How do you write a formal letter?
Short answer
A formal letter has a set layout: your address and the date at the top right, the recipient's address on the left, a formal greeting, a heading, clear paragraphs and a formal closing. Use "Yours faithfully" if you began "Dear Sir or Madam", and "Yours sincerely" if you used the person's name.
Step by step
- Write your address and the date in the top right corner.
- Write the recipient's title and address on the left, below yours.
- Greet them formally: "Dear Sir or Madam" or "Dear Mrs Okafor".
- Add a short heading that states the purpose of the letter.
- Write an introduction stating why you are writing, two or three body paragraphs, and a conclusion stating what you want to happen.
- Close with "Yours faithfully" or "Yours sincerely", then sign and print your full name.
Worked example
Opening and closing lines
- Dear Sir or Madam,
- Request for a School Library Extension
- I am writing on behalf of the students of Form 3 to request...
- Yours faithfully,
- Adaeze Nwosu
Common mistakes
- Using contractions such as don't or I'm. Write them in full.
- Mixing "Dear Sir" with "Yours sincerely".
- Using slang or overly emotional language.
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