Rules, comparisons and data

What is a semi-formal letter in IELTS General Training?

A semi-formal letter goes to someone you know who is not a close friend, such as a manager or colleague. ielts.org lists semi-formal as one of three letter styles, with personal and formal, and says a letter to a manager may be semi-formal or formal. The task usually says 'Dear ...', so you name the reader and keep the language polite and respectful.
  • Guide updated · 30 October 2026
  • 3 sections
  • IELTS
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Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 30 October 2026

Where semi-formal sits

ielts.org says the General Training letter may be personal, semi-formal or formal, depending on who you write to and how well you are supposed to know them (ielts.org).

StyleReaderOfficial example
PersonalA friend or family memberWriting to a friend (ielts.org); advice for an overseas friend's holiday (IDP)
Semi-formalSomeone you know in a work or official roleWriting to a manager (ielts.org); to your boss about holiday leave (IDP)
FormalSomeone you do not knowA complaint to a store manager, beginning 'Dear Sir or Madam' (IDP)

How to greet the reader

IDP groups informal and semi-formal letters together as those written to a friend, colleague or someone you know, where the task says 'Dear ...' (IDP). It adds that you use the reader's surname only when you know them and need to be polite or formal, for example a boss or professor (IDP Australia).

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Tone and closing

IDP describes a semi-formal letter to your boss about holiday leave as one that demands professionalism and respect (IDP). IDP Canada says 'Best regards' is used for semi-formal letters (IDP Canada). Our semi-formal samples show the tone across many tasks.

Frequently asked questions

Is semi-formal the same as informal?+

No. Both go to someone you know, but semi-formal is for a reader such as a manager or colleague, where IDP says the letter needs professionalism and respect.

Should I use the first name or the surname?+

IDP says to use a surname when you know the person and need to be polite or formal, such as a boss or professor.

Which closing suits a semi-formal letter?+

IDP Canada names 'Best regards' as the closing for semi-formal letters.

Can a letter to a manager be formal instead?+

Yes. ielts.org says writing to a manager may be semi-formal or formal, so read how well the task says you know them.

Keep reading

Related

Guide updated on 30 October 2026. Individual prices and policies may have earlier observation dates. Confirm current details on the linked official pages before you book or apply.

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