Topic 7: Informal Letters

Topic – 7

INFORMAL LETTERS (INVITING, CONGRATULATING AND THANKING)

INTRODUCTION

Informal letters are personal letters written to friends, relatives, or close acquaintances. Unlike formal letters, they follow a friendly tone, flexible structure, and express personal feelings rather than professional matters. While informal letters do not adhere to strict rules, grammar.

These letters are commonly written to:

• Share news

• Invite someone

• Congratulate on achievements

• Thank for a kind gesture

• Express concern, sympathy, or affection

1. Informal Letter of Invitation

Purpose: To invite a friend or family member to attend a personal event or celebration such as a birthday, festival, wedding, or get-together.

Key Features:

• Warm opening

• Reason for invitation

• Date, time, and venue details

• Personal request for their presence

Example:

Dear Anitha,

Hope you're doing well! I'm writing to invite you to my birthday celebration on 5th November at our residence in Madurai. It's been so long since we met, and it would mean a lot if you could join the fun.

Do come by 5:00 p.m. We've planned games, music, and a delicious dinner! Bring along your brother too.

Looking forward to seeing you!

With love,

Priya

2. Informal Letter of Congratulation

Purpose: To express joy and admiration for someone's achievement such as exam results, job placement, awards, or other milestones.

Key Features:

• Begin with congratulatory expression

• Mention the achievement

• Appreciate their effort and success

• Express happiness or pride

Example:

Dear Arun,

Hearty congratulations on securing a job at Infosys! I was thrilled to hear the news. Your hard work and dedication have truly paid off.

I still remember the late-night preparations we used to do. You really deserve this success.

Wishing you a great start to your professional journey.

Celebrate soon and do keep in touch!

Yours affectionately,

Ravi

3. Informal Letter of Thanks

Purpose: To express gratitude for a kind action, gift, visit, or support.

Key Features:

• Begin with a warm thank-you!

• Mention what you are thankful for

• Describe how it made you feel

• End with appreciation and regards

Example:

Dear Grandma,

Thank you so much for the beautiful sweater you knitted for me. It's not only warm but also made with so much love I could feel it the moment I wore it.

Everyone in college admired it! I'll take good care of it and wear it during our upcoming trip to Ooty.

Missing you and hope to see you soon.

Lots of love,

Kavya

Sample Letters:

1. Informal Letter - Inviting

12, Gandhi Street,

Anna Nagar, Chennai 600040.

Date: 18 July 2025

Dear Ramesh,

Hope you're doing well! It's been a while since we caught up, and I really miss our fun times together.

I'm writing to invite you to my sister's wedding, which is scheduled to take place on 3rd August 2025 at Sri Lakshmi Mahal, Trichy. The reception will be on the evening of 2nd August, and the wedding will be early in the morning.

I would love to see you there and spend some quality time. Please come with your

family-you're always part of ours!

Looking forward to your presence.

With love,

Karthik

2. Informal Letter - Congratulating

45, Park Avenue,

Coimbatore - 641018.

Date: 18 July 2025

Dear Meena,

Many congratulations on scoring the first rank in your final semester! I just heard the news from our classmates, and I couldn't be prouder.

All your late-night study sessions and consistent effort have really paid off. You truly deserve this success. Your dedication has always been inspiring, and I knew this day would come.

I hope we get to celebrate this soon. Wishing you all the very best for your next step--whether it's higher studies or placements.

With best wishes,

Divya

3. Informal Letter - Thanking

28, V.O.C. Road,

Salem 636007.

Date: 18 July 2025

Dear Uncle,

I hope you are doing well. I wanted to thank you from the bottom of my heart for gifting me the scientific calculator I needed for my entrance exam preparation.

It was exactly what I was looking for, and it's already helping me a lot in solving complex problems. Your support has always meant a lot to me, especially during crucial times like this.

Looking forward to visiting you during the holidays.

Yours lovingly,

Sundar

Practice Exercises

A. Letters of Invitation

Write an informal letter inviting your friend or relative to the following events or occasions:

1. Invite your friend to your birthday celebration at home.

2. Invite your cousin to spend the summer holidays with your family in Ooty.

3. Invite your school friend to attend your sister's wedding.

4. Invite your college friend to your housewarming ceremony.

5. Invite your uncle and aunt to your college cultural fest.

6. Invite your best friend to join a one-day educational trip organized by your class. 7. Invite your childhood friend to your farewell party.

8. Invite your cousin to participate in a science exhibition hosted by your school.

9. Invite your friend to spend Pongal holidays in your village.

10. Invite your neighbor to attend a family get-together planned over the weekend.

B. Letters of Congratulation

Write an informal letter to congratulate a friend or relative on the following achievements or events:

1. Congratulate your friend on passing the board exams with distinction.

2. Congratulate your brother on securing admission to an engineering college.

3. Congratulate your cousin on winning a sports tournament.

4. Congratulate your friend for getting placed in a reputed IT company.

5. Congratulate your classmate on being selected as school/college president.

6. Congratulate your sister on receiving a scholarship.

7. Congratulate your friend on publishing his/her first article in a magazine.

8. Congratulate your cousin on winning a singing competition.

9. Congratulate your school friend on scoring state rank in the 12th standard.

10. Congratulate your neighbor's son on completing his MBA.

C. Letters of Thanks

Write an informal letter thanking a friend, teacher, or relative for the following reasons:

1. Thank your friend for helping you prepare for the exam.

2. Thank your uncle for gifting you a wristwatch on your birthday.

3. Thank your cousin for the surprise visit during holidays.

4. Thank your friend for sharing his class notes when you were absent.

5. Thank your sister for preparing your favorite meal.

6. Thank your teacher for her constant encouragement and guidance.

7. Thank your friend for organizing a farewell party for you.

8. Thank your aunt for the care she took when you were unwell.

9. Thank your neighbor for watering your plants in your absence.

10. Thank your friend for supporting you during a tough situation.