Study Guides/English/Types of Letters
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Types of Letters in English Writing

Letter writing is a crucial part of English curriculum from Class 6 to Class 12. Every student must know the main types of letters and when to use each type.

Question (Click to Flip)

What are the types of letters?

Answer

There are two main types of letters: 1) Formal Letters (Official Letters), used for professional purposes like job applications or complaints, and 2) Informal Letters (Personal Letters), written to friends and family in casual language.

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Key Facts

Two Main Types: Formal and Informal.

Formal: Used for applications, complaints, inquiries.

Informal: Used for personal communication with friends and family.

The Two Main Types of Letters

All letters in English can be broadly divided into two main categories:

1. Formal Letters (Official Letters) These are written for official, professional, or business purposes. The language is formal, polite, and to the point. You do not use slang or contractions (can't, won't).

  • Sub-types: Letter to the Editor, Application for a Job, Complaint Letter, Inquiry Letter, Official Order Letter.
  • Salutation used: Dear Sir / Dear Madam / Respected Sir.
  • Closing: Yours faithfully / Yours sincerely.

2. Informal Letters (Personal Letters) These are written to friends, family, or relatives. The language is warm, casual, and conversational.

  • Sub-types: Letter to a friend, Letter to a relative, Thank-you letter.
  • Salutation used: Dear Mom / My Dear Rahul / Hi Priya.
  • Closing: Your loving friend / With love / Yours affectionately.

Key Differences

FeatureFormal LetterInformal Letter
RecipientOfficial personFriend/Family
LanguageFormal, preciseCasual, warm
ToneProfessionalPersonal
ClosingYours faithfullyYours lovingly

Questions and Answers

What are the types of letters?+

There are two main types of letters: 1) Formal Letters (Official Letters), used for professional purposes like job applications or complaints, and 2) Informal Letters (Personal Letters), written to friends and family in casual language.

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