Formal and informal letters

A formal letter is written to an employer, a school office or a stranger; an informal letter is written to a friend or relative. Informal style uses contractions (I’m, don’t), phrasal verbs and simple words: Hi Anna, Thanks for your message... Best wishes. Formal style uses full forms, precise words and a formal greeting: Dear Sir or Madam, I am writing to enquire about..., Yours faithfully (name unknown), Yours sincerely (name known). Linking words connect ideas: addition – and, also, in addition, moreover; contrast – but, however, although, on the other hand; reason and result – because, so, therefore, as a result; order – firstly, then, finally. In an informal text and, but, so are enough; in a formal one however, therefore, moreover sound better.