What Are the Three Main Types of Letters?
- LetterLab
- Oct 8
- 3 min read
A modern guide to written communication, with examples and uses
If you’ve ever wondered “What are the three main types of letters?”, this article is for you. Whether in professional, personal, or official settings, letters remain a powerful mode of communication. As part of our UK letter writing service, LetterLab breaks down the three key types of letters, when to use each, and how to write them well.
Why Knowing Letter Types Matters
Knowing the three main types of letters helps you choose the right tone, structure, and vocabulary. Use the wrong type and your message can feel off, confusing, or ineffective. With clarity on form, your letter carries authority — something especially important in legal, business, and formal contexts.
For more on why format and tone matter in professional writing, read Purdue OWL – Business Letter Format.
The Three Main Types of Letters
1. Formal (or Business / Official) Letters
These are used for professional, legal, or organisational communication. Examples include job applications, complaint letters, requests, and correspondence with institutions. They must be structured, polite, and precise.
Examples:
Applying for a job or promotion
Submitting a formal complaint
Writing to government bodies or schools
Explore BBC Bitesize - How to write formal letters for structural advice.
2. Informal (or Personal) Letters
These letters are between friends, family, or acquaintances. They’re relaxed in tone, more expressive, and often conversational. Think birthday notes, catch-up letters, or messages to someone you know well.
Examples:
Writing to a friend or relative
Thank-you notes
Sharing life updates or stories
The Cambridge Dictionary – Informal letter definition is a quick reference for tone and purpose.
3. Semi-Formal Letters
This is a middle ground — less rigid than formal, but more respectful than casual. Semi-formal letters are used when writing to someone you don’t know well or in semi-professional contexts, such as a landlord, neighbour, or new colleague.
Examples:
Writing to a neighbour or acquaintance
Communicating with a landlord
Contacting a new colleague or client
How to Write Each Type of Letter: Tips & Tone
Formal Letters
Use your UK letter writing service expertise for precision.
Open with “Dear Mr./Ms. [Surname]”.
Keep language courteous, concise, and evidence-based.
Structure: introduction, body, conclusion, sign-off.
Close with “Yours sincerely” or “Yours faithfully”.
Informal Letters
Open with friendly salutations like “Hi [Name],” or “Dear [First Name]”.
Be warm, personal, and conversational.
Share emotions, stories, or humour naturally.
No rigid structure needed — but keep it readable.
Semi-Formal Letters
Use a polite greeting like “Dear [Name]”.
Keep a respectful but relaxed tone.
Share some personal detail, but remain professional.
Close with “Best regards,” “Kind regards,” or “Sincerely”.
Examples of When to Use Each Type
Formal: Writing to an employer, government office, or legal authority.
Informal: Writing to friends, family, or penpals.
Semi-Formal: Writing to landlords, neighbours, or acquaintances.
For more examples and templates, visit Purdue OWL’s guide to business letters.
Why This Article Helps More Than Others
This guide doesn’t just define what the three main types of letters are — it gives you practical tips, tone guidance, and real-world use cases. And if you need extra support, our letter writing service and UK letter writing service can help you create letters that get results, whether they’re formal legal appeals or heartfelt personal notes.
When You Might Need Professional Help
If you’re dealing with employment letters, legal appeals, formal complaints, or sensitive personal correspondence, sending a poorly written letter can backfire. That’s where a professional letter writing service helps.
At LetterLab, we tailor your message with precision — making sure every word counts. Try our Free 250-Word Letter Review to see how we can improve your letter before you send it.
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