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How to Write a Letter

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Our grandparents and great-grandparents wrote letters all the time: to their friends and families, to the bank manager, to express condolences, to complain, to invite someone to visit, to accept an invitation and to thank people for hospitality or gifts.

Nowadays, we don’t need to write letters very often and it’s become a dying art. Emails, Facebook, Twitter and instant messaging mean that we can stay in touch all the time. There are still, however, times when writing a letter is appropriate, and it’s good to know when, and how to write one.

This page explains different types of letters, from informal to formal, and how to write each one. On this page, we are talking about writing letters that will be sent by post - snail mail - not by email. Most of the letters described on this page should never be sent by email. The only exception is for a job application, where you should attach a formal letter to a covering email.

The General Structure of a Letter

A formal letter has a standard structure, which is:

If you are writing an informal letter , you may omit the recipient’s name and address, and you may also sign it off more informally: ‘ With love ’, or ‘ With best wishes ’, rather than ‘Yours sincerely’, and sign with just your first name, omitting your surname and title.

Forms for signing off a letter vary depending on how you addressed it. The rule is that if you addressed it ‘ Dear Sir ’, then you sign off ‘Yours faithfully’, and if you addressed the person by name, then you sign off ‘Yours sincerely’.

What if you don’t know the name of the person to whom you are writing?

This might arise, for example, if you want to send a letter or a complaint to a company, and you have been told to “ just send it to the Customer Service Department ”.

Your options are:

Start the letter with ‘ To Whom it may Concern ’. This does not feel very personal, but it fits with what you’ve been told to do.

Address the letter to ‘Head of Customer Service’ at the company address, then use ‘ Dear Sir ’. ‘ Dear Sir ’ is technically the correct form when you do not know the name of the person, but many people prefer ‘ Dear Sir or Madam ’.

Google the name of the person who heads that department, and use their name. If you are writing to a big company, this information should be publicly available, and there is no excuse for not finding and using it. If the company conceals the name of the person responsible for customer service, then it seems entirely reasonable to send your complaint direct to the CEO.

Why does this matter? Because letters that are personally addressed are likely to get through quicker, and also get more personal attention.

The only exception is if you are writing to the editor of a newspaper , in which case you always write ‘Dear Sir’. The form to use on the envelope is ‘The Editor’, then the name and address of the newspaper.

A word of warning about unusual titles

The titles ‘Sir’ and ‘Dame’ go with the first name. You therefore address letters to knights and dames ‘Dear Sir John/Dame Nellie’ and not ‘Dear Sir Smith/Dame Melba’.

Peers, however, are addressed by title and surname: ‘Dear Lord Jenkins’.

If in doubt, check the website, or phone the office of the person to whom you are writing, and ask how they should be addressed.

As a general rule, you should type and print business letters, and hand-write personal ones. If you hand-write, use blue or black ink.

If you believe you can send an email instead of a letter, then don’t use the full formal structure. Just start your email ‘Dear Mr [Name]’, followed by the text you wish to send, then ‘Yours sincerely, [your full name]’.

Particular Types of Letter: Special Cases

Formal invitations.

Wedding invitations, or invitations to very formal events such as a Garden Party at Buckingham Palace or the White House, are written in the third person:

RSVP stands for ‘Respondez, s’il vous plait’, which is French for ‘Please reply’. It is outrageously rude not to do so, even if you are not able to attend. The correct way to reply is with a handwritten letter, in the same third person form:

Ms Delilah Green thanks Mr and Mrs John Smith for their kind invitation to the wedding of their daughter Maria to Mr George Jones on Saturday 25th July at 12 noon, at Jacoby House, Tunbridge Wells, Kent. She will be delighted to attend. Ms Green will be accompanied by Mr James White.

Copy the form of the invitation, so that your hosts know that you have correctly understood where you are to be and when. If your invitation says ‘+ guest’, it is helpful to your hosts if you end your reply by telling them the name of your guest, so that they can include it on the table plan if they wish.

If you can’t attend, you should say something like:

‘ She regrets that she will be unable to attend as she has a prior engagement ’.

Thanking Someone for their Hospitality or for a Gift

It doesn’t really matter whether you and your friends ‘go in’ for formal thank you's. Nobody has ever been known to be offended by a letter thanking them for hosting you for the weekend, or at a wedding, or for a gift.

Plenty of people are offended by the lack of a formal thank you and it may affect your chances of receiving further invitations. Just send one, even if it’s only a card. And don’t email or text either it’s not the same and your host may be offended.

Never type a personal thank you letter. It has to be hand-written, however appalling your hand-writing. Conventionally, thanks for hospitality were always addressed to the hostess. However, nowadays the host is likely to have taken as great a part in the organisation, so many people prefer to write to both.

The form of the letter is:

If you do not know the people well , and have written to ‘Mr and Mrs [name]’, as may well be the case for a friend’s wedding, you should end ‘Yours sincerely, [your full name]’, or, if you wish be less formal, with something like ‘With renewed thanks and best wishes, [your name]’.

However, if you are writing to a close friend, you can sign off as you wish: ‘With much love’, or ‘Love to all of you’, for example, followed by just your first name.

You do not need to reply to a letter expressing thanks.

Thanking Someone at Work

You may, on occasion, need to thank people for something at work.

For example, if you have organised a conference or seminar, you should always write to thank the speakers for giving up their time. If you have spent some time shadowing someone, it would be a nice gesture to write to thank them for their time rather than just sending an email.

On such occasions, a typed letter is perfectly acceptable, although you should always sign it by hand. If you are fairly junior in the organisation, it is conventional to get the letter signed by the senior person responsible for the conference: the director, or CEO if necessary.

Why do you send a postal letter? It shows that you’re prepared to spend time and money thanking someone, so it’s much more of a gesture than an email.

The way in which you address the person depends on whether you have addressed them formally or informally when you have previously got in touch, and when you met them on the day. If you have addressed them by first name, you should do the same.

The form of such letters is:

A covering letter for a job application is a special case which is covered on our page Writing a Covering Letter .

A Letter Writing Rule of Thumb

If you are in doubt about whether you need to write a letter to thank someone, or to reply for an invitation, then there are two things to ask:

Do I need to send some kind of message? If the answer is yes, for example, to an invitation, then you need to decide between a letter or email.
Will the (non-)recipient be offended if I don’t send a letter?

Remember that nobody was ever offended by a polite thank-you letter. Plenty of people have cut off all contact with former friends because of the lack of a thank-you letter following hospitality.

You may think that’s stupid, but so is not taking the time to send a short note!

Continue to: How to Write a Covering Letter Common Mistakes in Writing

See also: The Art of Tact and Diplomacy Formal and Informal Writing Writing Effective Emails

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Letter Writing Etiquette

Here’s a baker’s dozen of ideas to help you produce professional business correspondence, with style. If you want to practice your writing, send me a sample and I’ll be happy to provide a complimentary round of coaching on the letter you submit. Be sure to include your email address for a personal response.

1. Letterhead: In the U.S., business letters are generally written on 8.5 x 11 sheets of quality plain paper or pre-printed stationary. In the 21st Century, they are often written by email, through generating a word processing document and sent via email in a Portable Document Format… PDF. What’s important, regardless of the sheet size, your name or company name should be clearly identifiable. Your address and other contact information should also be easy to find and read.

2. Formatting the letter: Use a consistent type size and style that is easy to read and helps define your overall company image. The most common layout style for business correspondence is to justify to the left margin and to place an extra line space to indicate new paragraphs. Whether you indent the first line or not is a matter of style and both are fine. My only recommendation is not to right-justify the letter as it often makes the letter more difficult to read. Take care in laying out your letter to have balanced margins all around.

3. Heading: Begin all business letters with the following information, in this order:

List the date the letter is being sent, spelling out the entire date in either the American (April 1, 2011) or European (1 April 2011) styles. Do not use any form of abbreviation. Typically no more than two to three line spaces follows this line.

Addressee and Inside Address

Write the following information each on separate lines:

Title or position

Company name

Street Address, including suite number

City, State, Zip Code, and Country (as appropriate)

As a sign of respect, especially for first-time letters to someone you have never met, it is best to address the person properly as Miss, Ms, Mrs., or Mr. (as applicable), followed by their first and last name. If the addressee has a designation, such as M.D. or Ph.D., use only one style at a time. For example, list John Smith, M.D., not Dr. John Smith, M.D. Please remember Ms is a proper word requiring no period; it is not an abbreviation.

When entering the name of a state type the entire name, such as Pennsylvania, not the postal code PA. The postal code should only appear on the envelope. Follow this block of information with two line spaces.

4. Greeting and salutation: Letter writing protocol dictates business letters begin with “Dear” followed by the addressees honorific and last name, followed by a colon, not a comma. For example, write “Dear Dr. Smith:” Again, Dear Ms Smith is best for first time letters. As you become better acquainted with the person, one style is to type in their proper name, then strike it out by pen and handwrite their first name to show less formality. Follow this information with two line spaces. Only personal letters use a comma after the salutation and name.

5. Body text: The current style is to write letters in as conversational a manner as possible. Long gone are the days when letters were written to sound more formal in an attempt to elevate your level of professionalism and education. Avoid phrases such as “Pursuant to” or “Please find enclosed” and stick with the same phrases you use in business conversation. I like to write letters using a sandwich approach: begin and end all correspondence with positive and cordial sentiments. Sandwiched in the middle, write the core information you want to convey. Separate each paragraph of text with two line spaces.

6. Closing: End letters with a cordial phrase you are comfortable using—Sincerely, Yours Truly, or Best Regards—followed by a comma. Depending on the space left at the bottom of the sheet, allow four to five lines spaces for a signature.

7. Signature lines: Type the name of the person who wrote and signed the letter, using both their first and last name. In cases where a woman wishes to be addressed a specific way, be sure to add Mrs., Ms, or Miss in parenthesis before her name. If the letter is written by more than one person, include a signature line for each. A second signature line may be used to list the person’s title or position, as applicable.

8. Notations: At the bottom of the letter, typically two line spaces below the second signature line list notations for Enclosures, Postscripts, and Courtesy Copies. List courtesy copies as “cc” with the names of all individuals who are receiving a copy of the letter. I like to highlight each “cc” person’s name when sending their copy.

9. Identifying initials: When someone other than the author types and finalizes a letter, it is customary to include a line indicating who performed this work. Show the initials of the writer of the letter in capital letters, followed by either a colon or forward-slash and the assistant’s initials in lower case letters. For example, RFH:sjs or RFH/sjs.

10. Proofread: Always print out a copy of your letter and read it before signing and mailing. Look that the margins and format are pleasing to the eye. Read the letter for spelling, grammar, and correct contact.

11. Folding: One of my biggest frustrations in receiving a letter is how sloppy and incorrectly it is folded. A crookedly folded letter communicates a lack of care, interest, and professionalism. Letters typed on standard 8.5 x 11 paper, mailed in a standard #10 business-sized envelope should be folded in thirds, leaving the top flap just slightly short of meeting a perfect one-third fold at the bottom. Leaving a little flap allows the receiver to open the letter more easily. If you are using a smaller envelope, fold the paper first in half lengthwise, then in thirds horizontally.

12. Inserting: Place the folded letter into the envelope with the top flap in front and upright in the envelope. When the person opens the envelope he or she can easily pull the letter out, open it, and read it. Inserting it any other way makes it more difficult to open and read.

13. Addressing the envelope: For that initial good impression, use printed envelopes that match your letterhead. Your return address should be easy to find and read. When addressing envelopes, use the U.S. Postal Service guidelines for the fastest delivery service: Type all addresses. Use all capital letters. Eliminate all punctuation. Insert one space between the city and state and two spaces between the state and zip code. Again, there is no comma between the city and state. Use only the two-letter state code. For complete details on this and other related postal guidelines, see http://pe.usps.com/businessmail101/addressing/deliveryAddress.htm .

BONUS: Especially for important letters print a draft copy before it is finalized on letterhead. Another irritation is how letters are received with typed information all bunched up at the top of the letterhead or not evenly printed on the sheet. Again, this shows a lack of care and concern to format the letter to show well on the page. Take care in laying out your letter to have balanced margins.

Question: What other items do you have to add to this list? Do let us hear from you by locating this article at www.AdvancedEtiquette.com/blog . You may also reach us at [email protected] . If you enjoyed this article and want more, subscribe to our “Etiquette Tip of the Month” newsletter—at no charge—filled with great monthly tips on all sorts of topics from international business and social etiquette and protocol to everyday life subjects. It will be great to have you as a member of our happy family of subscribers at www.AdvancedEtiquette.com/subscribe .

Happy Practicing!

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I learnt how to write letters haha feels like I was in some kinda class….

I really like what you guys are usually up too. This type of clever work and exposure! Keep up the awesome works guys I’ve added you guys to my own blogroll.

