When it comes to writing in English, there are two main styles of writing – formal and informal. There are two types of letter: Formal and informal invitation letter. In this paper, the informal letters and cards are studied
2.3.5.1. Informal and formal writing
Writing can be divided into all kinds of different categories. One of the main divides is between informal and formal writing.
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2.3.5.1.1. Informal writing
In composition, informal style is a broad term for speech or writing marked by a casual, familiar, and generally colloquial use of language.
An informal writing style is often more direct than a formal style and may rely more heavily on contractions, abbreviations, short sentences, and ellipses.
Informal writing is similar to a spoken conversation. Informal writing may include slang, figures of speech, broken syntax, asides and so on. Informal writing takes a personal tone as if you were speaking directly to your audience (the reader). You can use the first or third person point of view (I and we), and you are likely to address the reader using second person (you and your).
In a recently published textbook (The Rhetorical Act, 2015), Karlyn Kohrs Campbell et Al observe that, by comparison, formal prose is "strictly grammatical and uses complex sentence structure and precise, often technical vocabulary. Informal prose is less strictly grammatical and short, simple sentences are acceptable and sometimes essential to making a point in informal writing. There may be incomplete sentences or ellipsis(…) to make points.
and ordinary, familiar words (for example, I’m, doesn’t, couldn’t, it’s) and abbreviations (example: TV, photos) whenever possible. Informal style may include sentence fragments, such as the truncated style of text messaging . . . and some colloquialisms or slang."
But as Carolyne Lee reminds us, "simpler prose does not inevitably mean simpler ideas or simpler conceptualizing" (Word Bytes: Writing in the Information Society, 2009). The author can show empathy towards the reader regarding the complexity of a thought and help them through that complexity.
2.3.5.1.2. formal writing
Formal writing includes business writing, formal letters, and academic writing. Although business writing and academic writing, for instance, have some differences, all formal writing shares certain features.
The Rules of Formal Writing
• Most sentences should be complex and add specific meaning to the writing.
• You should use a sophisticated vocabulary with terms that are accepted in the topic's field.
• Keep a serious tone with literal meanings. Formal writing should not be filled with clichés and metaphors, like phrases such as 'hard as nails.'
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• The piece should have a specifically-stated purpose, called the thesis in academic writing.
• Avoid contractions.
• The piece will usually be written in the third-person perspective, which means you will not use 'I' or 'you'.
• Use standard spelling (no texting - style words like 'LOL').
• Use standard punctuation.
• References must be properly cited for academic or published writing.
• You should organize the writing into paragraphs that fit together.
There are some differences between informal and formal writing:
Informal: May use colloquial words/expressions (kids, guy, awesome, a lot, etc.).
Formal: Avoid using colloquial words/expressions (substitute with children, man /boy, wonderful, many, etc.)
Informal: May use contractions (can’t, won’t, shouldn’t, etc.).
Formal: Avoid contractions (write out full words – cannot, will not, should not, etc.).
Informal: May use first, second, or third person.
Formal: Write in third person (except in business letters where first person may be used).
Informal: May use clichés (loads of, conspicuous by absence, etc.) Formal: Avoid clichés (use many, was absent, etc.)
Informal: May address readers using second person pronouns (you, your, etc) Formal: Avoid addressing readers using second person pronouns
(use one,one’s, the reader, the reader’s, etc.)
Informal: May use abbreviated words (photo, TV, etc)
Formal: Avoid using abbreviated words (use full versions – like photograph, television, etc.)
Informal: May use imperative voice (e.g. Remember….) Formal: Avoid imperative voice (use Please refer to.….) Informal: May use active voice (e.g. We have noticed that…..) Formal: Use passive voice (e.g. It has been noticed that….) Informal: May use short and simple sentences.
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Formal: Longer and more complex sentences are preferred (short simple sentences reflects poorly on the writer)
Informal: Difficulty of subject may be acknowledged and empathy shown to the reader
Formal: State your points confidently and offer your argument firm support.
2.3.5. 2. Informal letters and cards
An informal letter is a letter that is written in a personal fashion. You can write them to relatives or friends, but also really to anyone with whom you have a non-professional relationship with, although this doesn't exclude business partners or workers with whom you're friendly with either.
Informal letters are very friendly and casual in their tone. Their greatest distinction from a formal letter is this casualness of tone. Informal letters are never official or excessively polite, nor do they contain much terminology.
Informal letters always contain questions pertaining to the person’s well- being, as well as that of those around him, like his family and friends.
Informal letters also rely a lot on memories, shared secrets, humorous moments of the past and shared dreams or conversations.
"The overriding instruction for personal letters: Write from the heart in a positive, caring, giving tone. Warm letters have always had a powerful ability to build goodwill. And in an age of computers and e-mail, the old-fashioned personal letter stand out even more.”
(Robert W. Bly, Webster's New World Letter Writing Handbook. Wiley, 2004).
Informal or friendly letters, they have five parts:
1. The heading: The heading can include the writer’s address and the date. In casual, friendly letters the address is not necessary.
2. The salutation (greeting): The greeting may be formal, beginning with the word
“dear” and using the person’s given name or relationship, or it may be informal if appropriate example: Dear Uncle, Hi Joe,
3. The body: The body of the letter is the information written in the letter. It includes the message to be written. Normally in a friendly letter, the beginning of paragraphs is indented. It usually includes an introduction where the person is greeted and state the reason for writing; the main body, the subject and the conclusion are developed or signaling the end where we use suitable remarks are used (invite, send greeting, etc) or indicate that the letter is going to finish
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4. The closing: This short expression is always a few words on a single line. In the closing the first word is capitalized.
5 The signature line.
Table 2: The format of informal letters
Salutation
Ending Signature
22C WestRoad,Violetville,Cork.
25th February 2008.
Dear Sarah,
It was indeed a wonderful surprise to hear from you again………
……….
………
………
……….
Do write to me again after your examinations. Good luck in the exam.
Love, Sally
writer’s/ sender’s address.
Date
Opening remarks
The contents
Closing remarks