Letter Writing in English: A Complete Beginner’s Guide

Letter writing is a crucial skill for conveying ideas clearly in English. Whether for personal or other purposes, learning letter writing in English helps you express your ideas effectively. This guide will show you how to write a letter in English, covering both formal and informal styles, their formats, examples, and practice topics. 

Also, learn about Planet Spark Creative Writing programs, which provide guided exercises to improve your writing skills.

Letter Writing in English 

Letter writing in English can be categorised into formal and informal styles. Understanding the type of letter needed helps in selecting the tone, language, and structure.

• Formal Letters: These are used for professional or official purposes. You must maintain a polite tone and clear format. Examples include applications, requests, complaints, or official notices.

• Informal Letters: These are personal letters written to friends, family, or acquaintances. They are friendly, warm, and allow the use of personal feelings and stories.

How to write a Formal Letter 

Learning letter writing in English is essential for school and official purposes. Whether you are applying for leave, submitting a request, or sending a complaint, understanding formal letter writing in English helps you communicate clearly and professionally.

Below are the complete steps on how to write a formal letter in English, followed by the standard letter-writing format in English.

1. Start with your address.
   Place it on the top left. This is the standard in letter-writing format in English.
    Example: 24 Rose Street, Delhi 600001

2. Add the date
   Use the full date format.
    Example: 12 June 2025

3. Write the recipient’s name and address.
   Include designation and organisation.
    Example: The Manager, GreenPark School, Delhi 600045

4. Use a formal salutation.n
   Examples: Dear Sir/Madam, Dear Mr./Ms. [Name]

5. Include a subject line .ne
   Clear and direct.
    Example: Subject: Application for Leave

6. Opening paragraph
   State the purpose of the letter. This is important in official letter writing in English

7. Middle paragraph(s)
   Provide necessary details and supporting information.

8. Closing paragraph
   Mention the action you expect politely.

9. Formal closing
   Use Yours faithfully or Yours sincerely depending on whether you know the recipient’s name.

10. Signature and full name
    Sign above your typed name.

11. Enclosures (if any)

How to write an Informal Letter 

When you are writing to a friend, parent, or relative, the style becomes relaxed. This guide explains informal letter writing in English simply and easily.

1. Start with your address and date (optional)
   This helps the reader know when the letter was written.

2. Use a friendly greeting.
   Examples: Dear [Name], Hello [Name]

3. Begin with a warm opening.
   Ask about their health or share something pleasant.

4. Write a simple, personal paragraph.s
   Share news, experiences, feelings, or updates. 

5. Keep the tone casual
   This is key to writing an informal letter in English.

6. End with a friendly closing
   Examples: With love, Best wishes, Yours lovingly

7. Sign your name or nickname.
   
    

Format of the Formal and Informal Letter

Mastering the formats of both formal and informal letters equips students with the confidence to communicate clearly in exams as well as in everyday life. While a formal letter helps you present your message with professionalism and structure, an informal letter lets you express emotions and connect on a personal level. 

Give your child the power to write boldly and think creatively! Enrol in the PlanetSpark Creative Writing Program today and start your journey toward mastering impactful, expressive writing.

5 Samples of a Formal Letter

Check out these samples to know how to write a formal letter in English!

Sample: 1 Leave Application to the Principal

Sender’s Address
XYZ Street,
Chennai – 600024

Date: 12 December 2025

Receiver’s Address
The Principal
ABC Public School
Chennai – 600024

Subject: Request for Two Days’ Leave

Respected Sir/Madam,
I am a student of Class 8, Section B. I request you to kindly grant me leave for two days, from 14th to 15th December, as I am suffering from a fever. My doctor has advised me to take a rest.

I will complete all pending classwork once I return.

Thanking you,
Yours obediently,
Rahul M
Class 8-B

Sample: 2 Request for bona fide certificate

Sender’s Address
45, Anna Colony
Madurai – 625014

Date: 12 December 2025

Receiver’s Address
The Principal
St. Joseph’s Higher Secondary School
Madurai – 625014

Subject: Request for Bonafide Certificate

Respected Sir/Madam,
I am a student of Class 10 in your institution. I kindly request that you issue a bona fide certificate, as I need it for my scholarship application.