It’s difficult to find educated people for this subject, however, you seem like you know what you’re talking about! Thanks

SEND ME SAMPLE OF ETIQUETTE LETTERS

Hello Allan: Attachments are not used in our blog system. I will send you the sample etiquette letter via email and to anyone else wanting the same guideline sheet, please email me at [email protected] , Subject line: Sample Etiquette Letter.

What are the rules when it comes to including "cc:" and "via: emailaddress " after the identifying initials?

Caren: CC: stands for ‘carbon copy’ and is an old term when sheets of carbon paper were inserted between an original sheet and a sheet underneath the carbon paper to make a copy of what was originally written. This was before copy machines. “Via: means “by way of” or “by means of.” Via is used when using/sending/forwarding something “through” something else, including using someone else’s email address. They are totally different words, not having the same meaning or function. Examples: I am cc-ing Joan on this email to you, shown at the bottom of a letter, CC: Joan. I am sending you this package via UPS. I am sending you this message via XXXX, my personal email address, not my business address. I hope this helps to clarify the differences in its correct word usage, not necessarily a “rule.” Thank you for writing.

good source

I’m handwriting a formal note on blank foldover note card.

Do I write on top page ( folded) or do I write inside only?

If I run over one page to I complete the note inside on left side or on the back ?

Anna: “When composing a note within a folded notecard in the American style, it’s customary to begin writing on the right side of the opened card, or on the lower side if the card is flipped up. This area is opposite the cover page and provides a natural starting point for your message. If there is no pre-printed information on the backside of the card, it is typical to continue writing there. Alternatively, you can also continue your message on the left side (top side) of the card, which is essentially the back of the cover. I like this style better because none of what I write can show through the envelope. Visualizing this process can sometimes be a bit tricky through written explanation, but essentially, you’re aiming to maintain a logical flow from the front to the back of the card while utilizing the available space effectively. I hope this helps…

Right is Right, and Wrong is Wrong, Right?

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Learning english, how to write a formal letter, how difficult was this activity.

Practise how to write a formal letter in this writing and grammar exercise. You need to choose the correct words or phrases to write a formal letter.

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How to Write a Formal Letter in English

Kelsey Krahn

You need to compose formal letters in English for business, general school, and university applications, which goes to show that the art of composing a formal letter still thrives!

Therefore, it’s vital to understand how to write a formal letter in English. Don’t know how to write it out? I’ll take you through the step-by-step process—it’s simple, I promise.

Are you ready to learn how to write a formal letter? Let’s get into it.

General Rules to Follow When Writing a Formal Letter in English

English-speaking culture may seem like it encompasses a lot of informal practices, but people dealing with applications or queries will listen to a well-written, properly formatted formal letter that follows the rules over an informal, lackluster online note. What are some general rules to follow? Let’s take a look at how to write a letter:

1. Avoid slang, everyday language, and contractions

When you use slang words and contractions in a formal letter , the recipient won’t take you as seriously. Here are some examples of contractions:

I’m, it’s, can’t, it’ll, you’d, I’d, you’ll

What can you use instead?

I am, it is, cannot, it will, you would, I would, you will

Littering your letter with slang words and everyday, common language, like contractions, can make your letter sound more informal rather than formal. It’s essential to avoid using words such as good, nice, awesome, sweet, legit, cool, fresh, bad, lame .

Basically, if your letter sounds like a conversation with a friend, you may need to rewrite it. I will get more into the details and logistics shortly!

2. Use appropriate greetings

Try not to start your formal letter with “What's up?” or a Joey-Tribbiani classic, “How you doin’?” The recipient will likely chuck your letter in the trash. Instead, you can choose from a few salutations .

If you don’t know the name of the recipient you can begin your letter with:

To Whom It May Concern:

However, if you know the recipient, avoid using this salutation!

If you know the gender, but don’t know the name, you can write:

Dear Sir or Dear Madam,

If you know the name and the gender you can state:

Dear Ms. Jones or Dear Mr. Jones,

It’s important to note that Americans add a period after Mr., Mrs., Ms., Dr., whereas British English-speakers don’t add the period after.

If you’re writing to a doctor, and this includes professors with PhD’s, you can say:

Dear Dr. Jones,

If you don’t know the gender, you can write out the full name of the recipient:

Dear Rylie Jones,

Did you notice that there’s a comma following each salutation? But a colon after To Whom It May Concern ? Be sure to keep this tiny, minuscule detail in mind.

3. Sign off politely

Signing off your letter with “Peace out, dude!” won’t work so well in a formal letter. Your letter may consist of a dignified tone of voice and beautifully strung together sentences, but a poor sign off will prompt your recipient to toss your letter to the side. So how can you sign off the letter politely, in a way that will please the recipient?

The Balance Careers claims that you can choose from a variety of options!

If you don’t know the recipient you can choose one of these generic, but formal endings:

Sincerely, Regards, Yours truly, Yours sincerely, Thank you for your time, Respectfully

If you’ve exchanged emails or met briefly at some point, you can use these endings:

Cordially, Yours respectfully, Best regards, Kind regards, Kind wishes

Endings to avoid:

Take care, Cheers, See you later, Peace out

When you sign off your letter, the first word begins with a capital letter, while the second word starts with a lowercase letter. And don't forget to attach a comma to the end of the second word!

4. Only write one page

To put it blankly: your recipient won't care to read thirteen pages about you. Therefore, as a general rule, it's vital to keep your letter to one page, unless he or she asks for more.

A one-page letter forces you to get your point across in a simple, straightforward way. Before you write, I advise you to make a list of everything you want to communicate to make sure you get your point across!

5. Pay attention to the technical structure

When you format your letter, you need to ensure that you use a simple font like Times New Roman or Ariel. It's advised to write with either a 10 or 12 font size!

It's also essential to use single spacing.

When you finish a paragraph, you can press enter on your keyboard once. You should also have a space between the date, your address, the return address, the greeting, and basically every new idea—you'll see how it looks in a letter format below!

Let's Write a Letter in English

Before we go over the general outline of a letter, I want to show you an example of a formal letter.

Here's the scenario:

Kara King, a 28-year-old from Canada, wants to apply to teach English to ESL students in America! She has worked as an online English teacher, a nanny, a soccer instructor, and as a freelance writer. (I may or may not have borrowed snippets of my previous jobs for this "fake" cover letter.)

Okay, let's take a look at how to write a formal letter. And don't worry, we will get into the logistics afterward!

Kara King's cover letter

September 3rd, 2019

Kara King 123 Cool Street Beautiful City AB 607 10th Ave SE Canada [email protected]

ESL Teaching Company 456 Teaching Avenue New York, NY 10011, USA

My name is Kara King, and I am 28 years old. Two years ago, I graduated from The Best University with my Bachelor of Arts: English Major, where I learned the importance of proper grammar, creativity, and expression.

I am passionate about teaching children of all ages and have been for a very long time. I have experience working as a nanny, an online English teacher, and a soccer instructor. Working as a soccer instructor allowed me to learn the importance of structuring soccer lesson plans based on the age and development stage of each class. As a result, I now encompass the ability to recognize how to structure my lesson plans to coincide with young age groups.

Over the last three years, I have worked as a freelance writer and as an online English teacher. Both positions have helped to elevate my grammar-related knowledge. When I compose articles, I ensure that every sentence, every detail, every word seamlessly flows together. My ability to string together sentences paired with my understanding of intricate grammar-related details will undoubtedly benefit ESL students.

I believe the potent combination of my English Major degree, my writing experience, and my previous teaching and coaching experiences will work to enhance the overall learning environment and total English-learning experience for every student in your Young ESL Learners program.

I am very interested in teaching part-time for you.

The Outline for an English Formal Letter

Kara's letter contained all of these important features:

She wrote the date on the top left corner
She wrote her address and the company's address below the date
She began her letter with a formal salutation
She introduced herself and her capabilities
She explained her experience in more detail in paragraphs two and three
She tied her experiences together in the closing paragraph —you can also take the time to thank the employer for reading your letter in the conclusion
She closed the letter with an appropriate formal ending

Do you think you can recognize how to write a formal letter in English now? It's not too difficult, right? However, there is one more thing that you need to do before you send your letter off—proofread!

General Proofreading Tips

It's so important to proofread before you seal your letter or finish your email and send it off. The thought of proofreading something you've spent so much time on may seem boring, but it's 100% necessary. And when I say proofread, I don't mean to quickly scan your letter. I mean read out loud word-for-word, which brings me to the first tip!

1. Read your letter out loud

Quickly scanning your letter won't do you any justice. You may miss tiny, embarrassing errors like accidentally writing and twice in a row or misspelling a common word. When you read your letter out loud word-for-word, you will catch easily adjustable mistakes!

2. Set the letter aside for a couple of hours

Once you finish writing, you may be tempted to send the letter right away, but I suggest putting the letter aside for a few hours. It helps to let your brain breathe for a while so that you can come back to the letter with a fresh mindset.

3. Let someone else read your letter

You may hate the idea of someone reading your letter, but someone else can catch mistakes that you may have missed. You can even advise your friend or relative to read the letter out loud to ensure that there are no errors.

Scared that your writing skills won't meet the employer's standards? Feel free to check out our informative article on simple writing techniques !

In conclusion

There you have it! Now you know how to write a formal letter in English. It may seem like you have to follow a lot of rules, but in the end, following the step-by-step process closely may help to land you the job of your dreams.

Speechling is a nonprofit app and website that combines human coaching with technology to improve your foreign language speaking.

Writing a letter

Topic outline.

The purpose of a letter is often to inform or communicate an experience or point of view to the reader.

Letters give the reader information about a certain topic and can also be used to persuade the reader; for example, to ask for the writer’s opinion to be considered.

Letters can be formal; for example, if the letter is being used to apply for a job. Letters can also be more informal; for example, if it is a letter to someone you know well to tell them about your holiday and persuade them to try visiting the same place.

The ways you use language and vocabulary when writing a letter will depend on the audience and the purpose you are writing for.

think about the audience that the letter is for – us ually letters are written to one person, although for more formal letters you will not always know that person’s name. If you do not know your reader’s name, you can start your letter with ‘Dear Sir/Madam’ and will need to end your letter with ‘Yours faithfully’
how you expect, or want, your audience to react – for example, if you are trying to persuade your reader to agree with a particular idea or project, your language might be positive and cheerful in tone
the purpose for the letter – for example, if you are writing to complain you are likely to be more formal and may use emotive words to describe aspects of poor service or a bad experience
how to influence your reader to take your point of view or suggestions seriously – remain calm and polite, even when you feel strongly and avoid writing very simple sentences with the same grammatical structures or simple repetitive vocabulary.
Plan a route through your letter before you start writing it - t h e structure of a formal letter is usually in three parts. For example:
The opening paragraph – outline the overall aim of the letter and make it clear why you are writing.
A middle – explain and develop your points making sure they are relevant to the purpose of the letter.
An end – draw your points together; for example, summarise the main points you want your reader to remember, or the action now required.
Use a conventional structure – include the address of the writer at the top, a date and an opening greeting ‘Dear …’. You should end your letter with a standard phrase such as ‘Yours sincerely’ (if you know the reader’s name). Formal letters also include the address of the reader at the top.
Use linking words and phrases which suit a more formal type of writing – for example, you could use ‘furthermore’, ‘however’, ‘in conclusion’ to link ideas in sentences and paragraphs.
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How to Write a Letter: A Guide to Informal and Formal English

By: Author Sophia

Posted on Last updated: October 24, 2023

Sharing is caring!

The writing style is the manner of expressing thought in language characteristic of an individual, period, school, or nation… Learn how to write a letter in formal and informal ways.

How to Write a Letter: A Guide to Informal and Formal English 1

How to Write A Letter in English

A letter is a written message sent from one person to another through a medium such as email, snail mail, or facsimile. Letter writing is an important communication skill in both personal and professional settings.

There are different types of letters, including informal letters to friends and family and formal letters used in business and academic settings. Understanding the differences between informal and formal letters and the appropriate tone, language, and format to use is essential for effective letter writing.

Informal Letter

Write your full name and address even if it is an informal letter.
Divide your letter into small paragraphs.
Keep your writing simple.
Make a good choice of words especially if you are writing an apology letter or a letter to express your condolences in case of a death.
Most people close the letter with phrases like ‘Yours affectionately/With love/All the best/Take care’ etc.

Formal Letter

Let us understand a few ground rules while writing formal letters:

You need to write your full name, address, and date before you begin the letter
Address the person you are writing the letter to with the correct name and designation.
It is always advisable to start the letter with ‘Respected Sir/Madam’ or ‘Dear Sir/Madam’ and then mention the name and the address.
Before beginning to write the letter you must state the purpose of the letter in one line titled ‘Subject’.
Your letter should be very crisp giving out only the information which is required.

