Final answer:
Formal greetings are used in professional or official situations, start with titles like 'Dear Mr. Johnson,' and maintain a decorum appropriate for the setting. Informal greetings are casual, begin with 'Hi' or 'Hello,' and allow for personal well-being questions. Both have matching closings like 'Sincerely' or 'Thanks' to conclude the exchange.
Step-by-step explanation:
Greetings can be categorized into formal and informal types, often based on the situation and the relationship between the people involved. A formal greeting is appropriate in professional or official communications. It begins with a proper salutation like 'Dear Mr. Johnson' or 'Dear Dr. Williams,' and commonly uses titles and last names. This type of greeting is also characterized by polite and reserved language, and it maintains a certain level of decorum suited to business or formal events.
On the other hand, informal greetings are used among friends, family, or colleagues with whom we have a casual relationship. These greetings are more relaxed in tone, such as 'Hi Ahmed' or 'Hello!' It's common to follow with questions about personal well-being, like 'How are you?' or 'How was your weekend?' Informal greetings can vary widely based on cultural norms and personal preference but typically prioritize warmth and cordiality over strict adherence to protocol.
In both situations, it's considered good form to use a closing that matches the tone of the salutation, such as 'Sincerely' for formal letters or 'Thanks, Bob' for more informal emails. Nonetheless, greetings in all forms offer a pleasant way to initiate conversation and establish the tone for the communication that follows.