I will be grateful if you could provide it at the earliest.

Thanking you,
Yours sincerely,
Aishwarya V
Class 10-A

Sample: 3 Complaint About the Classroom Fan Not Working

Sender’s Address
14, Gandhi Nagar
Coimbatore – 641002

Date: 12 December 2025

Receiver’s Address
The Principal
Sunrise Matriculation School
Coimbatore – 641002

Subject: Complaint Regarding Faulty Classroom Fan

Respected Sir/Madam,
I wish to bring to your notice that the ceiling fan in Class 7-C has not been working for the past week. This is causing discomfort to students, especially during afternoon classes.

I request you to kindly arrange for the fan to be repaired as soon as possible.

Thanking you,
Yours obediently,
Karthik R
Class 7-C

Sample: 4 Application to Change School Bus Route

Sender’s Address
22, Royal Avenue
Bengaluru – 560043

Date: 12 December 2025

Receiver’s Address
The Transport In-Charge
Green Valley International School
Bengaluru – 560043

Subject: Request to Change Bus Boarding Point

Respected Sir/Madam,
I am a student of Class 9 and currently use Bus Route No. 12. I recently shifted to a new residence, and therefore, I kindly request you to change my boarding point to Lakeview Stop from tomorrow onwards.

I hope you will consider my request at the earliest.

Thanking you,
Yours faithfully,
Sara Ahmed
Class 9-D

Sample:  5 Request for Permission to Participate in an Inter-School Competition

Sender’s Address
67, Temple Road
Hyderabad – 500032

Date: 12 December 2025

Receiver’s Address
The Principal
Oxford High School
Hyderabad – 500032

Subject: Request for Permission to Attend Inter-School Science Fair

Respected Sir/Madam,
I am a student of Class 6 and have been selected to represent our school in the Inter-School Science Fair conducted on 18th December. I kindly request your permission to participate in the event.

I assure you that I will maintain discipline and perform to the best of my ability.

Thanking you,
Yours obediently,
Neha Sharma
Class 6-A

5 Samples of an Informal Letter 

Check out these samples to know how to write an informal letter in English!

Sample 1: Letter to Friend about Summer Holiday Plans

Dear Asha,                                                                                                 Date: xx/xx/xxxx

I hope you are doing well. I am excited to tell you about my plans for the summer holidays. My family has decided to visit Ooty next month for a week-long trip, and I would love it if you could join us for a day or two. The weather will be perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities. We can also visit the tea gardens, the lake, and take a toy train ride. Please let me know your availability so we can plan accordingly. I cannot wait to catch up and have fun together.

With love,
Riya

 

Sample 2: Letter to Father Thanking for Support

Dear Father,                                                                                              Date: xx/xx/xxxx

I am writing to thank you for your support during my exam preparation. Your advice, patience, and encouragement have made a huge difference. I followed your study tips and time management guidance, which helped me focus on my weak areas. I am happy to inform you that my results have improved, and I feel more confident about future challenges. I am grateful for everything you do for me and will continue to work hard to make you proud.

Yours lovingly,
[Your Name]

 

Sample 3: Birthday Invitation

Dear Sam,                                                                                                    Date: xx/xx/xxxx

I am turning fifteen on 25 June 2025, and I would be delighted if you could come to my birthday party at my house at 6 pm. We have planned fun games, music, and a small dinner for all our friends. Please let me know if you can make it so that we can arrange everything accordingly. I really hope you can come and celebrate this special day with me.

Best wishes,
Ankit

Sample 4: Thank You Note to a Friend for a Gift

Dear Nisha,                                                                                                   Date: xx/xx/xxxx

Thank you so much for the thoughtful book you sent me. I enjoyed reading the first chapter, and it was exactly what I needed for my weekend reading. Your gift shows how well you know my interests, and I truly appreciate your kindness. Let us meet next week to discuss the book and spend some time together. Your friendship means a lot to me, and I am grateful for your continuous support.

