letter topics include:

1. Write a letter to a friend about your summer vacation.

2. Write a letter to your cousin inviting them to your birthday party.

3. Write a letter to a friend describing a school picnic.

4. Write a letter to your friend about your favourite hobby.

5. Write a letter congratulating your friend on winning a competition.

6. Write a letter thanking your friend for a gift.

7. Write a letter apologising to a friend for missing their birthday.

8. Write a letter to your cousin describing your favourite festival.

9. Write a letter to a friend about a memorable day.

10. Write a letter inviting your friend to a family function.

11. Write a letter to your friend about your new school.

12. Write a letter to your cousin about a book you recently read.

13. Write a letter to your friend sharing your holiday plans.

14. Write a letter asking your friend for advice.

15. Write a letter to your friend describing an exciting school event.

Informal Letter Topics for Class 4

Class 4 students can practise short letters using simple sentences and familiar experiences.

1. Write a letter to your friend about your favourite game.

2. Write a letter to your cousin inviting them to your birthday.

3. Write a letter to your friend about your summer vacation.

4. Write a letter to your grandmother about your school.

5. Write a letter to your friend describing your favourite animal.

Informal Letter Topics for Class 5

These informal letter topics for Class 5 help students practise writing about everyday experiences.

1. Write a letter to a friend about your summer vacation.

2. Write a letter to your cousin inviting them to your birthday party.

3. Write a letter to your friend describing your favourite hobby.

4. Write a letter to your friend about a school picnic.

5. Write a letter congratulating your friend on winning a competition.

Informal Letter Topics for Class 6

Informal letter topics for Class 6 can include personal experiences, school activities, books, and family occasions.

1. Write a letter to your friend about a memorable trip.

2. Write a letter to your cousin describing your school.

3. Write a letter inviting your friend to a family function.

4. Write a letter to your friend about your favourite book.

5. Write a letter congratulating your friend on an achievement.

Informal Letter Topics for Class 7

Class 7 students can practise longer letters with more details and well-organised paragraphs.

1. Write a letter to a friend describing a memorable experience.

2. Write a letter to your cousin about your new hobby.

3. Write a letter to a friend about the importance of reading.

4. Write a letter inviting your friend to a school event.

5. Write a letter to your friend sharing your holiday plans.

Informal Letter Format to a Friend

The informal letter format to a friend follows the same basic structure as other personal letters. The tone can be relaxed, and the content can focus on shared experiences, news, plans, or invitations.

Basic format:

Sender’s Address
Date

Dear [Friend’s Name],

Friendly opening and introduction explaining why you are writing.

Main body explaining the topic, experience, news, or invitation in one or more paragraphs.

Conclusion with good wishes or a request to reply.

Best wishes,
[Your Name]

Example: Informal Letter to a Friend About a School Picnic

24, Green Park
Pune – 411001

10 February 2026

Dear Riya,

I hope you are doing well. I am writing to tell you about our school picnic last Friday.

Our class visited a beautiful nature park near the city. We played outdoor games, explored the gardens, and enjoyed lunch with our classmates. My favourite part was the nature walk, where we learned about different plants and birds. Everyone had a wonderful time.

I wish you could have joined us. I hope we can plan an outing together during the next holidays.

Write back soon and tell me what is happening at your school.

Best wishes,
Ananya

Types of Informal Letters

Informal letters can be written for different personal purposes. The content changes according to the message, but the basic letter format usually remains the same.

1. Invitation Letter

An invitation letter asks a friend or relative to attend an event, such as a birthday party, family gathering, or celebration.

Example opening: I am writing to invite you to my birthday party next Sunday.

2. Thank-You Letter

A thank-you letter expresses gratitude for a gift, favour, help, or kind gesture.

Example opening: Thank you so much for the lovely birthday gift you sent me.

3. Apology Letter

An apology letter expresses regret for a mistake, misunderstanding, or missed occasion.

Example opening: I am sorry I could not attend your birthday party last week.

4. Congratulation Letter

A congratulation letter celebrates someone’s success or achievement.

Example opening: Congratulations on winning the inter-school painting competition!

5. Personal Letter

A personal letter shares news, memories, experiences, opinions, or everyday updates with someone you know.

Example opening: I wanted to tell you about the exciting things that happened during my holidays.

6. Request Letter

An informal request letter asks a friend or relative for help, advice, or information.

Example opening: Could you please lend me your notes for the science examination?

Informal Letter Examples

The following informal letter examples show how to use the correct format for different purposes.

Example 1: Letter to a Friend About a Recent Vacation

45, Rosewood Apartments
Mumbai – 400001

22 January 2026

Dear Aditya,

I hope you are doing well. I recently returned from a week-long vacation in Goa and wanted to tell you about it.

I visited several beaches with my family and enjoyed watching the sunset. I also tried parasailing for the first time. It was a little scary at first, but I soon started enjoying it. We also explored local markets and tasted some delicious food.

Have you ever visited Goa? I hope we can plan a trip together someday.

Write back soon and tell me about your holidays.

Best wishes,
Manoj

Example 2: Letter to a Cousin Inviting Them to a Family Gathering

12, Lakeview Residency
Bengaluru – 560001

15 March 2026

Dear Parul,

I hope you are doing well. We are planning a small family gathering next month, and I would love for you to join us.

Everyone is excited about meeting after such a long time. We are also planning some games and activities for the family. It would be wonderful to spend time together and catch up on everything.

Please let me know if you can come. I am looking forward to seeing you soon.

Yours lovingly,
Adriti

Example 3: Letter to a Friend Congratulating Them on an Achievement

18, Shanti Nagar
Jaipur – 302001

5 April 2026

Dear Rahul,

I was very happy to hear that you won first prize in the inter-school science competition. Congratulations on your wonderful achievement!

I know how hard you worked on your project, and you truly deserve this success. Your dedication is inspiring, and I hope you continue doing well in your studies and other activities.

I hope we can meet soon so you can tell me more about the competition.

Best wishes,
Aman

Informal Letter Format for Class 10

For Class 10, students should follow the format specified in their school or examination instructions. A typical informal letter includes the sender’s address, date, salutation, body, complimentary closing, and name. The body should clearly address the topic given in the question.

Class 10 informal letter format:

1. Sender’s address

2. Date

3. Salutation, such as “Dear Rohan,”

4. Introduction explaining the purpose

5. Main body with relevant details

6. Conclusion with good wishes or a request to reply

7. Complimentary closing and name

A subject line is generally not used in an informal letter. Students should read the question carefully, keep the tone appropriate, and stay within any word limit specified by the examination.