Letter writing

Formal and informal letters

• Formal letters (to officials, editors, companies) have the sender’s address, date, receiver’s address, subject line, salutation (“Dear Sir/Madam”), a clear purpose, and a formal close (“Yours faithfully”/“Yours sincerely”).
• Informal letters (to friends and family) are personal in tone and close with “Yours lovingly” or similar.

Tips

State the purpose in the first paragraph of a formal letter. Keep it polite, brief and specific.