How To

How to Write an Informal Business Letter

Contributor
By eHow Contributing Writer
(47 Ratings)

An informal business letter is a bit more relaxed than a formal business letter, but not relaxed enough to be casual.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Address Books
  • E-mail Accounts
  • Postage Stamps
  • Bonded Paper
  • Envelopes
  • Stationery
  • Writing Pens
  • Computers
  • Word-processing Software
  1. Step 1

    Use writing that is breezy rather than casual. Be brief, straightforward and logical.

  2. Step 2

    Employ standard grammar, spelling and formatting rules, but relax your tone and construction slightly.

  3. Step 3

    Use contractions and conversational phrases to soften the letter.

  4. Step 4

    Begin with the date, both your address and the recipient's (or just your address) and a salutation.

  5. Step 5

    Choose "Dear" over "To Whom It May Concern."

  6. Step 6

    Place a comma after the salutation ("Dear Jane,") instead of a colon.

  7. Step 7

    Use personal statements to make the letter less formal: "I agree with your assessment of the highway construction project. I too commute that way."

  8. Step 8

    Close with "Best," "Cheers" or "Regards," rather than "Sincerely" or "Thank You."

Tips & Warnings
  • Formal business letters are typically reserved for legal or official correspondence.
  • Casual correspondence usually takes the form of a memo, note or e-mail letter.

Comments  

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