Writing a business letter, also known as a formal letter, follows a specific format and style:
- Your address: Write your address in the top right corner of the page.
- The date: Write the date a few lines below your address.
- Recipient’s address: Write the recipient’s address a few lines below the date. If you don’t know the recipient’s address, you can use “To Whom It May Concern” or “Dear Sir/Madam” as a salutation.
- Salutation: Begin the body of the letter with a formal salutation, such as “Dear Mr./Mrs./Miss [Last Name],” or “To Whom It May Concern.”
- Write the body of the letter: In the body of the letter, clearly state the purpose of your letter and any relevant information. Use proper grammar and spelling, and avoid using slang or colloquial language.
- Add a closing: End the letter with a closing such as “Sincerely,” “Yours faithfully,” or “Best regards,” followed by a comma.
- Add your signature: Sign your name a few lines below the closing. If you are typing the letter, you can skip the signature and type your name instead.
- Add your title: If you have a professional title, you can add it after your name. For example, “Sincerely, [Your Name], N.D.”
Here is an example of a formal letter:
[Your Address]
[Date]
[Recipient's Address]
Dear [Name]:
[Body of the letter]
Sincerely,
[4 spaces] [write your signature]
[Your Name]
[Your Title (optional)]
Formal Business Letter Example
This letter is formatted with left-aligned text for the sender and date. This is also acceptable.
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