5.1.9

Personal & Formal Letters

Test yourself

Personal and Formal Letters

Letters are written to communicate messages, thoughts and feelings to another individual person or group of people. Letters can be either formal or informal.

Illustrative background for SalutationIllustrative background for Salutation ?? "content

Salutation

  • Letters begin with a salutation.
    • Salutation is a greeting.
  • Salutation is different depending if the letter is formal or informal.
    • Formal salutations include ‘Dear...’, ‘Greetings...’ or ‘To whom it may concern’ if the person writing does not know the name of the person who will receive the letter.
    • Informal salutations include ‘Hi...’, ‘Hello...’ or ‘To...’.
Illustrative background for Paragraphs Illustrative background for Paragraphs  ?? "content

Paragraphs

  • Ideas in letters are organised in paragraphs that separate different topics or time periods.
  • Letters often include a recount of past events and experiences and the writer’s thoughts and feelings.
Illustrative background for Sign-offIllustrative background for Sign-off ?? "content

Sign-off

  • Letters end with a sign-off.
  • Formal examples of sign-off include:
    • ‘Yours sincerely’ if you know the person you are writing to.
    • ‘Yours faithfully’ if you do not know the recipient (person receiving) of the letter.
  • Informal examples include ‘Love’ or ‘Best wishes’.
Illustrative background for  Historical communicationIllustrative background for  Historical communication ?? "content

Historical communication

  • Just like diaries, personal letters are usually kept private between the writer and recipient of the letter.
    • Sometimes letters can be published if they document important historical communication.

Jump to other topics

1Spelling

2Punctuation

3Grammar

4Decoding Words

5Reading & Writing

Unlock your full potential with Seneca Premium

  • Unlimited access to 10,000+ open-ended exam questions

  • Mini-mock exams based on your study history

  • Unlock 800+ premium courses & e-books

Get started with Seneca Premium