Letters

A letter is a way of communicating using the written word. An informal or personal letter is usually written between people who already know each other. A formal letter is usually written to someone you don’t know personally. These two types of letters have many common features but also some clear differences.

Example of an 13 Wayward Avenue Nowhere Street Co. Clare 17th March 2021 Dear Cruella, Hope all is well with you down in Cork. I am just writing to tell you that Spot has had puppies, seven of them. I was wondering if you would like one of them? They would be able to leave their mother at about twelve weeks old. I know you have always wanted a Dalmatian so now is your chance. There are five males and two females, and you can have your pick of the litter. Let me know what you think. All the best, John John Swan 13 Wayward Avenue Nowhere Street Co. Clare 17th March 2021 Irish Kennel Club Barkington Road Dublin Dear Sir/Madam, I am writing to register the birth of my dog’s seven puppies. The dog is registered at the Irish Kennel Club as Spot, under my ownership. Her registration number is: 498398. Please find enclosed the papers of both the mother and the father of the puppies. I look forward to receiving their registration papers in due course. Yours sincerely, John Swan Sender’s address Date Informal greeting Contains information the sender wants the reader to know Written in first-person narrative perspective Informal tone Sender’s name and address Date Formal greeting Written in first-person narrative perspective Contains information the sender wants the reader to know Formal tone informal letter Example of a formal letter Informal sign off Recipient’s address Formal sign off©The Educational Company of Ireland