Writing letters and emails WRITING TIPS Choose the correct level of formality and make sure that

t you use the same level of formality from the beginning to the end. Use the boxes below to guide you. For a formal style, do not use contractions like Im, Ive, or youd, and avoid abbreviations like etc. and e.g. Make sure you use punctuation consistently. If you have used a comma after Dear Sir/ Madam, at the beginning of your letter, put a comma after Yours faithfully, at the end. Use paragraphs to organize the main points in your letter. Writing letters You use different styles for different kinds of letter. The box below will help you to decide how to start and finish your letter. Formal letters Informal letters Ways of Dear Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms + family name Dear + first name beginning a (you can use Ms as the title for a woman (use this when you know the person well letter whether she is married or not) enough to use their first name only) Dear Dr/Professor + family name Hi/Hello (+ first name) (do NOT use the persons first name with (use this in letters to friends and people that Dear Dr/Professor) you know well) Dear Sir or Madam or Dear Sir/Madam or Dear Sirs (use this when you do not know whether you are writing to a man or a woman) Dear Madam (use this when you do not know the womans name) Dear Sir (use this when you do not know the mans name) To whom it may concern (use this when you do not know the persons name and the letter is very formal) Ways of ending Yours sincerely Lots of love/Love (from) a letter (use this in British English when you have (use this in letters to your close friends and used the persons family name at the start) family) Yours faithfully All the best/Best wishes (use this in British English when you have Take care NOT used the persons family name at the Regards/Kind regards start) (use this in letters to people you work with Yours truly or do not know very well) (use this in American English)

Formal letters Further to my letter of 20th July I am writing to enquire about

Informal letters I was really pleased to get your letter. It was great to see you/hear from you.

I am writing to apply for the position of advertised in I am writing in response to your advertisement in I am writing to inform you that I would be most grateful if you could Please accept my apologies for

Sorry its been so long since I last wrote/Sorry I havent written for so long. Thanks for your letter. I hope you are well/How are you?/ Hows things? Just a quick note to let you know ... Let me know when you are free so we can get together. Please find enclosed It would be great to have your news. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any Give me a ring and let me know whether you can further information. make it. I can be contacted at the address above or on 0204 Hope to see you soon/Really looking forward to 639 8756. seeing you soon. I look forward to hearing from you. Write soon/Keep in touch. Thank you for your kind attention. Do drop me a line when you have a moment. Thank you in advance for ... Give my love/regards to ... Writing emails Emails to companies and organizations are usually formal, and you can use the same beginnings and endings as in a formal letter. Emails to friends and colleagues are usually written in a very brief and informal style: Informal emails: You can start the email with:Hi Hi + first name Dear + first name (slightly more formal) first name only no name and no greeting You can end the email with: All the best/Best Best wishes Regards (slightly more formal) Love (only to friends and family) your first name the first letter of your first name only (informal)