How to Write a Letter to a Friend | Sample Letter and Step by Step Guidelines

A letter to a friend falls under the category of informal letters. Nowadays many of us use social media like Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp to keep in touch with our friends. Most of us do not use letters to communicate with friends; however, we are more used to writing formal letters. It is natural that many people use the style of formal letters in informal letters. If you are not used to communicating with friends with letters, writing an informal letter may prove to be a little difficult for you. This is why we are going to give you a step by step guide on how to write a letter to a friend.

How to Write a Letter to a Friend – Step by Step Guidelines

Step 1: Date and Address

Unlike in formal letters, we only write the address of the sender in the letter. This is written at the top right corner of the letter. The date follows the address. If you are writing to a very close friend who knows your address, you can omit the address altogether.

Step 2: Write a Salutation

You can begin the letter by writing a salutation. Unlike in a formal letter, you can use the first name of the recipient. When you are choosing the salutation, think about the relationship of the recipient and your style of writing. You can use salutations like,

Dear Sabine,

Hello, Sabine!

Hi Sabine

Dearest Sabine

Step 3: Begin with some Pleasantries

Since you are writing to a friend, the letter doesn’t have to be formal and serious. Your style can be warm and lighthearted. You can start the letter by enquiring about your friend and her family. Using questions like “How are you doing?”, “How have you been?”, “How are you” are common ways to start an informal letter. Some other openers include,

Thanks for your letter…..

I hope you have been having a wonderful ……

I heard that……..

Step 4: Body of the Letter

In this part, you can write about your news, common interests, and questions. In brief, this part contains whatever information you want to share with your friend. Since this is a letter to a friend, your language doesn’t have to be formal. You are free to use colloquial expressions and slang. But this depends on your relationship with the friend and your style of writing.

Step 5: End of the Letter

End the letter with warm wishes and greetings. If you are writing the letter with a specific purpose, restate the purpose at the end. For example,

I hope you will attend my party!

If not, end with a general greeting.

Have a wonderful Christmas!

Hoping to hear from you soon!

Then write an appropriate closing. Some examples of closings include best wishes, regards, sincerely, take care, cheers, etc. Use a closing that matches the tone of the letter.