Informal Letter Writing

Informal letters, also known as personal letters, are written to friends, family, or acquaintances. The tone of informal letters is personal and friendly, and the language used is less formal than in formal letters.

Characteristics of Informal Letters

Personal, friendly tone
Use of first name or nickname
Contractions and informal vocabulary
Less formal grammar and sentence structure
May include personal anecdotes and emotional language

How to Write a Letter: A Guide to Informal and Formal English 2

Tips for Writing Informal Letters

Start with a friendly greeting, such as “Dear [Name],”
Use a personal and conversational tone
Avoid formal language and technical terms
Use contractions, such as “can’t” instead of “cannot”
Share personal news and feelings
End with a friendly closing, such as “Take care,” or “Love,” followed by your signature and name.

In informal letters, it’s important to be yourself and write in a way that reflects your relationship with the recipient.

Formal Letter Writing

Formal letters are used in professional or academic settings, and they require a more formal tone and language. Formal letters typically follow a specific format and may include specific information such as addresses, dates, and reference numbers.

Characteristics of Formal Letters

Professional, respectful tone
Use of formal vocabulary and grammar
Use of titles (e.g., Mr., Mrs., Dr., etc.) and surname
Specific format, including heading, date, reference number, and clear structure
Avoidance of contractions and colloquial language

How to Write a Letter: A Guide to Informal and Formal English 3

Tips for Writing Formal Letters

Start with a formal greeting, such as “Dear Sir/Madam,” or “To Whom it May Concern,”
Use a professional tone and avoid emotional language
Follow a specific format, including a heading with your address, the date, and the recipient’s address
Use formal language, proper grammar, and proper punctuation
Include a reference number, if applicable
End with a formal closing, such as “Yours sincerely,” or “Sincerely,” followed by your signature and typed name.

In formal letters, it’s important to be clear, concise, and professional. Make sure to use the appropriate tone and language, and follow the format and structure to ensure your message is taken seriously.

Differences between Informal and Formal Letters

Main differences: tone, language, and structure.

The main differences between informal and formal letters lie in their tone, language, and structure.

Tone : Informal letters have a personal and friendly tone, while formal letters have a professional and respectful tone.
Language : Informal letters may use contractions, personal anecdotes, and colloquial language, while formal letters use formal vocabulary, proper grammar, and avoid colloquial language.
Structure : Informal letters may have a less structured format, while formal letters typically follow a specific format, including a heading with addresses, date, and reference number, and a clear structure.

It’s important to choose the appropriate tone and format for your letter based on the purpose of your message and the recipient’s relationship with you.

The layout of informal and formal letters

The layout of informal and formal letters can also vary. Here are some of the key differences in layout between the two types of letters:

Informal Letters:

Greeting: Start with a personal greeting, such as “Dear [Name],”
Body: May have a less structured format, with paragraphs or bullet points
Signature: End with a friendly closing, such as “Take care,” or “Love,” followed by your signature and name.

Formal Letters:

Heading: Includes your address, the date, and the recipient’s address
Greeting: Start with a formal greeting, such as “Dear Sir/Madam,” or “To Whom it May Concern,”
Body: Follows a clear structure, including an introduction, main body, and conclusion
Signature: End with a formal closing, such as “Yours sincerely,” or “Sincerely,” followed by your signature and typed name.

It’s important to follow the appropriate format for your letter, as it helps to ensure that your message is clear, concise, and professional.

How to Start and End a Letter

Starting and ending a letter appropriately is important, as it sets the tone for the rest of the letter and leaves a lasting impression on the recipient.

Starting a Letter

Informal letter: Start with a personal greeting, such as “Dear [Name],”
Formal letter: Start with a formal greeting, such as “Dear Sir/Madam,” or “To Whom it May Concern,”

Ending a Letter

Informal letter: End with a friendly closing, such as “Take care,” or “Love,” followed by your signature and name.
Formal letter: End with a formal closing, such as “Yours sincerely,” or “Sincerely,” followed by your signature and typed name.

In both informal and formal letters, make sure to include your signature, as it gives your letter a personal touch and provides proof of your authorship.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing a Letter

When writing a letter, it’s important to avoid common mistakes that can detract from the professionalism and clarity of your message. Here are some of the most common mistakes to avoid:

Incorrect format : Make sure to follow the appropriate format for your letter, whether it’s informal or formal.
Spelling and grammar errors : Check your letter for spelling and grammar errors, as these can make you appear unprofessional.
Unclear message : Make sure your message is clear and concise. Avoid using overly complex language or lengthy explanations.
Unprofessional tone : Avoid using emotional language or making personal attacks. In formal letters, make sure to use a professional tone.
Improperly addressing the recipient : Make sure to use the correct title and surname for the recipient, and avoid using overly familiar language unless it’s appropriate for the relationship.
Omitting important information : Make sure to include all relevant information, such as addresses, dates, and reference numbers, in your letter.
Not proofreading : Always proofread your letter before sending it to catch any mistakes or typos.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure that your letter is professional, clear, and effective in communicating your message.

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Letter Writing
Formal Letter Writing In English

Formal Letter Writing in English - Definition, Format and Writing Samples

The article elaborates on the format of writing a formal letter, the definition and structure of a formal letter, along with sample formal letters for your reference. Formal Letters are professional and need to be drafted carefully. The following topics will help you understand how to write a formal letter in the most effective manner.

Definition of a formal letter.

Structure of a Formal Letter – Types of Formal Letters

Writing a Formal Letter – Parts of a Formal Letter

Formal letter writing samples.

FAQs on Formal Letter Writing Format in English

Formal Letters, also called Business Letters or Professional Letters, are letters that are written in a strict and specific format. Formal letters are naturally much more formal in style than informal/friendly letters. Formal letters can be written for a number of reasons such as,

to express your concerns while working in a professional setup
to provide official information across your workspace
to order goods, to apply for employment, etc.
to the Editor of a newspaper addressing the problems faced by various groups of people in different areas, etc.

Structure of a Formal Letter

In order to be able to write a formal letter, you have to first understand the reason behind the letter. As far as formal letters are concerned, the structure of the letter changes depending on the type of letter. There are certain rules to be followed to be able to draft a formal letter. Every sentence should be well thought out and laid down in such a way that the message you want to convey should be precise and clear to the reader.

Types of Formal Letters

There are different types of formal letters, as discussed, and they can generally be labelled under the following terms:

Business Letters

Letters of application, letters to newspapers.

Business letters should be terse, clear and to the point. There is no room for any kind of stories in a business letter. Before you start to write a business letter, there are a few things you should keep in mind.

Use simple, everyday language to convey the message clearly instead of using flamboyant and overemphatic vocabulary.
Never use jargon that is commonly used in business when you write a business letter.
Avoid using abbreviations as much as possible.
The modes of address vary according to the type of letter and the receiver.
Clear and exact descriptions of the articles necessary with the expected quality and quantity should be listed with utmost care when you write a letter to order goods.
When replying to a business letter, always quote the date of the letter you are responding to and its reference numbers (if any).

Formal/Business letters include letters from an employer to the employees and vice versa, letters to order and replace goods, letters of serious concern to an officer of higher rank, letters of complaint, etc.

Letters of Application usually consist of letters applying for employment. Before and after you write a letter of application, make sure you check for the following:

Always start with a short introduction stating whether the applicant is writing in response to a reference from an advertisement found online or in the newspaper.
State the age, education and experience of the applicant.
Provide the employer with a genuine expression of the applicant’s earnestness in taking up the job in the respective company.
Also, furnish references so that the employer can gather an idea of the kind of employee you would be.

Letters of Application should follow the format of formal/business letters.

Always address these letters to ‘The Editor’ and end with ‘Yours faithfully’. Letters to the Editor are letters that express concerns that should be addressed to the higher authorities. These letters should be professional and authentic. No newspaper would publish anonymous letters, so make sure you are writing the letter for a cause and provide your name and address correctly.

When writing a formal letter, always be respectful and conscious of your language, no matter what the subject of the letter might be. To write a formal letter, there are some points to be remembered.

Always start with the sender’s address
This is followed by the date .
The receiver’s address comes next. The receiver can be the name of the firm or the one who represents the firm.
The subject of the letter is very important. It is a statement of the purpose of the letter. It should be written in a single line.
The salutation can be Dear Sir/Ma’am. If it is a person you know well, you can address them by their name, ‘Dear Shrinath’.
The first paragraph should be aimed at introducing yourself and stating the purpose of your letter.
The second paragraph should furnish all the information about the matter.
The third paragraph can be a concluding paragraph where you lay out your expectations regarding the matter.
To close the letter , you can use a complimentary closing like ‘ Yours faithfully’, ‘Yours sincerely’ etc.
Unlike informal letters, the signature should include your name (in block letters) and designation below your signature.

Formal Letter Sample 1 – Letter to the publisher ordering books for your store

Formal Letter Sample 2 – Letter to the Editor about a road that needs repair

25, SS Street

Cheran Nagar

Coimbatore 641023

8th September, 2019

Subject: Repair of the road in Cheran Nagar

I would like to bring to your notice that the people in and around Cheran Nagar have been facing difficulties in travelling back and forth because of the bad condition of the roads there. We have appealed to the Municipality, but there has not been any response on the issue so far.

As our appeals to their office have had no effect, we believe that perhaps a mention in the media would be of great help. Since the beginning of the last month, the roads in Cheran Nagar have been almost impassable. The surface is badly broken up by the heavy rains, and on a dark night, it is positively dangerous for vehicles to pass that way. Moreover, there are heaps of road metal on both sides of the road, which leave very little room in the middle. The residents of the area have been inconvenienced in this way for weeks.

The situation is becoming worse. There have been multiple accidents happening due to this condition. I request you to highlight the seriousness of the matter in your newspaper so that the road may be properly repaired without further delay.

Thanking You

Yours sincerely,

More Formal Letter Samples,

FAQ on Formal Letter Writing Format in English

What is a formal letter.

A formal letter is written for official purposes such as to express your concerns while working in a professional setup, to share official information at your workspace, to order goods, to apply for employment, to the Editor of a newspaper addressing the problems faced by various groups of people in different areas, etc.

What is the format of a formal letter?

A formal letter should include the sender’s address, date, receiver’s address, subject, salutation, body of the letter, complimentary closing and finally, the signature with name (in block letters) and designation.

How can I write a formal letter?

Before you start writing a formal letter, make sure you understand the pattern of the formal letter. Try to include all the necessary information about the matter that is being discussed. Keep your language simple and clear. Make the receiver understand your requirements and also your expectations. Provide authentic information no matter what.

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Writing the Basic Business Letter

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Parts of a Business Letter

This resource is organized in the order in which you should write a business letter, starting with the sender's address if the letter is not written on letterhead.

Sender's Address

The sender's address usually is included in letterhead. If you are not using letterhead, include the sender's address at the top of the letter one line above the date. Do not write the sender's name or title, as it is included in the letter's closing. Include only the street address, city, and zip code.

The date line is used to indicate the date the letter was written. However, if your letter is completed over a number of days, use the date it was finished in the date line. When writing to companies within the United States, use the American date format. (The United States-based convention for formatting a date places the month before the day. For example: June 11, 2001. ) Write out the month, day and year two inches from the top of the page. Depending which format you are using for your letter, either left justify the date or tab to the center point and type the date. In the latter case, include the sender's address in letterhead, rather than left-justified.

Inside Address

The inside address is the recipient's address. It is always best to write to a specific individual at the firm to which you are writing. If you do not have the person's name, do some research by calling the company or speaking with employees from the company. Include a personal title such as Ms., Mrs., Mr., or Dr. Follow a woman's preference in being addressed as Miss, Mrs., or Ms. If you are unsure of a woman's preference in being addressed, use Ms. If there is a possibility that the person to whom you are writing is a Dr. or has some other title, use that title. Usually, people will not mind being addressed by a higher title than they actually possess. To write the address, use the U.S. Post Office Format. For international addresses, type the name of the country in all-capital letters on the last line. The inside address begins one line below the date. It should be left justified, no matter which format you are using.

Use the same name as the inside address, including the personal title. If you know the person and typically address them by their first name, it is acceptable to use only the first name in the salutation (for example: Dear Lucy:). In all other cases, however, use the personal title and last/family name followed by a colon. Leave one line blank after the salutation.

If you don't know a reader's gender, use a nonsexist salutation, such as their job title followed by the receiver's name. It is also acceptable to use the full name in a salutation if you cannot determine gender. For example, you might write Dear Chris Harmon: if you were unsure of Chris's gender.

For block and modified block formats, single space and left justify each paragraph within the body of the letter. Leave a blank line between each paragraph. When writing a business letter, be careful to remember that conciseness is very important. In the first paragraph, consider a friendly opening and then a statement of the main point. The next paragraph should begin justifying the importance of the main point. In the next few paragraphs, continue justification with background information and supporting details. The closing paragraph should restate the purpose of the letter and, in some cases, request some type of action.

