3 Types of Letters: Formal, Semi-formal & Informal (with Examples)
What are the 3 types of letters?
There are three types of letters: formal, semi-formal and informal. Which one you write depends on who you are writing to:
- Formal letter – to someone whose name you don't know, such as a company or a bank
- Semi-formal letter – to someone you know by name but not closely, such as a teacher, landlord or manager
- Informal letter (also called a personal letter) – to a friend or family member
These are the three letter types in IELTS General Writing Task 1, and the same types are used in CEFR and Multilevel writing exams. Below you will learn how to tell them apart, which greeting, ending and tone to use, and you will see a short example of each type.
Before you start writing, make sure you know which type of letter the task asks for. Read who the letter is to: that tells you the type.
Difference between formal, semi-formal and informal letters
The table shows how the three types of letters differ in greeting, ending, name and tone:
Formal Letter: Example
A formal letter is written to a company or organisation when you don't know the name of the person you are writing to, for example a bank or a foreign university. Common formal letters are complaints, job applications, requests for information and resignations.
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am writing to enquire about the evening English courses advertised on your website. I would be grateful if you could tell me the start dates, the price and whether there is a placement test.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Yours faithfully,
John Brown
See a full formal letter with corrections: Request Letter
Semi-formal Letter: Format & Example
A semi-formal letter is written to someone you know by name and have a work or everyday relationship with, but who is not a close friend. For example, a teacher, trainer, neighbour, landlord, manager or work colleague.
Use their title and surname (Dear Mr Smith). The tone is polite and mostly formal, because the letter is usually about a problem to solve or something to arrange.
Semi-formal letter format
- Greeting: Dear Mr / Mrs / Ms + surname,
- Opening: say why you are writing (I am writing to let you know that…)
- Body: one paragraph for each bullet point in the task
- Closing line: I look forward to hearing from you. / Thank you for your help.
- Ending: Yours sincerely, + your full name
Dear Mr Stafford,
I am writing to let you know that the heating in my flat has not been working since Monday. As the nights are getting colder, it has become quite difficult to stay at home in the evenings.
I would be grateful if you could send someone to repair it this week. I am at home after 5 pm every day, so any time after that would suit me.
Thank you for your help.
Yours sincerely,
Anna Kowalski
Common semi-formal letters are invitations, explanations, requests and apologies to people you know. See a longer semi-formal letter with corrections: Complaint Letter
Informal Letter: Example
An informal (personal) letter is written to a friend, family member or someone you know well, usually about a personal situation. Common informal letters are invitations, thank-you letters, apologies and letters giving news or advice.
Dear John,
Thanks so much for your letter – it was great to hear from you! I'm having a small party at my place next Saturday to celebrate my new job, and I'd love you to come.
Let me know if you can make it.
Best wishes,
Anna
See a full informal letter with corrections: Informal Letter
Letter Types in CEFR and Multilevel Writing
If you are preparing for a CEFR or Multilevel English exam, the letter task in Writing Task 1 uses the same three types of letters: formal, semi-formal and informal. The rules on this page apply in the same way: decide who you are writing to, then choose the greeting, ending and tone from the table above.
You can practise with the IELTS letter guides below; each one has a structure, useful phrases and a corrected sample letter.
Types of Letters FAQ
Quick answers to the questions students ask most.
How many types of letters are there?
There are three main types of letters: formal, semi-formal and informal. In IELTS General Training Writing Task 1 you will be asked to write one of these three.
What is the difference between a formal and a semi-formal letter?
A formal letter goes to someone whose name you don't know, so it starts with Dear Sir or Madam and ends with Yours faithfully. A semi-formal letter goes to someone you know by name, so it starts with Dear Mr Smith and ends with Yours sincerely. Both are polite, but a semi-formal letter can sound a little more personal.
How do you end a semi-formal letter?
End a semi-formal letter with Yours sincerely, followed by your full name on the next line, for example Anna Kowalski.
How do I know which type of letter to write?
Look at who the letter is for. If you don't know their name, write a formal letter. If you know their name but they are not a close friend, write a semi-formal letter. If they are a friend or family member, write an informal letter.
Can I use contractions in a letter?
Use contractions such as I'm and don't only in informal letters. In formal and semi-formal letters, write the full forms: I am, do not.
