How to Write a Formal Letter

The return letter should be written in the top right-hand corner o the letter.

The address of the person you are writing to

The inside address should be written on the left, starting below you’re your address.

Date:

Different people put the date on different sides of the page. You can write this on the right or the left on the line after the address you are writing to.

Greeting:

Dear Sir or Madam,

If you don´t know the person you are writing to, use this.

Dear Mr. Lind,

If you know the name, use these titles (Mr, Mrs, Miss or Ms, etc.) and the surname only. If you are writing to a woman and don´t know is she uses Mrs. or Miss, you can use MS, which is for married and single.

Ending a letter:

Yours faithfully

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

Yours sincerely

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

Your signature

Sign your name, then print it underneath the signature.

Content of a Formal Letter

First paragraph:

The first paragraph should be short and state the purpose of the letter - to man an enquiry, request something, complain, etc.