Parts of a Formal Letter

A formal letter is a type of written communication used in professional and official settings. It's important to follow a specific format and structure to ensure it's clear, professional, and easy to understand.

Salutation

The salutation is the greeting at the beginning of a letter. It's usually followed by a colon. Here are some common salutations:

• Dear Mr./Ms./Dr. [Last Name]:
• Dear [Title] [Last Name]:
• To Whom It May Concern:

It's important to use the correct title and last name of the recipient. If you don't know the recipient's name, you can use "To Whom It May Concern."

Body

The body of the letter is the main part where you present your message. It should be organized into paragraphs, each addressing a specific point. Use clear and concise language, and avoid using slang or informal language.

Closing

The closing is the final greeting before the sign-off. It's usually followed by a comma. Here are some common closings:

• Sincerely,
• Regards,
• Best regards,
• Thank you,

Sign-Off

The sign-off is your typed name followed by your handwritten signature. It's important to use your full name and position, if applicable.

Enclosure

The enclosure line is used to indicate that you are including additional documents with your letter. You can write "Enclosure" followed by a list of the documents. For example:

Enclosure: Resume

Enclosure: Resume, Cover Letter

Summary

• A formal letter should include a salutation, body, closing, sign-off, and enclosure.
• The salutation should address the recipient properly.
• The body should be organized into paragraphs and use clear and concise language.
• The closing should be a formal greeting.
• The sign-off should include your full name and position.
• The enclosure line indicates any additional documents included with the letter.