How to Write Formal Letters
Help with formal and business letter writing. A summary of writing rules including outlines for cover letters and letters of enquiry, and abbreviations used in letters.
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Layout of a formal letter
Formal letter writing rules
Content of a formal letter
Abbreviations used in letter writing
Outline for a covering letter
Outline for a letter of enquiry
Address of the person to whom you are writing
Your address
The date
This is the greeting with which you start your letter
A) If you do not know the name of the person you are writing to, use the following form:
Dear Sir or Madam,
B) If you know the name, use the title and the family name only.
If you are writing to a woman and do not know if she uses Mrs or Miss, you can use Ms, which is for both married and single women.
Dear Mr Jenkins, Dear Ms Hamers, Dear Mrs Hutchins, Dear Miss Davis, Dear Dr Green, Etc."
The salutation
The main text of your letter
A) If you do not know the name of the person, end the letter this way:
Yours Faithfully
B) If you use the name of the person, end the letter this way:
Yours Sincerely,"
Signing off
Write your name under your signature, given name first, family name last.
If you have a foreign name it is useful to put your title in brackets after your name so that the person knows whether you are male or female.
Your name
In English there are a number of conventions that should be used when writing a formal or business letter.
Furthermore, you try to write as simply and as clearly as possible, and not to make the letter longer than necessary. Remember not to use informal language like contractions.
Addresses:
1) Your Address
1) Your Address
The return address should be written in the top right-hand corner of the letter.
2) The Address of the person you are writing to
The inside address should be written on the left, starting below your address.
Date:
You can write this on the right or the left on the line after the address you are writing to.
Write the month as a word.
Salutation or greeting:
2) Dear Mr Jenkins,If you know the name, use the title (Mr, Mrs, Miss or Ms, Dr, etc.) and the surname only. If you are writing to a woman and do not know if she uses Mrs or Miss, you can use Ms, which is for married and single women.
Ending a letter:
If you do not know the name of the person, end the letter this way.
2) Yours Sincerely
2) Yours Sincerely
If you know the name of the person, end the letter this way.
Your signature
Sign your name, then print it underneath the signature.
If you think the person you are writing to might not know whether you are male of female, put you title in brackets after your name.
The first paragraph should be short and state the purpose of the letter-
to make an enquiry, complain, request something, etc.
The paragraph or paragraphs in the middle of the letter
should contain the relevant information behind the writing of the letter.
Most letters in English are not very long, so keep the information to the essentials and concentrate on organising it in a clear and logical manner rather than expanding too much.
Last Paragraph
The last paragraph of a formal letter should state what action you expect the recipient to take- to refund, send you information, etc.
The following abbreviations are widely used in letters:
asap = as soon as possible
cc = carbon copy (when you send a copy of a letter to more than one person, you use this abbreviation to let them know)
enc. = enclosure (when you include other papers with your letter)
pp = per procurationem (A Latin phrase meaning that you are signing the letter on somebody else's behalf; if they are not there to sign it themselves, etc)
ps = postscript (when you want to add something after you've finished and signed it)
pto (informal) = please turn over (to make sure that the other person knows the letter continues on the other side of the page)
RSVP = please reply
Here is a fairly conventional plan for the layout of the paragraphs.
Opening Paragraph
Briefly identify yourself and the position you are applying for. Add how you found out about the vacancy.
Paragraph 2
Give the reasons why you are interested in working for the company and why you wish to be considered for that particular post. State your relevant 
qualifications and experience, as well as your personal qualities that make you a suitable candidate.
qualifications and experience, as well as your personal qualities that make you a suitable candidate.Paragraph 3
Inform them that you have enclosed your current CV and add any further information that you think could help your case.
Closing Paragraph
Give your availability for interview, thank them for their consideration, restate your interest and close the letter.
Opening Paragraph
Introduce yourself briefly and give your reason for writing. Let them know of the kind of position you are seeking, why you are interested and how you heard about them.
Paragraph 2
Show why their company in particular interests you, mention your qualifications and experience along with any further details that might make them interested in seeing you.
Paragraph 3
Refer to your enclosed CV and draw their attention to any particularly important points you would like them to focus on in it.
Closing Paragraph
Thank them, explain your availability for interview and restate your enthusiasm for their company and desire to be considered for posts that might as yet be unavailable.
More Help with Letter Writing
If you want more help with how to write formal or informal letters please feel free to ask us in our Editing & Writing Topics forum. Our teachers will be able to help answer any questions you might have.
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