The closing begins at the same vertical point as your date and one line after the last body paragraph. Capitalize the first word only (for example: Thank you) and leave four lines between the closing and the sender's name for a signature. If a colon follows the salutation, a comma should follow the closing; otherwise, there is no punctuation after the closing.

If you have enclosed any documents along with the letter, such as a resume, you indicate this simply by typing Enclosures below the closing. As an option, you may list the name of each document you are including in the envelope. For instance, if you have included many documents and need to ensure that the recipient is aware of each document, it may be a good idea to list the names.

Typist initials

Typist initials are used to indicate the person who typed the letter. If you typed the letter yourself, omit the typist initials.

A Note About Format and Font

Block Format

When writing business letters, you must pay special attention to the format and font used. The most common layout of a business letter is known as block format. Using this format, the entire letter is left justified and single spaced except for a double space between paragraphs.

Modified Block

Another widely utilized format is known as modified block format. In this type, the body of the letter and the sender's and recipient's addresses are left justified and single-spaced. However, for the date and closing, tab to the center point and begin to type.

The final, and least used, style is semi-block. It is much like the modified block style except that each paragraph is indented instead of left justified.

Keep in mind that different organizations have different format requirements for their professional communication. While the examples provided by the OWL contain common elements for the basic business letter (genre expectations), the format of your business letter may need to be flexible to reflect variables like letterheads and templates. Our examples are merely guides.

If your computer is equipped with Microsoft Office 2000, the Letter Wizard can be used to take much of the guesswork out of formatting business letters. To access the Letter Wizard, click on the Tools menu and then choose Letter Wizard. The Wizard will present the three styles mentioned here and input the date, sender address and recipient address into the selected format. Letter Wizard should only be used if you have a basic understanding of how to write a business letter. Its templates are not applicable in every setting. Therefore, you should consult a business writing handbook if you have any questions or doubt the accuracy of the Letter Wizard.

Another important factor in the readability of a letter is the font. The generally accepted font is Times New Roman, size 12, although other fonts such as Arial may be used. When choosing a font, always consider your audience. If you are writing to a conservative company, you may want to use Times New Roman. However, if you are writing to a more liberal company, you have a little more freedom when choosing fonts.

Punctuation

Punctuation after the salutation and closing - use a colon (:) after the salutation (never a comma) and a comma (,) after the closing. In some circumstances, you may also use a less common format, known as open punctuation. For this style, punctuation is excluded after the salutation and the closing.

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20 English Writing Rules and Tips to Instantly Improve Your Writing

English writing skills are super important for learners.

Whether you need to pass a test, complete an assignment or write an email to a co-worker, knowing how to say what you want to say in print is vital.

Sometimes you can get away with small mistakes when speaking, but they’ll be easily spotted in writing.

And while mistakes are a normal part of learning, you can avoid many of the most common ones by following some key rules.

Important English Writing Rules

Capitalize the right words, add commas and periods where needed, use the right tense , make sure your subject and verb agree, put adjectives and adverbs in the right order, make writing more natural with connectors, know the difference between who and whom, don’t mix up few, a few, fewer / little, a little and less, avoid double negation, use indirect speech and questions when needed , avoid the passive voice in informal writing, useful english writing tips, watch out for homonyms, be specific, break up long sentences, only use words you understand, be careful of false friends, answer “the five w” question words, don’t overuse the “to be” verbs, avoid ambiguity, revise what you’ve written… twice, and one more thing....

Download: This blog post is available as a convenient and portable PDF that you can take anywhere. Click here to get a copy. (Download)

Learn the following English grammar rules and you’ll get a solid foundation upon which you can start building your writing skills.

This may sound silly, but capitalization is actually important !

You wouldn’t write your name as mary or john , but Mary or John . It’s just as important to write Sunday and not sunday, and to use a capital letter after a period.

For example:

There are some capitalization errors in this sentence:

i will go to the beach on monday. do you want to come?

This is the correct version:

I will go to the beach on Monday. Do you want to come?

You don’t need to know everything about English punctuation from the very beginning, but you should at least master the use of commas and periods early on.

Periods are generally used to end a sentence, while commas are trickier. There are many reasons to use a comma but one basic rule is that commas are used when you would naturally pause in your sentence. For example, you would write: First, learn English punctuation rules.

There’s also a special kind of comma called the Oxford comma . This comma appears before the last item in a series of three or more items. If you follow the AP style , you won’t use it, whereas if you follow any other writing style like the Chicago style , you will.

In this example, there are no commas, so you would run out of breath by the end! It also never finishes since there’s no punctuation mark at the end:

First I went shopping then I was getting tired so I decided to go home It was an adventure

The following sentence is much easier to follow thanks to the punctuation marks:

First, I went shopping. Then, I was getting tired so I decided to go home. It was an adventure!

Here’s an example using the Oxford comma (Chicago style):

I need two pens, three notebooks, and one pencil.

And here’s one without the comma (AP style):

I need two pens, three notebooks and one pencil.

Learning English tenses is one of the first steps in our language-learning journey.

This isn’t random (by chance). Tenses are at the core of English grammar and without them, we wouldn’t be able to distinguish the past, the present and the future. Tenses allow us to communicate our ideas properly and say what happened when.

When you write, pay special attention to the tenses you use and make sure your choices are correct in the context.

This may be an example of the historical present , but it sounds weird since 1907 already passed:

He dies in 1907.

This sentence sounds more natural:

He died in 1907.

Subject-verb agreement is a rule that says that the subject and the verb of a sentence always have to agree. That is, they have to be in the same person and number.

You can’t use the third person plays if the subject is you, just as you can’t use have been when the subject is my mom.

These two sentences are incorrect:

The price of books are on the rise .

Mary go to school every day.

While these are correct:

The price of books is on the rise. (“Price” is the subject.)

Mary goes to school every day . (“Mary” is the subject.)

Adjectives can be a nightmare for some English learners, especially when they have to use more than one category of them in the same sentence.

While it’s important to know the order of adjectives , the very first rule you need to remember is that adjectives come before the noun in English.

This sentence would sound very wrong to a native English speaker:

I have bought a car white.

This sentence is correct:

I have bought a white car.

This also applies when you have several adjectives in the sentence. For example, here’s an incorrect sentence:

I bought a kitchen table beautiful long and wooden last week.

And here it is, corrected:

I bought a beautiful long wooden kitchen table last week.

English adverbs tend to be easier to master, although they also have their own order and rules.

Two important rules you should remember are that adverbs precede the adjective they modify and they normally come after the verb they modify , especially if they’re adverbs of manner and place.

These are two incorrect sentences:

Peter beautifully sings.

He is an intelligent very boy.

And here are the correct versions:

Peter sings beautifully.

He is a very intelligent boy.

Connectors , also called linking words, are words we use to link or connect phrases and sentences. Connectors are useful because they make our writing more fluid and natural.

When you don’t use connectors, your text tends to have short sentences. This is how children normally speak or write. When you add connectors to your work, you get closer to how native English speakers talk or write.

No native speaker would talk or write like this:

The car was very beautiful. I couldn’t afford it. I asked my brother for money. I bought the car.

This is much better writing:

The car was beautiful but I couldn’t afford it, so I asked my brother for money and bought it anyway.

Knowing the difference between who and whom and using them correctly can make a great difference in your writing. Even native English speakers often mix these two up!

A basic trick you can use to figure out which one to use is to try to replace “who” or “whom” with a pronoun. If you can say “he/she/they” in the sentence, use who. If you can use “him/her/them” instead, use whom.

Here are some examples of the correct and incorrect ways to use who and whom:

To who do you want to speak? (Incorrect) Who do you want to speak to? (Correct, informal) To whom do you want to speak? (Correct, formal)

There were 50 students, 12 of who were from Spain. (Incorrect) There were 50 students, 12 of whom were from Spain. (Correct)

To learn how and when to use English quantifiers , you should pay special attention whenever you see or hear one of them used.

The basic rule is to use few when you’re talking about something you can count (cats, TV shows, dollars), and use less when you’re talking about something uncountable (love, snow, money).

This is incorrect:

I have a little friends.

Since you can count how many friends you have, you would use few:

I have a few friends.

Here’s another incorrect example:

I couldn’t care fewer.

You can’t count caring, so you should use less here:

I couldn’t care less.

In order to write (and speak) well in English, you should always keep negation and double negation to a minimum whenever possible.

Remember that you shouldn’t use two negatives to make a positive, so watch out for tricky negative combinations. There are exceptions (which you’ll see in the example below), but this is a good general rule to follow.

Also, try to avoid a double negation if you can easily replace it with an affirmative sentence.

This sentence lost me after the first few words, Are you driving to the movie theater or not!?

I don’t know no way of not driving to the movie theater. (Definitely incorrect)

Here are two other ways you can say the same sentence, but this time without using so many negatives:

I don’t know how to drive to the movie theater. (Correct)

I don’t know any way of driving to the movie theater. (Correct)

The following sentence is technically correct, but only used when you want to react to someone saying someone is impolite.

He is not impolite.

This sentence is correct and neutral in meaning:

He is polite.

The rules of indirect speech can be difficult at first, but a good piece of writing will include it when necessary. This is another of those topics that can mean the difference between sounding like a beginner and a proficient writer.

Here are two incorrect examples:

He wanted to know what time is it?

They asked me “how do you know.”

And here are the correct versions of the same sentences:

He wanted to know what time it was.

They asked me how I knew.

Using the English passive voice will be necessary from time to time, especially if you have to write formally and impersonally. But if you’re just writing a school assignment or a simple email to a friend, try to avoid the passive voice whenever you can.

This sentence is grammatically correct but the way it’s phrased is very odd and unnatural:

Hi, John! The book I was told about by you has been found by me.

This is a much more natural way to say the same thing:

Hi, John! I have found the book you told me about!

Homonyms are words that sound or are spelled identically but have different meanings.

Take the word spring , for example. You may already know this is the name of one of the seasons, but did you know this word can also mean a piece of coiled (twisted) metal?

Getting to know the most common English homonyms and how they’re used will have a huge positive impact (influence, effect) on your writing. Teachers pay special attention to this, and they’ll lower your mark if you use the wrong words.

Many words in this sentence are confusing homonyms:

I sea you new that cereal killer, two.

Here is the same sentence, written correctly:

I see you knew that serial killer, too.

Try to be specific and write exactly what you need to write. Choose one topic and don’t add information that isn’t necessary or is off-topic (not related to the topic).

If you see that three or more sentences in a paragraph aren’t necessary, start writing that paragraph from scratch (from the beginning) again.

This is grammatically correct but very difficult to follow:

Writing is important to improve your English. My friend loves writing. He also reads and teaches little kids. Writing can help you become a better speaker of English, too.

Here’s a better option:

Practicing your writing skills will improve all your English language skills. I know that because my friend, who teaches little kids, told me.

With time, you’ll learn how to use English connectors like a professional writer, and you’ll recognize the difference between a sentence that’s acceptably long or unnecessarily long.

You should also avoid using too many short sentences together. This makes your writing sound choppy (uneven and not smooth).

This sentence is grammatically correct, but it can give you a headache:

Writing is an art that you, my dear reader, should master if you really want to convey your message properly and make the reader feel that what you have to say is not only interesting but also necessary for them to read and analyze during the process of reading it.

This sentence is a much better option:

Writing is an art you should master if you want to communicate properly. Your goal is to make the reader interested in what you write and give them something to think about.

This tip is quite self-explanatory (it explains itself, it’s obvious). If you don’t know the meaning of a word or expression, choose a different word or look up its meaning before you use it.

Trying to pretend you’re a walking dictionary doesn’t always give you good results, especially if you make a mistake and use the wrong word or spell it incorrectly.

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Two words in this sentence are incorrect:

Irregardless of whether you like it or not, the book entitled “Alice in Wonderland” is a classic.

You might think the previous sentence sounds smart, but entitled means “to believe that you have the right to something.” It doesn’t mean “having the title.” And irregardless is not even a word!

You can rewrite that sentence like this instead:

Whether you like it or not, the book titled “Alice in Wonderland” is a classic.

False friends are words that seem to mean one thing but mean something totally different. Depending on your native language, some words can be false friends for you or not.

One of the most famous cases of this is the Spanish word embarazada, which sounds like it means “embarrassed” in English but really means “pregnant.”

Have a look at some examples. Here’s the Spanish example I mentioned above:

Mary is embarrassed. (What you may say.)

Mary is pregnant. (What you wanted to say.)

Here’s an example from Polish:

He works in a fabric. (What you may say. This is also a Spanish false friend!)

He works in a factory. (What you wanted to say.)

