Should We Write the Sender's Address in an Informal Letter?

In the digital age of communication, many wonder whether it is necessary to include the sender's address in an informal letter. This article will explore the practice of including the sender's address in informal letters, discussing its importance, and providing formatting guidelines.

When to Include the Sender's Address in an Informal Letter

Typically, informal letters do not require the inclusion of the sender's address. They often begin with a greeting and a date followed by the salutation, such as 'Dear [Name]' or 'Hello [Name].' However, there are scenarios where including the sender's address can be beneficial. For instance, if you are sending the letter to someone for the first time or unsure if the recipient has your contact information, providing your address is a courtesy that can facilitate communication.

Formatting the Sender's Address

If you decide to include the sender's address, it should be placed at the top right corner of the page. You can format it in the same way as a formal letter, with your name on the first line, followed by your street address, city, state or province, and postal code. Here is an example:

Alice Smith
123 Main Street
Florida, USA 12345

Remember to provide this information in a clear and legible manner. This is particularly important when mailing the letter.

Legibility and Address Formatting Tips

Mailing services such as the United States Postal Service (USPS) have specific recommendations for address formatting. To ensure that your letter is delivered accurately, USPS suggests printing in all capital letters with no punctuation. This makes the address easy to read by machines and humans alike.

For informal letters that you plan to deliver in person, the requirement for a sender's address is less strict. In such cases, legibility is still important, but the format is more flexible. If you plan to deliver the letter in person, consider including a brief note with your name and contact information in the letter's closing paragraph, such as your email address or phone number.

Benefits of Including the Sender's Address

While not mandatory, including the sender's address in an informal letter offers several advantages. It provides the recipient with your contact information, making it easier to correspond with you if needed. It also helps to resolve any potential confusion or delivery issues.

Examples and Best Practices

Here is a detailed example of an informal letter with the sender's address included:

June 1, 2023
Dear Jane Doe,

Thank you for your email. I am writing to discuss our upcoming meeting and the new project we are both responsible for. As we discussed, the project is scheduled to launch on June 10, 2023, and I will need your inputs by the 5th.

For your convenience, here is my contact information:
Alice Smith
123 Main Street
Florida, USA 12345
Email: @

I look forward to hearing your thoughts on the project.

Best regards,

Alice Smith

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your informal letter is clear, professional, and easy to follow, both in terms of content and formatting.

Conclusion

In summary, while the sender's address is not essential in an informal letter, it can be a useful inclusion. It provides the recipient with your contact information, making the correspondence process more efficient. If you choose to include the sender's address, remember to format it clearly and place it at the top right corner of the page, adhering to USPS guidelines for mailing purposes.

Keywords

Informal letter, sender's address, formal letter, USPS, legible address