RULES FOR WRITING FORMAL LETTERS IN ENGLISH

 

Layout :

1.On the top:

- right : address of the person to whom you are writing: the inside address should be written on the left, starting below your address

- left : your address : The return address should be written in the top right-hand corner of the letter.

- date: on the right or the left on the line after the address you are writing to. Write the month as a word.

2.In the middle:

- text of the letter

3.At the end:

- signature

 

Salutation or greeting:

Now you have to analyse the addressee you have to write to:

•If you do not know the name of the person you are writing to, use Dear Sir, Dear Madame.,

•If you know the name, use the title (Mr, Mrs, Miss or Ms, Dr, etc.) and the surname only

 

Content of a Formal Letter

 

First paragraph

The first paragraph should be short and show the purpose of the letter in order to make an complain, enquiry, a request or a congratulation. The paragraph or paragraphs in the middle of the letter should contain the relevant information behind the writing of the letter. English people don’t love longs letters so try to be very concise !

 

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.

 

Ending a letter:

1) Yours faithfully

If you do not know the name of the person, end the letter this way.

2) Yours sincerely

If you know the name of the person, end the letter this way.

3) Your signature

Sign your name, then print it underneath the signature.

 

Abbreviations Used in Letter Writing

Some abbreviations used in letters:

•asap = as soon as possible

•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