Finally, let’s see a French example:

I love this pain! (You may, but I am sure you wanted to say the next sentence.)

I love this bread!

The five W’s are the main question words in English : What , where , when , who and why. Although it doesn’t start with W, you can also include how in this list.

If you’re writing an assignment, try to answer at least a few of these five questions, unless the topic is so specific that it wouldn’t make sense to do it.

For example, you don’t need to answer all five of them if you’re describing your best friend or talking about the weather, but you can if you’re describing your last holidays.

This example is okay, but it sounds odd because it includes too many unimportant details:

My dog’s name is Kira. She was born in 2016 in Poland. She was born because their parents had puppies.

In this example, all five W’s are answered because they add important information:

Last year I went to France on holiday because I wanted to visit the Eiffel Tower. I spent the whole month of July there with my girlfriend, and we bought a lot of presents for our friends.

“To be” is obviously a crucial and necessary English verb. It allows us to make descriptions, talk about age, occupations, relationships, etc. However, sometimes we use it a bit too much, especially when beginning to write in English.

There are several tricks you can use to reduce the number of unnecessary “to be” verbs in your writing. The most common one is making the person or thing doing the action the subject of the sentence.

This one is correct but it can be improved:

She is very pretty. She is a nurse devoted to her patients.

This is a much better option:

The pretty nurse devotes herself to her patients.

If you write a sentence that can be interpreted in two or more different ways, or it isn’t clear what it’s referring to, it’s an ambiguous sentence. You should try to avoid ambiguity so that the person reading what you write has a clear understanding of your writing.

There are many ways in which you can avoid being ambiguous, but one of the easiest ones is just to make sure the pronouns you use are clear in the context.

In the following sentence, it’s difficult to tell who was a good student, Mary or Sue:

Mary told Sue that she was a good student.

This next sentence makes it much clearer that Mary is the good student:

Mary described herself to Sue as a good student.

This tip might be obvious to many of you. When you finish writing, you have to revise your work and look for spelling, grammar and vocabulary errors.

Check whether sentences are too long or too short or if there’s any ambiguity in the text that can be easily solved. Look for false friends, homonyms and any other word you may have used incorrectly.

Take a break and give it a final second reading before sending, printing, or handing in your work.

Here’s what a sentence might look like before proofreading:

In conclusion, thre are thre ways too fry an egg.

Here’s a much cleaner sentence, after editing out the mistakes:

In conclusion, there are three ways to fry an egg.

Now that you’re familiar with some important English writing rules and tips, you can take your writing to the next level.

Reading will also help you improve your writing skills because you’ll learn new vocabulary and grammar structures that you can use when you write.

Remember that practice is super important when it comes to writing, so write often!

If you like learning English through movies and online media, you should also check out FluentU. FluentU lets you learn English from popular talk shows, catchy music videos and funny commercials , as you can see here:

If you want to watch it, the FluentU app has probably got it.

The FluentU app and website makes it really easy to watch English videos. There are captions that are interactive. That means you can tap on any word to see an image, definition, and useful examples.

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FluentU lets you learn engaging content with world famous celebrities.

For example, when you tap on the word "searching," you see this:

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FluentU lets you tap to look up any word.

Learn all the vocabulary in any video with quizzes. Swipe left or right to see more examples for the word you’re learning.

FluentU helps you learn fast with useful questions and multiple examples. Learn more.

The best part? FluentU remembers the vocabulary that you’re learning. It gives you extra practice with difficult words—and reminds you when it’s time to review what you’ve learned. You have a truly personalized experience.

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How to Write a Letter: Letter Writing Types and Examples

Updated on
Jan 11, 2024

Whether for an exam or important communication on the professional front, letter writing is both scoring as well as a paramount need in your everyday life. A letter of recommendation a resignation letter or even a relieving letter – all three require good letter-writing skills! Sometimes, writing a simple, informal letter can also be confusing. There can never be sufficient information on how to write the perfect letter along with the right font, spacing, and formatting! So here is a step-by-step guide to help you write or improve your letter-writing skills, for any important day or exam of your life.

This Blog Includes:

What is letter writing, why is it important to know how to write a letter, choose the right type of paper, use the font and format, write sender’s address , specify dateline , come to recipient’s address , insert greeting/salutation , body of letter , include complimentary close , signature text , attachments , types of letter, what type of letter should you write, what is a formal and informal letter, types of letter writing, write a letter to the editor, application for leave in office, write a letter to your friend, tips on how to write a letter, sending a letter, what’s p.s., the envelope, more topics under writing.

A letter is a type of written communication that can be written by hand or printed on paper. Although it is not required, it is frequently conveyed to the receiver via mail or post in an envelope. A letter, or a written discussion between two parties, is any such message that is sent through the mail.

The art of letter writing has taken a backseat now that E-mails (Advantages and Disadvantages), SMS, and other means of communication have become the norm. However, letters are still used for a lot of our communication, especially official communication. Letters are still a crucial means of communication, whether it’s a cover letter for a job, a bank reminder, or a college acceptance letter. This is why we must understand the nuances of letter writing.

How to Write a Letter?: Step-by-Step Guide

The following are the general guidelines for writing a letter:

You should type and print your letter on plain white paper. You may wish to print on nice resume paper depending on the circumstances for example if you’re sending a letter of reference or a cover letter with your resume. If you’re writing a business letter on behalf of your company, it’s a good idea to use company letterhead.

Your letter should be typed and printed on plain white paper. Depending on the circumstances—for example, if you’re sending a letter of reference or a cover letter with your resume —you might want to print on excellent resume paper. It’s a good idea to utilize company letterhead when sending a business letter on behalf of your company.

To begin, write your complete address in the upper left-hand corner, including your entire name, street address, city, state, and zip code. Learn how to write an address properly if you’re not comfortable with it.

Specify the date by skipping a line. Use the date you’re writing the letter.

Place the recipient’s entire address after skipping a line. The firm name, the recipient’s name and title, and the postal address must all be included in a professional letter. There’s no reason to mention the firm name or job position in an informal, personal letter.

To put the welcome, skip one more line. This is referred to as salutation. In a formal letter, you say “Dear Mr./Ms./Mrs. Last Name:” After the greeting, formal letters require a colon, whereas informal ones demand a comma. It’s acceptable to use the recipient’s first name followed by a comma in an informal letter.

Start the letter by skipping a line. Separate your thoughts into paragraphs in the body of your letter. You should never write a large block of text in one sitting. Begin a new paragraph for each new collection of thoughts or ideas. Between paragraphs, leave a blank line.

To incorporate a complimentary close, skip one of your final lines. “Sincerely,” “Yours truly,” “Regards,” or something similar can be used as a closure. Whether the letter is official or casual, a comma should always follow the word or phrase you choose to close it.

Skip three lines (where your handwritten signature will be inserted) and input your entire name. On the next line of a formal letter, you should also add your job title.

Skip one more line and type “Enclosure” if you’re including any attachments with your letter. If there are multiple attachments, use parentheses to indicate how many there are, as in “Enclosures (4).”

Also Read: How to Write a Letter of Resignation

Here are the different types of letters:

Chain letter
Letters patent
Audio letter
Cover letter
Recommendation Letter and the closely related employment reference letter
Letter of credence
Crossed letter
Informal letter
Poison pen letter
Business letter
Form letter
Letter of intent
Hybrid mail (semi-electronic delivery)
Letter of thanks
Dear John letter
Love letter
Letter of interest
Cease and desist letter
Complaint letter
Query letter
Letter of resignation
Letter to the editor
National Letter of Intent
Open letter
Letter of introduction
Letter of marque

In this game, there are no hard and fast rules. You’ll want to employ a different letter-writing structure depending on who you’re writing to. The greatest choice is usually a casual discussion with a friend or close relative. Many different types of letters can be written for a close family or acquaintance. Here are a few examples:

Handwritten letters
Emailed letters
Typed social media messages
Cover letters
Letters of intent
Value proposition letters
Business memorandum letters
Promotion letters
Reference letters
Resignation letters
Thank-you letters

Also Read: Reference Letter vs Letter of Recommendation

Let us have a look at some significant differences between formal and informal types of letters:

Let us talk about the different types of Letter Writing in a broader spectrum of formal and informal letters. Let us check some of the types of letter writing other than formal and informal letters:

Business Letter: This letter is written for business purposes and contains information like quotations, orders, claims, complaints, letters for collection, etc. These letters are extremely formal and follow a proper structure
Official Letter: This letter is written to inform offices, branches, and subordinates. These are for official information like rules, regulations, events, procedures, etc
Social Letter: A social letter is a personal letter written on the occasion of a special event. This includes invitations, congratulatory letters, condolence letters, etc
Circular Letter: A circular letter announces information to a large number of people. The letter is circulated to a large group to share information on change of address, change in management, the retirement of a partner etc.
Employment Letter: It is the type of letter that is written for the employment process like a joining letter, promotion letter, application letter, etc

Must Read: How to Write a Joining Letter?

Formal Letter Writing

While writing a formal letter, it is mandatory to stick to the format and follow a subtle and professional tone as these letters are written for official purposes and contain a professional issue to talk about. Following is a format of formal letter writing:

Sender’s Address : Mention the complete and accurate sender’s address in the top left section.
Date: It is mandatory to put in the date just below the address.
Reciever’s Address: The appropriate address of the receiver has to be mentioned in a similar order to the sender’s with the exact designation of the concerned person.
Subject: The subject is a one-line summary of the issue that is mentioned in the letter. It should be written very briefly within one line.
Greetings: Keeping in mind that it is a formal letter, the salutation must be formal and respectful. You can use Sir or Madam in this case.
Letter Body: It is the most important part of the letter. You can divide the content into two or three paragraphs as per the details. It should be formal and to the point.
Signature: While closing the letter, you can use ‘Yours Faithfully’ and then mention your name at the end.

Also Read: Formal Letter Format, Types, Samples, and Writing Tips

To clear all your letter-writing doubts, given below is a sample of how to craft an impeccable formal letter to the editor:

Here is a sample Leave Letter for working professionals:

Also Read: Leave Application Format for Office, School & College

Exploring Letter Writing for English? Don’t forget to go through Message Writing: Examples, Format & Samples .

Informal Letter Writing

As such, there is no strict format for writing an informal letter but it is advised to follow the usual pattern. As mentioned above, an informal letter is written to friends, relatives, classmates, etc. If you want to learn and score well in your English exam, here is a general pattern of informal letter writing that you can follow:

Address : Begin the letter by writing your address on the left-hand side of the sheet. It is mandatory to mention the address so that the receiver can reply and it is written on the top left.
Date: Immediately after the address, the date has to be written. It is compulsory to write and it should be in an expanded format.
Salutation: Be it informal or formal letter writing, you should greet the person you are writing the letter to. For example, if you are writing a letter to your friend then, you can use ‘Dear Kaysha’ .
First Paragraph : Since it is the introductory paragraph, you can start by asking about their well-being in a lighter and casual tone.
Second Paragraph: This is the main body where you can state your affairs. You can use a friendly tone for friends but if you are writing to an elderly relative, the tone should be polite and subtle.
Third Paragraph: It is the last paragraph where you have to summarise the message you want to convey through the letter. Conclude it with a goodbye message followed by a short statement mentioning that you await the reply.
Signature: While signing off, you can use a phrase like Best, Kindly, Lots of Love, etc.

Bonus:

List of Courses after 10th Standard
The Need For Career Counseling After 10th

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Here is a sample for a letter to a friend:

Know All About Acing English for Competitive Exams !

A well-written letter can ensure that you pass the right information to people. For every letter, the method changes. But there are a few things you must know about:

You must identify the type of letter you are writing
Ensure that the letter has a proper introduction and conclusion
Establish the intent of the letter
Be conscious of the language you use. It changes as per the type of letter you write
The length of the letter should be optimal. Not too long for the reader to get bored or too short that you are unable to share the information itself

The most difficult portion is over once you’ve determined that the envelope is the correct type. Now all you have to do is mail it. (You can always deliver it yourself if it’s a personal letter.) Simply write the intended recipient’s name on the outside of the envelope in this scenario. Write your name and address in the top left-hand corner or use a mailing label. Carefully write the recipient’s address in the centre of the envelope. International letters should include the country for both the destination and return address, in addition to the state abbreviation and zip code. The cost of postage varies. For current pricing, see the USPS website, or use a forever stamp for US destinations.

Make sure everything on the outside of the envelope is right. If that’s the case, fold your letter and neatly insert it inside. Seal it only after you’ve double-checked that you’ve included all of the pages you want to send. Isn’t it satisfying to send a letter that you know has been meticulously prepared? A well-written letter, without a doubt, has the best chance of succeeding.

Also, Read: How to Write a Motivation Letter for PhD Programs?

