Difference between Official and Demi-Official Letters

Points of Difference

Official Letter

Demi-official letter

1. Purpose

Various official interests are served through official letter

To attain official objective through personal relation is the purpose of the demi-official letter.

2. Nature

Its nature is official and impersonal.

Its nature is a mixed i.e. combination of personal and official.

3. Classification

On the basis of subject matter, it can be classified as urgent, secret, general etc.

It cannot be classified as official letter

4. Size

Its size is small

It is comparatively large in size.

5. Structure

Specific structure is strictly followed.

No specific structure is required to be followed.

6. The official style

Official style is maintained completely

Official style may not be maintained or not necessary to write such letter.

7. Status of the letter

The status of the official letter is determined by the status of the writer.

A personal relationship between sender and receiver influences the status of such letter.

8. Use of Language

Traditional and official languages are used here

Such letter can be written through personal touch for which language seems to be very simple

9. Salutation

Official systems provide the basis for salutation

Personal relation influences the salutation

10. Method

Both direct and indirect methods can be used to write such letter

Only direct method is applicable to write such letter.

11. Copy

It may be copied for various purposes

No Copy is made of such letter.

12. Enclosure

Enclosure is used here

Use of enclosure in such a letter is a rare case

13. Use of Grammar

First person or Third person is used in such a letter. Generally, the plural form is used.

Here the first person in plural form is used.

14. Application

Its appeal is universal.

Its appeal is limited to individual

Official System is followed to make complimentary close.

Complimentary close is based on personal relationships.