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How to Write a Formal Letter

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How to Write a Formal Letter

723,359 views October 25, 2010 1:45

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ChannelHowcast

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Watch more How to Write a Letter videos: howcast.com/videos/349854-How-to-Write-a-Formal…

There are many rules to follow when writing a formal letter, and here are the most essential.

Step 1: Type your address
Type your address and telephone number 2 inches from the top of the page, flush left. Do not include your name or title here. It will be included in the closing.

Step 2: Type the date
Type the date – month, day, and year – one line below your address and telephone number, flush left.

Step 3: Type the recipient's address
Type the recipient's name, title, and address one line below the date, flush left. Whenever possible, address the letter to a specific individual.

Step 4: Type the salutation
Type the recipient's personal title and full name in the salutation, one line after the recipient's address, flush left, followed by a colon. Leave one line blank after the salutation.

Tip
Use the recipient's full name unless you usually refer to the individual by a first name.

Step 5: Compose the letter
State the purpose of the letter in the first paragraph of the letter's body. In the following paragraphs, use examples to support your main point. In the final paragraph, summarize the purpose of your letter and suggest a suitable course of action. Do not indent the paragraphs; instead, leave an empty line between each one.

Step 6: Close the letter
Close the letter without indentation, leaving four lines for your signature between the closing and your typed name and title.

Did You Know?
The earliest writing appears to have been a way of keeping track of inventory.

About this tutorial

Howcast published this 1:45 video tutorial on October 25, 2010. It has been watched 723,359 times on YouTube.

Channel
Howcast
Duration
1:45
Published
October 25, 2010
Views
723,359
Likes
2,522

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Further reading

  • How to write a formal letter - BBC Bitesize bbc.co.uk

    A formal letter needs to follow a set layout and use formal language. Learn how to write a formal letter in this Bitesize English video for KS3.

  • How to Write a Formal Letter - Letter Writing Tips - UsingEnglish.com usingenglish.com

    Formal Letter Writing 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.

  • How to Write a Formal Letter - wikiHow wikihow.com

    A formal letter can be about any number of topics. For example, you might write a formal letter to apply for a job or accept a job offer, accept an invitation to a formal event, announce your resignation from a job, or…

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