formal letters
learn how to write a letter using formal language
The different parts of the letter
Greeting expressions
If you don’t know the name of who you’re writing to:
Dear Sir / Madam,
If you know the name:
Dear Mr __ / Dear Mrs __ / Dear Ms __+ surname.
Explain why you’re writing (use the present continuous tense)
I am writing to _ / I am writing with regard to _ / I am writing on behalf of _
You can ask questions
I would be grateful if _ / I wonder if you could _ / Could you _?
If there’s been a previous letter, you can refer to that information:
As you stated in your letter, _ Regarding _ / Concerning _ With regard to _
These are useful expressions you can use to finish the letter
If you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact me.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Tips for signing off:
As well as there are 2 usual opening lines (Dear Sir / Madam – Dear Mr... / Mrs.. / Ms) there are also 2 typical closing lines:
Yours faithfully & Yours sincerely
There can only be one ‘s’: so, if you wrote Dear Sir / Madam, then your signing off phrase must be Yours faithfully.
Logically, if you wrote Dear Mr.., you must sign off with Yours sincerely.
Signature: use your first name and surname