General letters are usually also known as personal letters, although certain kinds of professional letters may also fall under this category. They are used to express emotions, feelings, sentiments; information etc. a letter is a document exchanged between two people and contains facts and sentiments. Thus, a general letter has all the uses of letters, in addition to the fact that its tone is personal, warm and intimate. Such letters were the staple form of communication before technological revolution changed the way we communicate. However, even in today’s day and age, general letters, albeit in the form of emails and online messages, still retain their touch of personal intimacy and warmth. General letters can be used to express the following:
- Facts and information
- Feelings and sentiments
- Good wishes and general exchange of pleasantries etc.
General letters, because they usually are personal in nature, are not as rigid about the form as professional or formal letters are. It is the tone and the content that matters more in a general letter. They must be written clearly and in a cogent manner, and efforts should be made to create an informal tone that draws the reader in. General letters, too, require skill in being written correctly, despite the more relaxed and personal nature of their content.
General Letter of Recommendation
General Job Application Letter
General Character Reference Letter