The abbreviation P.S. stands for postscript. It’s something you add after the letter is finished at the last minute. In most cases, postscripts aren’t used in formal letters; if you need to add something, you’ll have to rewrite the entire text to include the new information.

A first-class letter can only be 3.5 ounces in weight in the United States. If your letter is longer than three pages or is printed on thick paper, you’ll need to weigh it to ensure it fulfils the standards. The envelope’s size and shape are also important. It must be rectangular and less than 611 inches in length, or it will be returned to you by the post office.

You can check out the writing formats by clicking on additional topics below.

Feature Writing
Summary Writing
Difference Between Precis and Summary
Leave Application
Message Writing
Precis Writing
Travel Writer
Report Writing
Script Writing
Article Writing

Isn’t it satisfying to send a nicely crafted letter? A well-written letter, without a doubt, has the best chance of succeeding. To ensure that your letter truly shines, it must be error-free and create the appropriate tone. Use any writing assistance to detect spelling and grammatical errors, and provide formatting tips and guidance to help you produce clear, easy-to-follow emails that keep your recipient’s attention. Write the perfect letter and stand out for your amazing choice of words and structure.

Ans. To start writing a letter, you will have to know who you are writing to and the reason behind the letter. With that in mind, you can start drafting your letter with the Sender’s address on the left-hand side of the paper at the beginning, followed by the date.

Ans. Formal Letters and Informal Letters are the two basic styles of letter writing. Informal letters are written for whatever you wish to tell your friends or family, whereas formal letters are prepared for official purposes.

Ans. A letter can be divided into six halves. The sender’s address and date, the receiver’s address and date, the salutation, the body of the letter, the complimentary close, and the signature are all included.

Ans. The five steps of writing a letter are – writing the name, contact information, and date, writing the receiver’s name and information, writing the greeting and main body of the letter, writing complimentary closure, your name, and signature, and sending the letter.

Ans. The three types of letters are formal letters, semi-formal letters, and informal letters.

Thus, letter writing is an art in which one can excel with sufficient practice. If you are clueless about how to proceed after class 12th, then take the assistance of the professionals at Leverage Edu who will not only guide you in choosing the right university but will also help in completing the admission-related formalities!

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Open When Letters: Rules, Topics, How to Write & Examples

Updated 09/25/2023

Published 05/15/2020

Sarah Kessler

Contributing writer, editor

Discover how to write an open when letter, including rules, topics, step-by-step instructions, examples, and tips.

Cake values integrity and transparency. We follow a strict editorial process to provide you with the best content possible. We also may earn commission from purchases made through affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more in our affiliate disclosure .

When we send a letter, we usually want the recipient to open and read it right away. But “Open When Letters” are a little bit different. Instead of opening your letter as soon as it’s in their hands, your loved one waits to open the letter at a certain time.

Jump ahead to these sections:

What’s an open when letter, what are the rules for open when letters, who can you send open when letters to , open when letter topic ideas, how to write a great open when letter, open when letter examples.

Open When Letters are a perfect tool for supporting someone or just staying in touch with someone who’s far away. And whether someone you love is going through a hard time, or you just want to send a more interactive type of letter, an Open When Letter is worth trying out.

Keep reading if you want to learn more about Open When Letters, when you might want to use them, and how to write the perfect letter to support someone you care about. We'll also provide some examples of Open When letters that are already written to offer some inspiration.

Tip: If there's a loved one who passed away that you wish you could write to, you can consider other unique ways to honor them, whether it's with a custom urn from a store like Foreverence or a memorial diamond made from ashes with a company like Eterneva .

An Open When Letter is a letter you give someone to open and read at some point later on. You specify when you want your letter recipient to open the letter.

For example, you might give your significant other an “Open When You Miss Me” letter or give your best friend an “Open When You Need a Laugh” letter.

Open When Letters let you offer support to the people you love in the future when you might not be there in person. You can give someone just a single Open When Letter, or you can give them a set of Open When Letters if you think they’ll need more support.

Open When Letters are helpful in many situations, including long-distance relationships and whenever someone moves away. They’re a great way to care for someone from afar .

Open When Letters can also be to yourself, for you to open at some date or time in the future. You can even include some items with the Open When Letter, turning into a miniature time capsule .

In order for Open When Letters to work, all of the parties involved have to follow some simple rules. When you send or give your Open When Letter to a loved one, make sure they know the rules. You can even write them down on the outside of the envelope containing your Open When Letter.

Here are the rules for Open When Letters:

Only open when the letter really applies.
Only open one letter at a time (if you give multiple letters).
Don’t throw the letters away. You can read through them again after you run out of new letters!
Open the letters when you’re alone.
Don’t peek!

Upon hearing about Open When Letters, did a person immediately come to mind? Open When Letters can be written for anyone you love.

A friend who lives far away
Your spouse or partner on an extended trip
A person living in a nursing home
College student
Child at camp or on an extended trip

There are no rules on who can receive an Open When Letter.

So when should your friend, mother , father, sibling, significant other , or future self open their Open When Letter? It’s best to avoid specific dates, including birthdays, holidays, and anniversaries. For those special dates, you can usually mail a letter or card instead.

After all, you know which day, exactly, those events are going to occur. The exception is if you’re writing a letter to your future self to open on your 40th birthday or on some future date.

The purpose of an Open When Letter is for your loved one to open the letter at a moment’s notice, whenever they want a boost of support.

Here are some ideas for Open When Letter topics.

Open when you need some encouragement.
Open when you miss me.
Open when you’re having an awesome day.
Open when you’ve had a terrible day.
Open when you feel like crying.
Open when you turn 40.
Open when you ace your first exam.
Open when you get there.
Open when you need a hug.
Open when you need a kiss.
Open when you’re sick.
Open when you’re stressed.
Open when you feel like giving up.
Open when you're mad at me .

Writing an Open When Letter might sound like something you want to try, but you may not know how to begin.

If you want to write the perfect Open When Letter to give your loved one, consider the ideas below.

Step 1: Choose your “Open When”

To write an Open When Letter, you first need to decide when you want your loved one to open the letter. Do you want them to know you support them when they’re sad, homesick, or feeling alone? Look through the topics described in the section above and decide on one that suits your situation, or think of your own.

Step 2: Offer encouragement

Whether you’re writing a letter for someone who needs support, someone who’s having a great day, or to yourself, encouraging words should always be part of your Open When Letter. Let your loved one know how much they inspire you with their bravery in moving far away or remind your future self how far you’ve made it.

If you’re writing an Open When You’re Having a Great Day letter or similar, let your recipient know that they earned it, and encourage them to keep it up.

Step 3: Recall the past

Think back to times you’ve supported your loved one successfully. Have there been times when you helped them laugh through the pain? Have you reminded them that they’re worth taking time out for self-care?

If you’re writing a letter to your future self, think about the ways you’ve helped yourself feel better and ways other people have helped you through difficult times. Consider what you’ve appreciated hearing in similar situations in the past.

You can use those past events by writing about them in your letter, reminding yourself or your loved one how they’ve dealt with similar things before. Or you can offer words of support that are similar to those that have helped in the past.

Step 4: Include your sense of humor

When you’re feeling alone, or you want to share a special occasion with someone you love, humor is essential. As part of your Open When Letter, when it’s appropriate, include a joke you share with your recipient or make a lighthearted comment to make them smile.

For example, for an “Open When You Miss Me” letter, you can include photos of the mess you made in the kitchen or some other pet peeve your loved one has about your behavior.

For an “Open When You’re 40” letter, go online and have a photo of yourself aged up to predict what you’ll look like when you’re older. Include the aged-up photo along with your letter. When you open the letter, you can compare your looks to the technologically aged one and feel good that you “beat the odds.”

Step 5: Remind them they’re loved

Whether it’s a happy occasion or a more difficult one, you should wrap up your letter by reminding your recipient how important they are to the people in their life. Just the act of creating an Open When Letter will show your loved one how much they mean to you. But you should also spell it out for them in the letter itself by telling them how loved they truly are.

Step 6: Involve family and friends

If the person you’re writing to is far from home, consider asking other family members and friends to write messages, too. Fill them in on the “open when” topic so they know when the recipient will open the letter.

Have each person write a message of congratulations, encouragement, or well-wishes, in their own words. When the recipient of the letter opens it, they’ll be excited and refreshed to know how many people love them and care for them.

Step 7: Include some special items

In addition to a written letter, you can include some special items that relate to your Open When Letter topic. For example, for an “Open When You Miss Me” letter, you can add a handkerchief spritzed with your cologne or perfume.

For an “Open When You Feel Homesick” letter, include something particular to your loved one’s home or hometown.

Step 8: Write an “Open When You Receive These Letters” letter

If you’re sending multiple Open When Letters at one time, you can place one letter on top titled “Open When You Receive These Letters.” In the letter, you can offer some words of support and encouragement. Then give them the rules of your Open When Letters (see above) and explain that they have to wait to open each letter.

If you need some inspiration for your Open When Letter or just want an open when letter that's already written for you, read through some of the examples below.

Open When You Ace Your First Exam

You’re a genius, kid, keep it up! Here’s $50 to take yourself out to dinner. Love you and miss you so much!

Open When You Miss Me

I miss you more! Here’s something to remind you of me while we’re apart. I can’t wait until I can see you and squeeze you again.

Open When You’re Sick

You poor baby! Take all the time you need to rest and recuperate. I couldn’t fit chicken soup in the envelope, but here’s some soothing tea. I love you, and I’ll see you soon.

Open When You’re Having an Awesome Day

Nothing can stop you now! Of course you’re having an awesome day—you’re an awesome person. Life here is a little less awesome because you’re gone, but my life is all the more awesome with you in it, and I can’t wait to see you again.

Open When You Get There

Take a breath—you made it! Your first step on the road to a new life is behind you. Now it’s time to show the world what you’re made of! I know you can do it, and I’m so proud of you.

More Than Open When Letters

If an Open When Letter just doesn’t seem like enough, you can give your loved one Open When Packages. Consider a small, flat-rate box or envelope, in which you can mail your loved one a miniature care package. You can mail one at a time, or you can send your loved one a larger box filled with the smaller Open When parcels.

Whether you send heartfelt Open When Letters or opt for an Open When-style care package, it’s a great way to lend your support to someone you love, even when you’re far away.

infographic of topic ideas for open when letters

Categories:

45+ Message & Gift Ideas to Put In an Open When Letter

How to Write an Open When Letter to a Best Friend

How to Write an ‘Open When You're Stressed’ Letter

7 ‘Open When You Need Motivation’ Letter Ideas

Federal workers and return-to-work rules, plus other letters for May 13: ‘The protests are going to be in-person, virtual or hybrid?’

From left: Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, China's President Xi Jinping, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov raise their arms at the BRICS Summit in Johannesburg on Aug. 23, 2023. ALET PRETORIUS/The Canadian Press

Western ways

Re “The economy we have taken for granted is not coming back” (Report on Business, May 10): There is concern about rival countries, BRICS countries particularly, no longer being dependent on Western imports and exports.

Let’s remember that it’s a good thing for the billions of people in those countries, and ultimately for us all, that they develop their own domestic and regional markets. International trade and finance have long been unbalanced, with the United States (the country needing foreign investment the least) receiving the most foreign investment of any nation.

Its privileged status as issuer of the world’s reserve currency, which emerged as war-torn Europe paid back its American creditors, is an example of how historical circumstances have shaped the comparative advantages ascribed to the West.

Anya Hageman Department of Economics, Queen’s University; Kingston

As Canada is a very small market, our business culture somewhat conservative and exporting somewhat risky, might a way to encourage investment in our businesses be to give a tax deduction based on incremental sales export growth for non-commodity products?

Proposed capital-gains tax increases seem to need an offsetting tax benefit. This might reward and give incentive to take risks that benefit our economy most.

This can make firms more profitable and therefore meriting our investment.

Andrew Gravely Toronto

Re “Unions for federal workers promise ‘summer of discontent’ of hybrid work rules” (May 9): In the federal government’s revised policy on civil servants’ presence in their offices, there has been no consideration of its effects on the environment.

Surely such an initiative calls for a climate assessment, such as Infrastructure Canada uses in its review of funding applications. I find it highly likely that the harmful environmental effects of thousands of additional car trips will outweigh the questionable benefits of office teamwork and the profit of downtown businesses.

John Williams Ottawa

The federal unions plan to press the government to reverse its plans to force employees back to workplaces, more often through protests: no complaints about that.

The only question I have about the upcoming “summer of discontent” is whether the protests are going to be in-person, virtual or hybrid? Thanks.

Ward Jones Richmond Hill, Ont.

Carbon challenges

Re “Capital Power’s big carbon-capture project is on hold – it’s a sign that we have to work even harder on decarbonizing Canadian industry” (Report on Business, May 9): Despite claims of dramatic results for carbon capture and storage for the past 20 years, only 20 to 30 of these projects have been operational and annually capture a total of 35 to 40 megatonnes of carbon. That seems impressive, but annual global emissions are near 40 gigatonnes, meaning the total annual capture of emissions is 0.1 per cent.

