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You are here: Experts > Homework Help > Immigration Issues > English as a Second Language > letter format
Expert: Andrell Flores - 11/1/2009
Question
hi ..
i want to ask about the correct formats for letters in english(advice letter,apology letter)
i mean where to put the address and date ...etc
Answer
Hi!
I have answered the same question months ago. I have copied my answers here and provided links to websites with samples.
Dear Sir:
I am looking for different letter writing formats (block, ...). As I searched my books and the Internet, I found a lot of confusing formats. For example, some say block, indented, simplified. Others say block, semi-block, fuu-block, indented.
Could you please clarify how many formats there are for letter writing? Please list them.
Meanwhile, I would like to know how many types of letters there are. personal and business? personal, social, business?
Waiting for your kind reply
B.Rgds
Maryam
Answer: Hello Maryam!
The reasons why you couldn't find a good list of letter writing formats are as follows:
1. Regional variations (letter writing may be different per region)
2. Practicality (some writers tend to format their letters in order to save money and time. i.e corporations need to minimize the cost of printed materials)
3. Evolution of formats (the format changes as time goes)
Nevertheless, these are the standard formats:
STANDARD LETTER FORMAT STYLES
1. Block Style
All sections of the letter are flush against the left margin of the page. Each paragraph in the body of the letter begins flush left margin, with a one space line dividing each paragraph.
2. Semi-block Style
The date, signature, and address heading (if not on preprinted letterhead stationary) are aligned on the right side of the page. All other sections are flush left margin. Paragraphs in the body of the letter begin flush left with a one space line dividing each paragraph.
3. Indented Style
The date, signature, and address heading (if not on preprinted letterhead stationary) are aligned on the right side of the page. The greeting is flush left. Paragraphs in the body of the letter are indented with no space line between paragraphs. Postscript and notations are flush left.
4. Memorandum Style
This is a business format that is best used for interoffice correspondence. Directly above the body of the memorandum, are the following sections flush left:
“Date:”
“To:” Name or column of names of those people to whom memorandum is being sent. (listed in alphabetical order by surname).
“From:” Writer’s name. Title, if any, listed directly below name.
“Re:” or “Subject:” Subject line may be emphasized by underlining, bold font or all capital letters.
- Body text may be indented or block format.
- Signature of writer not required on Memorandums
(source: http://www.libraryonline.com/default.asp?pID=47.)
There are two general letters:
1. Personal letters
2. Business letters
Thank-you letters,notes of apology, bread-and-butter letters, letters of congratulation, letters of introduction, letters of condolence are the common letters. These letters may be considered personal or business depending on who the writer represents and how these letter are written.
(source of list of letters: Reader's digest. Write Better, Speak Better)
Hope this helps,
Andrell
LINKS:
http://www.writinghelp-central.com/business-letter-format.html
http://www.kcitraining.com/styleguide/letform.html
Have a nice day!
Andrell
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