What is the difference between letter and a memo (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between letter and a memo? ›

Letters are usually one- to two-page documents sent to people or organizations outside of the organization from which they're sent, whereas memos are equivalent documents for formal communications within an organization.

Differences Between Memos and Letters

Purpose: Memos are used for internal communication and often focus on sharing information or providing instructions. Letters, on the other hand, have a broader range of purposes and are used for external communication, including establishing relationships or making formal requests.

Use a memo to communicate important official messages to mass groups within an organization. Examples include: Informing employees about organizational, policy or process changes.

Memos usually have a smaller, more exclusive audience and are used to pass on proposals or reminders. Notices can be distributed to varying sized audiences, depending on who needs to be informed, and are used to make people aware of upcoming events or news.

Business memos are internal documents sent to employees to convey information about the company, while business letters are external communiqués, often related to sales activities or customer needs or to query a vendor or government agency.

A memo is usually informal, short, concise, and to the point. A letter is a message that is sent to convey information. It can be short or long, and there are many types: thank you letters, personal letters, and business letters. Letters are used beyond the scope of an organization.

A memorandum, also known as a memo, is informing a group or organization in an email or letter of a specific problem and/or solution. A memo should have an action plan with specific steps on how to carry out the plan. Memorandums should be short, concise, and easy to read.

Britannica Dictionary definition of MEMO. [count] : a usually brief written message from one person or department in an organization, company, etc., to another : memorandum. He sent a memo to the staff.

Letters are more formal than memos, since they are generally externally sent to people outside of a company or organization. They use a full block format which is the standard for most organizations. Like memos, there are many different reasons you may write a letter.

While a letter can be of used to convey either personal message or business information, memo is purely intended for business purpose. Letter is generally a form of communication from one individual to another while a memo is used to pass information to set of recipients as an internal communication in an organization.

Is memo a warning letter? ›

A memo is a written warning to the employee pointing out his mistake while executing his duties. Employee can admit the mistake and assure his higher authorities that he will repeat the mistake.

Memoranda refer to correspondence between headquarters and offices in the field, and between offices in the field. A Memorandum Form is available for the drafting of these messages. Circulars are formal memos that go out to all staff in order to provide information about regulations and policies at the Organization.

A memorandum ( pl. : memoranda; from the Latin memorandum, "(that) which is to be remembered"), also known as a briefing note, is a written message that is typically used in a professional setting. Commonly abbreviated memo, these messages are usually brief and are designed to be easily and quickly understood.

Memos are brief business documents usually used internally to inform or persuade employees concerning business decisions on policy, procedure, or actions. Letters are brief, print messages often used externally to inform or persuade customers, vendors, or the public.

While a letter can be of used to convey either personal message or business information, memo is purely intended for business purpose. Letter is generally a form of communication from one individual to another while a memo is used to pass information to set of recipients as an internal communication in an organization.

The inside address is the recipient's address. It is always best to write to a specific individual at the firm to which you are writing. If you do not have the person's name, do some research by calling the company or speaking with employees from the company. Include a personal title such as Ms., Mrs., Mr., or Dr.

Do not include addresses (return or mailing) as memos are meant for internal communication. No need for the opening salutation, e.g. Dear Dr.

The cover letter or memo, also called a letter (or memo) of transmittal, is either attached to the outside of the report with a paper clip or is bound within the report. It is a communication from you—the report writer—to the recipient, the person who requested the report.