| Writing a formal letter may be a difficult task for | | | | You can also use "Dear Mr. (name)," if you know |
| a beginner but once you get the proper format, it | | | | the name of the person. You can also use other |
| will be easy later on. Formal letters usually require | | | | titles such as Mrs, Mr, Miss, Dr, Engr, and many |
| a format or a template. Just follow a simple | | | | others. After the title, write only the surname of |
| template and you will soon learn how to do it on | | | | the person you are writing to. If you do not |
| your own. | | | | know whether a woman is using Miss or Mrs, use |
| Formal writing covers many letter styles such as | | | | the title "Ms" for it is referred for both single and |
| for various inquiries and quotations, cover letter, | | | | married women. |
| and other business matters. Moreover, learning | | | | Next is the endng. The term "Yours Faithfully" is |
| the proper abbreviations of words, title and | | | | used when you do not know the name of the |
| important details are important when learning how | | | | person. Use the term "Yours Sincerely" when you |
| to write a formal letter. | | | | know the person's name. |
| Rules When Writing a Formal Letter | | | | Place the signature over the printed name. If the |
| There are some principles to follow in the English | | | | person whom you are writing to does not know |
| language. The general rule of thumb is to write as | | | | your gender, insert your title along with brackets |
| clearly and simply as possible. The key is to direct | | | | after your printed name. |
| to the point. Avoid writing long letters. Always | | | | Formal Letter Contents |
| remember to use the appropriate language rather | | | | This paragraph must be brief and direct to the |
| than the common and informal form of language. | | | | point. State your purpose on why you wrote the |
| There are two addresses found in a formal letter. | | | | letter whether it is a complaint, request, enquiry, |
| The first one is that of the sender. This must be | | | | or just by way of information. |
| written in the letter's top right hand corner. The | | | | Keep the middle paragraph concise also. In this |
| second address of the recipient. This is often | | | | part, the letter must contain relevant information |
| referred as the "inside address." It must be | | | | as to why you wrote the letter. Most formal |
| written on the left portion of the letter just below | | | | letters are not very long. Ensure that the |
| the sender's address. | | | | information is simple, brief, and direct to the point. |
| Write the date. It does not really matter whether | | | | Concentrate on the essential information and on |
| the sender places it on the right or the left side. | | | | organizing the details in a logical and clear manner. |
| Any position will do as long as it is just below the | | | | The last paragraph must create an impact. Clearly |
| address that the sender is writing to. Do not | | | | state what kind of action you are expecting from |
| abbreviate the month. | | | | the recipient. A good example is either you want |
| Write a greeting or salutation. Typically used are | | | | the recipient is to send you additional information, |
| "Dear Sir or Madam," if you do not personally | | | | give a refund or give you an answer as soon as |
| know the name of the person you are writing to | | | | possible. |
| though it is much preferable to find out the name. | | | | |