Warmly,
Priya

Sample 5 Apology Letter to a Cousin

Dear Rohit,                                                                                                       Date: xx/xx/xxxx

I am truly sorry for missing your call last Sunday. I was caught up with homework and could not respond in time. I hope you are not upset with me. I will make sure to call you on Saturday evening so that we can catch up properly. I also want to know how your exams went and about your recent projects. We can meet soon and spend some quality time together.

Love,
Karan

 

Formal Letter topics for practice

1. Write a letter to your class teacher asking for leave.

2. Write a letter to the principal requesting permission for a school event.

3. Write a letter to the headmaster asking for a bona fide certificate.

4. Write a letter to the local authority about garbage or drainage problems in your area.

5. Write a letter to the bank requesting correction of your name or address.

6. Write a letter to the librarian asking for a new library card.

7. Write a letter to your principal requesting extra classes before exams.

8. Write a letter to the electricity board complaining about frequent power cuts.

9. Write a letter to your school requesting a transfer certificate.

10. Write a letter to the post office asking to redirect your letters to a new address.

Informal Letter topics for practice

1. Write a letter to your friend about your summer vacation.

2. Write a letter to your father thanking him for helping you with your studies.

3. Write a letter inviting your friend to your birthday party.

4. Write a letter to your cousin describing a school trip you recently went on.

5. Write a letter thanking your friend for the birthday gift.

6. Write a letter to your friend sharing your exam preparation plan.

7. Write a letter to your brother/sister about your new hobby.

8. Write a letter to your friend describing how you celebrated a festival.

9. Write a letter to your cousin telling them about your new school.

10. Write a letter to your friend sharing a funny or memorable incident.

Check Yourself (Self-Scoring Guide)

After you finish writing your letter, use these points to check your work and improve it:

1. Is the purpose clear?

Have you clearly stated why you are writing the letter?

2. Is the tone correct?

Use a formal tone for school or official matters, and an informal tone when writing to friends or family.

3. Did you follow the correct format?

Formal letter: sender’s address, date, receiver’s address, subject, salutation, body, closing, signature.
 Informal letter: sender’s address, date, greeting, body, ending, signature.

4. Are grammar and spelling correct?

Check punctuation, capital letters, spelling, and sentence structure.

5. Is the letter clear and easy to understand?

Ensure your sentences are clear, concise, and well-organised.

6. Is the writing polite?

Your letter should always sound respectful and appropriate for the reader.

7. For formal letters: Are the contact details correct?

Check phone numbers, addresses, or email IDs if you have included them.

8. Did you add your signature and any necessary attachments?

Confirm that your letter ends properly and includes the required documents.

Creative Writing at PlanetSpark: A Perfect Support to Enhance Writing Skills

1. Genre-Based Curriculum: Covers short stories, poetry, journals, essays, book reviews, and persuasive letters, each with its own structured lesson plan.

2. Framework-Driven Writing Instruction: Students learn story arcs, S.T.O.R.Y structure, 5W1H, and the PEEL technique for essays and arguments.

3. Writing + Speaking Integration: Children present their written pieces aloud to build expressive confidence and improve narrative flow.

4. Editing, Feedback & Rewriting: Focus on real improvement through live editing, teacher feedback, and peer review.

5. Real Publishing Opportunities: Students can publish on PlanetSpark’s blog, e-magazine, or in co-authored anthologies, boosting motivation and pride.

Creativity Stimulus Activities: Story dice, prompts, image-based tasks, and guided imagination exercises inspire original, creative thinking.
 

Your Child can be the next Creative Writing Champion!

Pranav, a Grade 3 star, completed the NOF English Champion League, showcasing his brilliance in Public Speaking and Creative Writing. His journey reflects how the right guidance and practice can turn young learners into confident, expressive writers.

 With the right support, personalised coaching, and structured writing training at PlanetSpark, your child, too, can perform and excel, just like Pranav.

Learning letter writing in English improves communication skills. Use formal formats for official purposes and informal formats for personal messages. Practise the topics and samples provided here. For additional support, Planet Spark creative writing programs offer guided exercises to strengthen letter-writing skills in English for all learners.