Skills and strategies: How to write Formal Letters
We communicate with people in a number of ways – we can do it personally, by
phone, or by e-mail. Sometimes, however, a formal letter is required, for example
when applying for a job, writing a letter to the editor, making a formal complaint or
asking an institution,organisation or company for information.
Formal letters in English follow a pattern which is quite rigid. If you want to make a good impression, it is wise not to break that pattern. Remember that formal letters are short and concise - so plan your letter carefully . N.B. In a formal letter you use formal language.
phone, or by e-mail. Sometimes, however, a formal letter is required, for example
when applying for a job, writing a letter to the editor, making a formal complaint or
asking an institution,organisation or company for information.
Formal letters in English follow a pattern which is quite rigid. If you want to make a good impression, it is wise not to break that pattern. Remember that formal letters are short and concise - so plan your letter carefully . N.B. In a formal letter you use formal language.
Guidelines:
The following should be included in a formal letter:
- Your address
- The address of the receiver of the letter
- The date
- Greetings
- Your written signature
- Your name (printed)
The greeting in a formal letter is very important, and you should learn the standard ones:
You can begin your letter with:
Dear Sir/Madam/Sirs, - very formal
Dear Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms Smith, - formal
You can end your letter with:
Yours faithfully, - very formal
Yours sincerely, - formal
When writing a formal letter both layout and language are very important! Make sure you follow the guidelines above, that you have paragraphs and that spelling, grammar and punctuation are correct.
The first paragraph of your formal letter introduces your reason for writing the letter.
The middle paragraphs (one or several paragraphs) of your formal letter inform, argue or discuss your topic.
The last paragraph of your formal letter should state what you want or would like to happen.
Dear Sir/Madam/Sirs, - very formal
Dear Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms Smith, - formal
You can end your letter with:
Yours faithfully, - very formal
Yours sincerely, - formal
When writing a formal letter both layout and language are very important! Make sure you follow the guidelines above, that you have paragraphs and that spelling, grammar and punctuation are correct.
The first paragraph of your formal letter introduces your reason for writing the letter.
The middle paragraphs (one or several paragraphs) of your formal letter inform, argue or discuss your topic.
The last paragraph of your formal letter should state what you want or would like to happen.
Useful phrases when writing a formal letter:
Opening statements
I am writing on behalf of
I am writing with regard to
I would like to address
I am writing to express
I am writing in response to
I am writing regarding
I am contacting you to
Having seen your advertisement… I would like to...
Closing remarks
I would like to thank you in advance for
I am at your disposal should you require further information
Looking forward to hearing from you
Thank you for your time and consideration
Short video:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/skillswise/video/writing-a-letter