Formal vs Informal| IELTS Gneral

First Informal letter: 

• Beginning: Dear + first name.

• Friendly greeting: I hope this letter finds you well. 

• Contractions: I'm, didn't, couldn't, there's... 

• Questions: Do you remember...? Why don't you...? .

• Exclamation: ...earlier than I thought it was! 

• Linking: Well, Anyway, so, and. 

• Phrases: had a great time, couldn't have asked for, working flat out, back to normal.

• Ending: Hope to see you soon + first name.



Formal letter

• Beginning: Dear Sir or Madam.

• No greeting necessary. 

• No contractions: I am, did not... 

• Normally avoid direct questions: "I would like" instead of "Can I have?". 

• No exclamation marks (!).

• Linking: However, Consequently, and, also. 

• Phrases and vocabulary: with regard to, appliance, it was installed, the following day, failed to (meaning "didn't"), procedure, he assured me, report the issue, contacted, under warranty, I am entitled to, replacement, phone me personally. 

• Ending: I await your prompt response, Yours faithfully + full name. 



Note: Both letters also contain 'neutral' vocabulary that can be used in any type of letter. For example, words like 'hosts', 'deadline' or 'assignment' are not highlighted because they could be used in both

formal and informal contexts.

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