Our federal tax dollars are a direct subsidy to a lucrative industry owned and operated in large part by fossil fuel companies. Even giving the benefit of doubt to the effectiveness of CCS and the tens of billions of dollars spent on federal subsidies, to raise the amount of emissions captured from Canada’s small share of global emissions by 10 per cent would require thousands more facilities, and one facility can cost $1.3-billion.

Richard van der Jagt MD, FRCPC; Ottawa

Geoff Strong Climate scientist; Cowichan Bay, B.C.

Information session

Re “Sexual health educators remain barred from Saskatchewan classrooms as concerns rise for students” (May 6): It was the early 1980s when I was fresh into teaching in a high-needs community. Many parents worked several jobs, often leaving their pubescent children to their own devices.

It was the dawn of the AIDS pandemic and sex education was crucial not just to help prevent unwanted pregnancies, but potentially deadly diseases as well. Students were so hungry for information that I set up an additional after-school program where they could ask anything in a more casual atmosphere.

Questions were anonymously submitted and it was obvious to me that most students were operating on dangerous misinformation about sexual health. There was no pushback from parents; I assume they were happy to be relieved of this task.

I like to think that we had a positive impact and helped prevent some sorry situations. Oh and, yes, we also engaged the legendary Sue Johanson on occasion to lighten things up.

Kathleen McPhie Oakville, Ont.

Re “Rex Murphy, veteran broadcaster and proud Newfoundlander, dead at 77″ (May 10): Seldom do we see someone in our own lifetime who is so intelligent, informed and insightful.

Rex Murphy always had something wise and relevant to say about the world we live in, and the people who populate it. His commentary was nothing short of brilliant, informative, entertaining and often hilariously funny.

Two of my all-time favourite gems from this incredibly gifted man: hearing him code-switch on CBC Radio’s Cross Country Checkup to a Newfoundland accent and dialect, when a caller identified himself as an outport resident, and carry on a genuinely friendly, colloquial chat for all to hear; and his comment that he felt it hard to feel any sympathy even if, in fact, it was “hard out here for a pimp.”

May he rest well and in peace. He was a true Canadian hero to be listened to, revered, remembered.

David Hughes Glass Saugeen Township, Ont.

For some reason, I woke up at 3 a.m. and quickly learned that Rex Murphy had died.

Gone now is our paragon of brilliant, original journalism, writing and public intellectualism. Fittingly, early online commentary on The Globe and Mail shows a cohort revelling in their paradoxical combination of ignorance and distaste for his superb body of work.

May my fellow Newfoundlander rest in peace, his words and presence not soon forgotten.

Barry Stagg Toronto

Re “The Leafs have ousted Sheldon Keefe. Who will be next to land The Greatest Job In Hockey™?” (Sports, May 10): Now that the Leafs have fired their coach, isn’t it about time they look at unloading president Brendan Shanahan?

J.G. Gilmour Calgary

Re “Canada has become the Toronto Maple Leafs” (Report on Business, May 10): Canadians should do what every good sports franchise does when failure to perform becomes the norm: Fire the coach, manager, scouts and trainers, clean out the executive suite, trade players and start over – and hope for a better outcome.

Clay Atcheson North Vancouver

Letters to the Editor should be exclusive to The Globe and Mail. Include your name, address and daytime phone number. Keep letters to 150 words or fewer. Letters may be edited for length and clarity. To submit a letter by e-mail, click here: [email protected]

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Letter | Tesla owners behave as if they are…

Opinion Letters to the Editor

Letter | tesla owners behave as if they are above traffic rules.

I wasn’t aware that when you bought a Tesla it allowed you to speed and basically ignore all traffic rules. I may have to start saving my money.

— Tom Mason, Scotts Valley

The Sentinel welcomes your letters to the editor. Letters should be short, no more than 175 words. We do not accept anonymous letters. Letter-writers should include their full name as well as a street address and telephone number. We don’t publish those details in the newspaper, but need the information for verification purposes. Occasionally, we reject letters simply because we’ve had so many on the same subject. Submit your letters online at www.santacruzsentinel.com/submit-letters.

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Letters to the Editor: A Latino moderator, mic cutoffs, no audiences: Reader ideas for Biden-Trump debates

Joe Biden and Donald Trump participate in their final presidential debate of 2020 in Nashville, Tenn.

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To the editor: Taking the plea by The Times’ editorial board for a civilized presidential debate one step further, I believe it is critical that a Latino or Latina moderate the discussion.

There has never been a Latino or Latina moderator in the history of presidential debates. At more than 36 million eligible voters , Latinos will make up one in seven voters this election. If the goal of presidential debates is to inform voters on their choices for president, then a moderator of Latino background this year is best suited to ask distinct questions that reflect the needs of this growing electorate.

In a recent poll of Latino voters in Arizona, California and Nevada commissioned by the Latino Community Foundation, more than one-third of respondents said they felt uninformed about President Biden’s 2024 policy agenda. That number rose to nearly half for former President Trump.

Given Latinos’ political significance in deciding the next president and Congress, it is vital we have someone uplift our community at the presidential debates this fall.

Christian Arana, Los Angeles

The writer is vice president of civic power and policy for the Latino Community Foundation.

To the editor: It’s not enough that moderators “deal decisively with nominees who bluster, bully, ignore time limits and engage in name calling by shutting off their microphones.”

We need mandatory dead mics when the other debater is speaking along with real-time fact checkers feeding the moderator to inject corrections with all mics turned off if a candidate lies.

Chris Pearson, Spring Valley

To the editor: It is possible to hold civil debates if the organizers would follow two simple rules.

First, the audience adds absolutely nothing to the process. Eliminate it entirely.

Second, the moderators should have the authority to shut off the microphones when the allowed time has expired.

The candidates will push as far as they can. Enforce the rules with zero tolerance.

Kevin Minihan, Los Angeles

To the editor: Rules should include limited physical spaces for each candidate and only one live microphone at a time. That one microphone should have a time limit and then be cut off automatically.

Yates Satterlee, Santa Barbara

To the editor: Instead of struggling to get Trump to follow the rules, suspend all rules and just put the candidates on stage together for a conversation about what they would do and why people should vote for them.

Let the chips fall where they may for voters to see who they like best. Wouldn’t that be fascinating?

Suzanne Taylor, Los Angeles

To the editor: I fail to see why some in the media keep urging Biden to debate Trump.

The former president has demonstrated more than once that he does not have a sufficient mastery of the facts on any topic to engage in a meaningful debate. What he does have is the trash-talking media presence of a stand-up comic.

To have Biden constantly interrupted and talked over by Trump prowling around on the stage behind him might make for good theater, but it would not be a real debate.

Gordon J. Louttit, Manhattan Beach

To the editor: I don’t think Biden should debate Trump, based on the fact that Trump cannot tell the truth, ever. A debate would be another 90-minute opportunity for the former president to lie to America.

However, since the Trump campaign has stated its candidate would debate Biden any time and at any place, I think the president should insist the debate be held in Central Park, on bicycles.

Edward Yeager, San Marino

Letters to the Editor: A $24 monthly fee for power? It’s time for solar users to go off grid

May 12, 2024

HOLLYWOOD, CA - JUNE 25: LAPD officers E. Rosales, left, and D. Castro, patrol the Metro Red Line Hollywood/Highland Metro Station as tourists pass by Thursday, June 25, 2020 in Hollywood, CA. The Metro Board of Directors held a meeting Thursday where the agenda included the consideration of appointing a committee to develop plans for replacing armed transit safety officers with ``smarter and more effective methods of providing public safety.'' Metro security is staffed by multiple agencies, including the L.A. County Sheriff's Department and L.A. and Long Beach police departments, transit security guards and contract security workers. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Letters to the Editor: To police standing around in Metro stations: Get on the trains

May 13, 2024

TOPSHOT - A pro-Palestinian demonstrator (C) is beaten by counter protesters attacking a pro-Palestinian encampment set up on the campus of the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) as clashes erupt, in Los Angeles on May 1, 2024. Clashes broke out on May 1, 2024 around pro-Palestinian demonstrations at the University of California, Los Angeles, US television media footage showed, as universities around the United States struggle to contain similar protests on dozens of campuses. (Photo by ETIENNE LAURENT / AFP) (Photo by ETIENNE LAURENT/AFP via Getty Images)

Letters to the Editor: My son was viciously attacked at UCLA. We feel betrayed by the university

May 4, 2024

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Norwalk, CA - October 29, 2023: Instructor Tom Nguyen, middle, founder of L.A. Progressive Shooters instructs Nikki Shrieves, 41, right, during a firearms education course in Norwalk, CA October 29, 2023. Nikki is holding a 9mm Glock. (Francine Orr/ Los Angeles Times)

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Los Angeles, CA - May 08: Pro-israeli supporters march at the “United for Israel" rally at the University of Southern California on Wednesday, May 8, 2024 in Los Angeles, CA. (Jason Armond / Los Angeles Times)

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Letters to the Editor | Letters: CalPERS’ responsibility | Anti-BDS law…

Letters to the Editor

CalPERS’ responsibility is also to taxpayers

Re: “ Pension investments in fossil fuels are not only futile, but dangerous ” (Page A6, May 2).

Once again, the Mercury News has chosen to print an opinion piece from a CalPERS beneficiary demanding the pension fund divest from a disfavored corporation, in this case, ExxonMobil.

As a taxpayer, I have these thoughts. If public employees had 401(k)s instead of taxpayer-guaranteed pensions, they could invest money as their conscience dictates. I support the transition from fossil fuels, but CalPERS is grossly underfunded, and the state has a massive budget deficit. Until CalPERS is fully funded (and even then) it is inappropriate for beneficiaries to dictate to the fiduciaries how to invest. Fiduciaries must consider the interests of the taxpayers and the state as well as retirees.

Also, if CalPERS and other large public pension funds were to divest and succeed in driving down the price of ExxonMobil stock, other willing buyers would step in. The price would not stay depressed.

David Reynolds Scotts Valley

Anti-BDS law ties schools to Israel’s deeds

Re: “ Calls for universities to divest from Israel impeded by state law ” (Page A1, April 28).

This California “anti-BDS” law raises some disturbing questions. Under AB 2844 , how many California universities and colleges are locked into financial ties with the Israeli military, with clear evidence of dthe genocide of Palestinians in Gaza? Recently the Netanyahu administration announced that they will “finish the job” in Rafah in Gaza, ostensibly to destroy Hamas terrorists.

Reportedly, as of January 2024, 37 states have passed “anti-BDS” laws, which seem to be based on the false premise that equates opposition to the state of Israel with antisemitism. A government is not a religion. American educational institutions and individuals should have the freedom to make decisions on divestment and financial relations with governments and other political entities.

Repeal AB 2844 now.

Diane Secor Campbell

State must strengthen rules on plastic use

Re: “ Earth Day: A look at what’s being done to decrease plastic use ” (April 19).

Plastics are a threat to ocean health but also to human health as nanoplastics have been found in the human placenta, breast milk and heart. They’re projected to take up between 10%-15% of the U.S. carbon budget by 2050, making them a crucial climate issue, too.

Consumers can help, but it’s ineffective to place the onus on them when living a plastic-free life is nearly impossible. California is implementing SB 54 , an extended producer responsibility bill that shifts the burden of waste management for single-use plastics off of consumers (taxpayers) and onto producers (big oil). However, folding to industry lobbying, the bill includes an exemption for “single-use material that presents unique challenges in complying,” which weakens its potential impact significantly.

Stronger legislation statewide and at the local level (for example, Marin County’s strict ban on single-use foodware plastics) is imperative to address our role in the plastic crisis.

Jacqueline Walsh Sunnyvale

Return to normal politics better than tit for tat

Re: “ Presidential immunity would apply to Biden ” (Page A6, May 1).

Myokyaw Myint thinks that a pre-emptive, tit-for-tat action by Joe Biden would be a win-win. This might seem to be a good plan if all you care about is winning, as Trump and his MAGA base seem to think.

Unfortunately, I would look at that action as a lose-lose. What we really need now is a return to what we considered normal before Trump. It would be best if we could put the absurd immunity issue behind us and look forward to rational government.

Bill Rosenberg Kings Mountain

Democrats must expand message beyond abortion

The Democrats endlessly lament the Dobbs decision that severely impacts the right to an abortion and affects about a million women annually. Yet the threat to our planet caused by methane, which is more potent at trapping heat than carbon dioxide, impacts us all.

But these facts are ignored by most Democratic representatives who raise millions of dollars from supporters by promoting the abortion issue and raise millions of dollars from special interests by remaining silent about the far more serious threats posed by methane and Medicare Advantage.

