An informal letter, often referred to as a personal letter, is written to friends, family members, or acquaintances. Unlike formal letters, informal letters can be relaxed and conversational. They reflect the personal relationship between the writer and the recipient. This lesson will guide you through the essentials of writing an effective informal letter, focusing on the required format as outlined by examining bodies in Nigeria and West Africa.
Format of an Informal Letter
1. Address
Only
one address is required in an informal letter, and that is the writer’s. The
address can be written in either block or slant form. The choice of punctuating
or not punctuating the address is up to you, but consistency is key. Each word
in the address should begin with a capital letter.
Example:
12, Victoria Street,
Ikoyi,
Lagos State.
Note: Add the name of your country if
the recipient is abroad.
Example:
12, Victoria Street,
Ikoyi,
Lagos
State,
Nigeria.
2. Date
The
date is written immediately below the last line of the address. There should be
no line space between the address and the date. Abbreviations for months should
be avoided. You can choose from any of the following formats:
12th August, 2024.
August 12, 2024.
12
August, 2024.
3. Salutation
The
salutation starts from the margin on the left-hand side of your writing paper,
immediately after the date. It should end with a comma. When addressing a
friend, it is acceptable to use “My darling Kola” but not for a relative where
respect is paramount. Suitable salutations include:
- My
dear…
- Dear…
- Dearest…
- My
Dearest…
Avoid
using generic salutations like “Dear Friend” or “Dear Sister.”
Example:
My dear Kola,
4. Body
The
body of the letter is divided into three parts: the introductory paragraph, the
main content, and the conclusion.
Introductory Paragraph: Begin with an indented paragraph, avoiding overly formal
expressions. It’s acceptable to use contractions and informal language.
Example:
How have you been? It's been ages
since we last caught up!
Main Content: Discuss the topic of your letter in detail. Use appropriate
paragraphing and keep your language informal but respectful, especially when
writing to parents or older relatives.
Example:
I
wanted to share with you the exciting news about my recent trip to Abuja. We
visited the National Mosque and the Zuma Rock. It was such an enriching
experience.
Conclusion: In your concluding paragraph, send regards to mutual
acquaintances. Mention their names specifically.
Example:
I can't wait to hear back from you.
Say hello to Tola and Sade for me!
5. Subscription and Conclusion
Use
“Yours sincerely,” followed by a comma for your subscription. Write only your
first name or nickname for letters to friends. You may use other forms such as “Yours
affectionately,” “Yours ever,” “Your loving son/daughter,” “Yours ever,” etc.
Example:
Yours sincerely,
Emeka.
Sample
Formal Letter
12,
Victoria Street,
Ikoyi,
Lagos State.
12th
August, 2024.
My dear Kola,
How have you
been? It's been ages since we last caught up! I hope
everything is going well with you and that you’re in great spirits. I’ve missed
our long chats and your endless jokes. Life has been pretty busy on my end, and
I’m sure you’ve been equally swamped.
I wanted to share with you the
exciting news about my recent trip to Abuja. It
was an incredible experience that I just had to
tell you about. We visited the National Mosque, which is
absolutely stunning. The architecture is magnificent,
and the sense of
peace there is overwhelming. After that, we
headed to Zuma Rock, which was equally
impressive. Standing so close to such a massive
natural monument was awe-inspiring. The weather was perfect throughout the
trip, not too hot, which made our exploration
even more enjoyable. I took a lot of pictures, and I’ll make sure to
show them to you the next
time we meet. You must visit Abuja sometime; you would absolutely love it. The
city has so much to offer, and I know you would appreciate its beauty and culture as much as I did.
By the way, have you started preparing for the upcoming exams? They’re just around the
corner, and the pressure is mounting. I’ve been trying to stay on top of my revision schedule, but it’s been quite
challenging with everything else going on. It’s
hard to find the right balance sometimes, isn’t
it? We should meet up soon to study together.
It always helps to have a study buddy,
especially someone as focused and motivated as you.
We could quiz each other and share notes, which would make the preparation a
bit more bearable.
On another note, how is
everyone at home? I hope your parents and
siblings are doing well. I’ve been meaning to
visit your house, but time hasn’t been on my
side lately. Please send my regards to your
family, especially Tola and Sade. I still
remember the fun times we had during the last holiday. Those memories always
bring a smile to my face. I can't wait to hear back from you. Your letters always brighten
my day and make me feel connected despite the distance. Take care of yourself
and stay in touch. Don’t forget to let me know when you’re free so we can catch
up properly. There’s so much more I want to tell you.
Yours sincerely,
Emeka.
Writing Tips for Informal Letters
- Be
Personal:
Your tone should reflect the close relationship you share with the
recipient.
- Stay
Consistent:
Whether you choose block or slant format, punctuation or no punctuation,
consistency is important.
- Be
Clear and Concise:
Even in informal letters, clarity is key. Ensure your message is easy to
understand.
- Show
Emotion:
Feel free to express your feelings. Informal letters are a great way to
share emotions and personal experiences.
- Use
Proper Paragraphing:
Each new idea or topic should start a new paragraph to make your letter
organised and easy to read.
Exercises
- Exercise
1: Write
a letter to your best friend describing a memorable event that happened in
your school.
- Exercise
2: Write
a letter to a family member thanking them for a recent gift they sent you.
- Exercise
3: Write
a letter to a cousin sharing your plans for the upcoming holidays.