Despite advances in technology, letters are still an effective means of communication in many situations. Although they may seem to have lost relevance, both in paper and digital format, letters are still essential, especially for formal requests or presentations. In this article we explore the different types of English letters and their key characteristics.
Types of letters in English
Formal letter
A formal letter follows a specific format and is designed for professional or business purposes. Generally, it is used to communicate with authorities or in business settings, as in the case of business and government letters.
Informal Letter
Contrary to the formal letter, an informal letter allows greater freedom of expression without following a rigid structure. This type of letter is used to communicate with friends, family or acquaintances, and the tone is usually much more personal and close.
Business letter
Business letters are formal and usually contain specific information such as quotations, orders, complaints or claims. This type of letter allows for clear communication between companies, while maintaining a professional format and tone.
Official letter
It is used to communicate relevant and official information to employees, branches or departments. This type of letter in English addresses topics such as rules, procedures or events, and follows a formal style suitable for conveying instructions.
Social Charter
This type of letter is used for specific social events, such as invitations, congratulations or condolences. The social letter is a useful resource in celebrations or situations that require a special touch in communication.
Circular letter
The circular letter is designed to communicate the same message to several people. It is common for important announcements, such as address changes or internal company notifications.
Employment letters
Employment letters include job-related communications such as cover letters, promotion letters, and onboarding letters. These letters are essential in the selection and career development process. We hope this guide to the different types of letters in English will help you improve your communication and use the right letter in each context.