Formal vs. Informal writing

• Engels
• MBO
• Studiejaar 1-4

Formal vs. Informal writing

Formal 

• When writing to someone you do not know, a company or someone of status (like a manager). 
  
  
• Formal language use, such as: Dear Sir/Madam, Kind Regards, 
  
  
• Examples: cover letter (motivatiebrief), writing an e-mail to a company. 

Informal

• When writing to someone you know (friend, family member, acquaintance, etc.).
  
  
• Informal language use:
  Dear [name], Hello [name], Bye!, See you soon, Best wishes, 
  
  
• Examples: personal letter, a postcard. 

Formal writing

Opening phrases: 

- When you do not know the last name of the person you're writing to, use "Dear Sir/Madam,"

- When you know the last name of the person you're writing to, use "Dear Mister ...,  / Dear Mr. ...," for a man and "Dear Miss ...,/Dear Ms. ...," for a woman. 

Giving a reason for writing

After greeting the person you're writing to, you're going to explain why you're writing. For example, use:

I am writing .... (to ask you/to inform you/to respond to/ in response to, etc.)

I am writing in response to your job posting on LinkedIn.

Formal writing

Closing phrases: 

- Kind Regards, 

- Yours faithfully, 

- Yours sincerely, 

Personally, I always use "Kind Regards". It's easiest to try to memorize one option and use that one. 

Informal writing

Opening phrases:

- Dear ...,

- Hello ...,

- Hi ..., 

Closing phrases: 

- Best wishes, ... 

- Bye, ... 

- See you soon, ...

Start your letter/e-mail with sentences like: 

- How are you? I hope you're doing well. 

- It was great to see you last week. 

- Thank you for sending me an e-mail.