What is the format for writing a formal letter? - ProProfs Discuss
Advertisement

What is the format for writing a formal letter?

Asked by Demi , Last updated: Mar 29, 2024

+ Answer
Request
Question menu
Vote up Vote down

6 Answers

Bergeront Tiffney

Bergeront Tiffney

Here for the daily dose of fresh knowledge

Bergeront Tiffney
Bergeront Tiffney, Computer Engineer, M. Tech, Southeast Montgomery

Answered Sep 30, 2020

The format for writing a formal letter is easy. Always know the type of letter you want to write before you commence the exercise.

Follow the guidelines below to put you through.

1. Write your address at the top right corner of your paper
2. Write the recipient address immediately below the date but on the left corner of the page.
3. A salutation or greeting will be perfect. “Dear Sir/Madam” or “Dear name of the recipient.”
4. For a formal letter, you have to be straightforward and concise. You have to state clearly if you want a job, admission, or are stating a complaint.
5. Use the right tone to converse your message.
6. Always proofread, and it is best to start with a draft so your letter can be neat and presentable.
7. Always sign off.

upvote downvote
Reply 

T. Wikati

T. Wikati

T. Wikati
T. Wikati, Technical Writer, New York

Answered Sep 02, 2020

The correct format to utilize when writing a letter depends on the type of letter you are writing. There is a different format for writing a formal letter, as opposed to a letter to a friend.

The following steps will explain what the format is for writing a formal letter.

• Place your name and address at the top of your letter.

• Incorporate the street address, city, state, and zip code in a block that is aligned and single space.

• Include the date directly below the address.

• Type the date the letter was created. Include a blank line between information and the next portion of the message.

• Use a reference line.

• Start sentence with Re.

• Type out the recipient’s name and address.

• All information should be left-aligned and single-spaced.

• Start the body of the correspondence with a formal salutation.

• Type subject line in all capital letters below the salutation and keep it left-aligned.

• The body of this part of the letter should contain a brief introduction, which explains the purpose of the letter.

• End letter with an appropriate closing.

• Capitalize the initial letter of the primary word in the closing.

• Follow the closing with your name.

upvote downvote
Reply 

E. Jonathan

E. Jonathan

I like managing several people and leading them to a greater self, both in work life and personal life(in a Way)

E. Jonathan
E. Jonathan, Content Team Lead, Degree in Literature, Los Angeles, California

Answered Aug 25, 2020

The first thing that you have to do is to make sure that you will place a salutation or a greeting that will show your respect to the person that you are addressing the formal letter to.

Then these are the next steps that you have to do:

* You have to be concise. Now is not the time to use flowery words.

* You need to be straight to the point so that the person will understand what you are trying to say.

* Using the right tone is also important because you need to use a language that is more formal than what you normally use.

* Do not forget to proofread the letter before you send it. Always be polite and respectful, even if you are trying to complain about a service or product that you have received.

upvote downvote
Reply 

C. Bernthal

C. Bernthal

Its kind of my job to give answers

C. Bernthal
C. Bernthal, Teacher, MA, P.hD, Seattle

Answered Aug 17, 2020

• Sender’s address: this is placed on the top-right side corner of the writing page

• Date: this is directly under the sender’s address. The date is the date the letter was sent

• Receiver’s address: The recipient’s address is the next thing after the date, which is written on the left side of the page. The address must include the name or title or position of the receiver.

• Greeting or salutation: the general format is the used of “sir” or “ma,” but if you know their full name you can put it

• Subject: This is the reason why you have written this letter. It is written in the center of the line.

• Body of the letter: this is the real content of the letter. It is divided into three paragraphs or two in order to make it brief.

• Closing: at the end of the letter, you can write complimentary, after which you write your full name and sign.

upvote downvote
Reply 

W. Pratt

W. Pratt

Want to learn new things and share my knowledge

W. Pratt
W. Pratt, Marketing Analyst, MBA, Lincoln

Answered Aug 13, 2020

The format of writing a formal letter is totally different from other forms of letters. The knowledge of this format will guide you through every step you need to take to write a proper formal letter. Writing a formal letter always starts with the address of the writer or sender, specifically in the top-right corner of the page, and the date under it. This is followed by the address of the receiver.

This address can be that of a company or an individual. The address of the receiver is written on the left-hand side of the page below the date you've written under your own address(sender's address). The next step is salutation; which is where you salute the receiver by using Dear Sir or Madam, or their full name if you know it. After which you can proceed to the subject of the letter.

For instance, your letter can be a letter of inquiry or complaint, etc. After the subject, go straight to the body of the letter, that is the purpose of the letter and must be precise. The ending of a formal letter is also important. Depending on the reason for this letter, use an appropriate closing statement. Put your signature and write your full name under it.

upvote downvote
Reply 

P. Halah

P. Halah

P. Halah
P. Halah

Answered Aug 12, 2020

There are many times when it is necessary to write a formal letter, such as accepting a job offer or sending in a resignation letter. Formal letters are professional and seen as a way to be taken seriously. There are various ways to write a formal letter. One way is to use the block style letter. At the top, the left corner, the sender's name, address, and telephone number should be written. Below that, the date should be written. From there, the content of the letter should be written and concluded with a signature. Another format to write a formal letter is using AMS format.
upvote downvote
Reply 

Advertisement
Advertisement
Search for Google images Google Image Icon
Select a recommended image
Upload from your computer Loader
Image Preview
Search for Google images Google Image Icon
Select a recommended image
Upload from your computer Loader
Image Preview
Search for Google images Google Image Icon
Select a recommended image
Upload from your computer Loader

Email Sent
We have sent an email to your address "" with instructions to reset your password.