Important Phrases to Use for Informal Letter Writing

An informal letter is written to close friends, family members, and acquaintances. Unlike a formal letter, the recipient is often known and personal. Phrases for informal letter writing are typically more relaxed and have a unique tone.

What Is An Informal Letter?

An informal letter is a letter written to friends and family members. It often gives a general overview of your day, tell them of plans for the weekend, and provide general news.

The phrases used in informal letter writing are much more friendly and less professional than those used in formal letters. These phrases help you express your emotions and convey your message correctly.

Phrases for Informal Letter Writing

Informal letters are personal to the author and the recipient and offer little to no formal information. Its goal is to deliver news, updates, or other pieces of information. The content is often short and straightforward and not meant to impart much information.

Informal letter phrases are expressions used to communicate important information in a letter to the reader. They add a casual tone and personal touch to the letter. If used correctly, they can add personality to a business letter and influence decision-making.

The phrases used for informal letter writing will offer a more subtle tone and content than a formal letter. Instead of strict and professional language, informal letters show a more friendly or conversational style. These letters avoid the use of standard terminologies.

1) Salutation/Greeting

The salutation for an informal letter is friendly and casual. Some of the phrases you can use in the greeting of your letter include:

  • ‘Dear (name of person).’
  • “Dearest”
  • Dearest Sister, My dear brother, Dear aunt.
  • Mrs, Ms, or Mr (when addressing someone older to show respect).

2) Introductory paragraph.

This is where you open your letter. You might want to ask about the recipient’s health and wellbeing. Your tone should be friendly. Phrases you can use include:

  • How are you? How’s life treating you?
  • It’s been a while since I’ve written.
  • Thanks for your letter.
  • Lovely to hear from you.
  • I hope you’re well.
  • How are you? How’s the weather over there?
  • I hope this letter finds you in good health.
  • How are things with you? How’s life?
  • I hope you and your family are well.
  • It’s great to hear from you.

3) Body

The body of your letter is where you give details about the letter’s purpose and include pertinent information. You could use idioms and filler words. The overall tone should be casual. You can use the phrases below when writing the body of your letter.

a) Commenting on something (Referring to Good/Bad News)

  • Glad to hear/I’m delighted to hear/I’m pleased to hear
  • I’m sorry to learn/I’m sad to hear/
  • Such fantastic news to hear/It’s great to hear

b) Moving on

  • The reason I’m writing
  • I’d like to ask
  • Anyway, I was wondering
  • Did you hear about

4) Conclusion/Ending

Here, you should summarize and say a warm goodbye. You can also request the recipient to write back to you. The following phrases are suitable for concluding your letter.

  • It was great catching up.
  • Hope to hear from you soon.
  • I must go now.
  • Kindly write back soon!
  • I am looking forward to hearing from you again.
  • I can’t wait to hear from you soon.
  • Please give my regards to

5) Signature/Sign off

Choose a greeting that suits the individual you are writing. You can use any of the phrases below to sign off.

  • Best wishes/Kind regards/Regards
  • Yours/Yours affectionately/Your sister
  • Lots of love/Hugs and kisses/With love
  • Bye for now/Take care

To Wrap Up

The phrases for informal letter writing listed above are a general overview of the terms you could use. The terms used for informal letter writing would usually depend on the context of the conversation.

Informal letter phrases are great to include in a letter that is not designated as formal writing. Remember that furbishing a letter with an appropriate and helpful expression will help establish a personal connection with the recipient.

Pam is an expert grammarian with years of experience teaching English, writing and ESL Grammar courses at the university level. She is enamored with all things language and fascinated with how we use words to shape our world.

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