Writing Letter

 

Hello everyone. Today I will explain about letters and how to write a letter.

Definition

A letter is a written message that can be handwritten or printed on paper. It is usually sent to the recipient via mail or post in an envelope, although this is not a requirement as such. Any such message that is transferred via post is a letter, a written conversation between two parties.

Types of Letters

Let us first understand that there are broadly two types of letter, namely Formal Letters, and Informal Letters. But then there are also a few types of letters based on their contents, formalities, the purpose of letter writing etc. Let us have a look at the few types of letters.

• Formal Letter: These letters follow a certain pattern and formality. They are strictly kept professional in nature, and directly address the issues concerned. Any type of business letter or letter to authorities falls within this given category.
• Informal Letter: These are personal letters. They need not follow any set pattern or adhere to any formalities. They contain personal information or are a written conversation. Informal letters are generally written to friends, acquaintances, relatives etc.
• Business Letter: This letter is written among business correspondents, generally contains commercial information such as quotations, orders, complaints, claims, letters for collections etc. Such letters are always strictly formal and follow a structure and pattern of formalities.
• Official Letter: This type of letter is written to inform offices, branches, subordinates of official information. It usually relays official information like rules, regulations, procedures, events, or any other such information. Official letters are also formal in nature and follow certain structure and decorum.
• Social Letter: A personal letter written on the occasion of a special event is known as a social letter. Congratulatory letter, condolence letter, invitation letter etc are all social letters.
• Circular Letter: A letter that announces information to a large number of people is a circular letter. The same letter is circulated to a large group of people to correspond some important information like a change of address, change in management, the retirement of a partner etc.
• Employment Letters: Any letters with respect to the employment process, like joining letter, promotion letter, application letter etc.

Sample Letter Format

Contact Information (Include your contact information unless you are writing on letterhead that already includes it.)
Your Name
Your Address
Your City, State Zip Code
Your Phone Number
Your Email Address

Date

Contact Information (The person or company you are writing to)
Name
Title
Company
Address
City, State Zip Code

Greeting (Salutation Examples)

Dear Mr./Ms. Last Name:
Use a formal salutation, not a first name, unless you know the person well. If you do not know the person's gender, you can write out their full name. For instance, "Dear Pat Crody" instead of "Dear Mr. Crody" or "Dear Ms. Crody." If you do not know the recipient’s name, it’s still common and acceptable to use the old-fashioned “To Whom It May Concern.”

Body of Letter

• The first paragraph of your letter should provide an introduction as to why you are writing so that your reason for contacting the person is obvious from the beginning.
• Then, in the following paragraphs, provide specific details about your request or the information you are providing.
• The last paragraph of your letter should reiterate the reason you are writing and thank the reader for reviewing your request. If appropriate, it should also politely ask for a written response or for the opportunity to arrange a meeting to further discuss your request.

Closing

Best regards, (Closing Examples)

Signature

Handwritten Signature 

EXAMPLE OF THE LETTER

(informal letter)

Dear Avril

Hi Avril, it's me your best friend Andi. how are you guys? I hope you guys are okay. We haven't meet in such a while. My family and I are doing well, how is your family? I hope your family is safe.i would love to meet up and hang out again just like we used to. However, since there is a pandemic going on unfortunately we can't leave our house yet. I hope when this pandemic is over I can return to Indonesia to see you again.

From Your Besfriend

Andi

Response Letter

Dear Andi

I am very happy to read and receive letters from you. My family is doing quite well and so am I. I also hope that this pandemic will be over soon so that we can hang out like we used to. I'm eagerly awaiting for your return to Indonesia. Hope you get back here safely.

From your besfriend

Avril

It took quite a while to make this one but I hope the contents of this blog can help you. If anyone wants to give a suggestion or critism please comment in the comments column. 

Question:

1. What do you think the definition of a letter is?

P.S I dont actually have a bestfriend named Andi