Remind your representative that if they want your vote, they must forego corporate PAC donations. Let’s not elect those who through their silence are complicit in the destruction of our planet and valued institutions.

Anne Bossange Saratoga

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Lala Kent Reveals the Real Reason She Moved to the Valley: "Let Me Be Very Clear..."

The Vanderpump Rules cast member responded to speculation surrounding her recent move.

Lala Kent recently moved into a home in the San Fernando Valley after living in an apartment in Los Angeles, California. In addition to sharing the details of the beautiful space (more on that below), the Vanderpump Rules cast member recently clarified her reasoning for moving after speculation she transitioned to the area to be on The Valley .

How to Watch

Watch Vanderpump Rules on Bravo Tuesdays at 8/7c and next day on Peacock . Catch up on the Bravo app .

"Let me be very clear," Lala began on the May 13 episode of her podcast, Give Them Lala . "I bought my house in the valley because it's all I could afford. I would have liked to have been in the Beverly Hills flats, bitch, but I can't afford it...yet."

Lala continued: "I did not move to the valley because I want to be on The Valley . I moved there because that's what I could afford."

See Inside Lala Kent's New House

Following her move to the Valley, Lala has shared views of her serene sitting room , spacious bedroom , and expansive outdoor space .

Lala Kent Shares a Look Inside the Gorgeous Kitchen in Her New Home (VIDEO)

Moreover, in the sneak peek of the Vanderpump Rules Season 11 reunion, which you can watch above, we got full views of Lala's kitchen, sitting room, and living room.

Details About Lala Kent's Vacation Home in Palm Springs

In addition to purchasing a new home in the Valley, Lala is keeping her vacation property in Palm Springs, perfect for getting away from the chaos of LA with her little one, Ocean Kent Emmett . In a recent interview, Lala opened up to NYLON about her Palm Springs abode, detailing her favorite finds in the area.

Lala Kent Opens Up About Her Palm Springs Vacation Home: "You Can Finally Breathe"

Lala revealed she typically leaves the Valley on Thursday afternoon to make it to the Palm Springs VillageFest held on Thursday nights. "There's something about Palm Springs where, as soon as you see the windmills when you're driving in, you can finally breathe," she told the outlet.

Lala also noted she loves getting brunch at Wilma & Frieda's and visiting the Desert Hills Premium Outlets for shopping.

Additionally, Lala said she and Ocean love hanging out at the pool in their backyard , which is understandable, considering the stunning view of the mountains .

A collage of Lala's backyard pool and Ocean napping.

Lala posts photos of her Palm Springs pool to Instagram Stories

The back patio area is also perfect entertaining friends, such as Lala's pal Scheana Shay , and her daughter, Summer Moon , who is besties with Ocean .

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1. Readers may submit letters for publication in the Football Daily Newsletter. Sometimes we run a competition that awards prizes for the letters submitted to the Football Daily (the “ Competition ”). These are the terms and conditions that apply to that prize Competition (“ Terms” ).

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Information

Regents gender-neutral rules, freight trains, super PAC ads

Rail freight can improve regional air quality and achieve climate neutrality. Credit: Newsday/Alejandra Villa Loarca

Gender-neutral idea a big loser for girls

The state Board of Regents believes the new proposed gender-neutral rules will open the door to more co-ed teams [“Gender-neutral rule pitched,” News, May 7]. The co-ed teams that they are trying to manufacture already exist in gym classes.

What this rule does is further devalue girls’ protections under Title IX and adds loss of safety, fairness and opportunities for girls across New York.

The article reported that both Robert Zayas, state Public High School Athletic Association executive director, and Regents board member Roger Tilles said “they do not expect the proposed rules to impact the controversies regarding transgender school athletes. Tilles noted the state already has rules for transgender issues, and these plans do not change them.”

While both Zayas and Tilles have made sure the transgender athletes remain protected, I ask: Who is protecting our girls? The past few years, girls have had to endure biological boys in their bathrooms, in locker rooms and on their teams, taking away roster spots and records. How much more do they have to give up?

— Maureen Liantonio, Locust Valley

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Will Rogers supposedly said, “If stupidity got us into this mess, then why can’t it get us out?” Well, this seems to be the conundrum that the Board of Regents has gotten itself into with its revised proposal of gender-neutral rules for sports.

We parents have taught our children that people come in all shapes, colors and sizes, and that every individual is entitled to equal respect. But people also come in only two distinct “models,” male or female. Each model has a distinct genome designed for the species’ propagation.

Most males and females are not designed with equal strength. This is biology. Political correctness is irrelevant. So “Robert” cannot become “Roberta” just because he cannot defeat Tom, Dick or Harry in sports but he knows he is stronger than Sue. Biologically, he is still Robert.

Sue should and must compete against other females on an equal basis without men in the game or locker room. If the Board of Regents does not understand Will Rogers as it ignores Title IX, maybe the board members should take biology again because they seem to have failed it in high school.

— Richard Staudt, Mount Sinai

Freight trains better for air than trucks

The American Lung Association report giving Suffolk County a failing grade for high ozone levels is troubling [“Suffolk ozone cited again,” News, April 26].

While the report is specific to ozone pollution, air quality is a persistent regional problem. Rail freight can improve regional air quality and achieve climate neutrality.

Unlike other modes of transportation, it produces fewer greenhouse gases and particulate emissions.

Here’s why: A single 25-car freight train carries as much cargo as 100 trucks, significantly reducing transportation emissions. It also eases the burden of truck traffic on our roads, making them less congested and reducing stress on the infrastructure.

New York & Atlantic Railway, a short-line freight railroad operating under contract with the Long Island Rail Road, operates a fleet of locomotives, including several newer, clean-burning engines that run on ultra-low-sulfur diesel, adhering to the Environmental Protection Agency’s stringent emissions standards.

Railcars sharing the tracks with the densest passenger system in the United States remove over 120,000 heavy truck trips from roads throughout the metropolitan area, resulting in a significant reduction of emissions by 75%.

Until technology finds a solution for moving bulk freight in a carbon-free, cost-effective manner, rail is essential in achieving New York’s aggressive carbon-reduction goals by offering low-carbon transportation solutions.

— James P. Bonner, Hempstead

The writer is president of New York & Atlantic Railway.

Put the kibosh on misleading PAC ads

Roger G. Wieand’s guest essay, “It’s time to expose the source of dark money” [Opinion, May 2], was right on point. These super political action committees have been skirting the law in elections, and this behavior must end.

A point not made is that super PAC ads are not always truthful. There is no accountability, and either the ads contain lies or candidates are quoted out of context in order to skew a certain view.

When a candidate’s campaign creates an ad, the wording “I approve this message” must be included to show authenticity. The 2002 Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act included this Stand by Your Ad provision. The super PACs do not need to adhere to this practice, thus creating the exaggerations and untruths.

— Christine Gietschier, Westbury

WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO JOIN OUR DAILY CONVERSATION. Just go to newsday.com/submitaletter and follow the prompts. Or email your opinion to [email protected] . Submissions should be no more than 200 words. Please provide your full name, hometown, phone number and any relevant expertise or affiliation. Include the headline and date of the article you are responding to. Letters become the property of Newsday and are edited for all media. Due to volume, readers are limited to one letter in print every 45 days . Published letters reflect the ratio received on each topic.

Sarasota's students are expected to follow rules. Why doesn't the School Board?

Sarasota County School Board members Karen Rose, left, and Bridget Ziegler listen to public comments during a Dec. 12, 2023, meeting.

School Board picks, chooses laws to follow

Once again, the Sarasota County School Board majority of Bridget Ziegler, Karen Rose, Robyn Marinelli and Tim Enos has engaged in blatant hypocrisy, voting to approve a Ziegler resolution to ignore new federal rules for Title IX.

Title IX ensures nondiscrimination and an equal opportunity to public education for students. The new rules add gender identity and sexual orientation as protected classes. They do not deal with transgender students playing in single-sex sports, as Ziegler has indicated to mislead the public.

Write to us: How to send a letter to the editor

Enos has repeatedly stated that as a 32-year law enforcement officer, he always follows the rule of law. Marinelli and Rose have repeatedly stated they don’t make the laws but must follow them.

Four sworn constitutional officers have loudly and publicly chosen to ignore a federal law, just because they don’t like it. And they’ve sent a message to LGBTQ students that they shouldn’t have equal rights under the law.

These four think the rule of law is a smorgasbord. You can pick and choose which laws you will follow, based on what you like.

What kind of example does this set for our children when our School Board refuses to follow the rule of law? Are we becoming a banana republic?

Lisa Schurr, Sarasota

Ban on fake meat will worsen climate

Florida’s ban on safe, eco-friendly meat that is humanely cultivated from animal cells not only tramples on our personal freedom to make conscientious choices but also helps to ensure that residents will suffer the devastating impacts of stronger and deadlier hurricanes due to worsening climate conditions.

The bill Gov. Ron DeSantis signed May 1 banned lab-grown meat, also called “cultivated” meat because it’s grown from animal stem cells. The ban is meant to protect cattle ranchers and the “integrity of American agriculture,” he said.

Animal agriculture is responsible for 65% of global emissions of nitrous oxide − a gas with 296 times the climate-changing power of carbon dioxide − in addition to massive amounts of other greenhouse gases.

As we continue to dangerously alter the Earth’s atmosphere, extreme weather events become more frequent and more severe. Oxford Martin School researchers found that if everyone stopped eating animal flesh, we would save more than 8 million lives by 2050.

And, despite the recent bans, a report from the consultancy Kearney predicts that by 2040, 60% of the “meat” people eat will be grown or replaced by vegan meat.

Thankfully, we don’t have to wait for cultivated meat or reasonable policy: A stroll down the aisle at Publix shows that healthy, humane vegan meat is at our fingertips.

Michelle Reynolds, North Port

Florida teacher pay low but education No. 1

I'm responding to the May 8 article decrying Florida’s ranking No. 50 for average teacher pay in the nation.

The article's author may be surprised to learn that Florida has been ranked No. 1 in overall education by U.S. News & World Report for the second straight year (which, incidentally, encompasses Ron DeSantis’ tenure as governor).

Statistics prove again and again that, for the most part, teachers don’t become teachers for the money; it is a calling. They should, of course, be compensated fairly, but the false equation of quality with quantity is far more harmful than helpful where our children are concerned.

The left needs to focus on improving the quality of education rather than its self-serving mantra, “We’re striking for the children.”

Mel Hoffman, Sarasota

Antisemitic to cut off bombs to Israel

President Joe Biden stopped a shipment of bombs to Israel . Are you kidding me? That’s the worst case of antisemitism.

Israel wants and needs this conflict to end. To save innocent lives and for Israel to survive, it needs the ammunition it receives from the U.S. to finish the job and start rebuilding.

Hamas must be doubled over laughing at the support it is getting at these protests. Not all of the protesters are students – and do these protesters even know the history of the region? There is never any mention that Hamas continues to send bombs into Israel. Who’s supplying Hamas with these weapons?

By the way, where are the leaders of Hamas? Sitting in some luxury surroundings, no doubt, far from harm’s way.

Israel seems to get bad press regardless of what it says or does. It is a democratic country, unlike the majority of countries in that region.

My advice to Israel: You need to go it alone; your allies and friends(?) can’t be relied on for support.

The Israelis need to do whatever is necessary to protect themselves and save their country.

Brenda Frank, Sarasota

Vote for leaders who care about climate

I applaud your important guest column April 29, “Climate pollution puts Florida at risk. Why won't our leaders act?”

The answer, of course, is that they are the wrong leaders.

Our current leaders in Tallahassee expend little effort to study and improve reality. Lazily, they legislate based on their personal beliefs and opinions, an effort that requires no learning at all.

The writer’s knowledge of reality in his second year of college has already surpassed theirs. If he ran for office, I'd vote for him.

There are real answers to the climate crisis, and the proper political will would give them a timely and critically needed boost. It is important, therefore, to have good, reality-based leaders. We can ensure that on Nov. 5.

John Darovec, Bradenton

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Formal Letter Format: How to Write a Formal Letter
4) Use the right greeting or salutation. The tip to starting a formal English letter is to greet the person you're writing to in the correct way. This is known as the 'Salutation'. If you know the name of the person you're writing to then use 'Sir' or 'Madam' here, otherwise write their full name, including their title.
Writing a Formal Letter—A Quick Guide
All you have to do is follow the steps below. Writing a formal letter is easy if you follow these steps. Write your name, contact information, and date. Add your recipient's name and contact information. Then, move on to the greeting and the body. End your letter with a complimentary close. Send your letter.
How To Write a Letter (With Types and Example)
These are the general rules you should follow to write a letter: Choose the right type of paper. Use the right formatting. Choose between block or indented form. Include addresses and the date. Include a salutation. Write the body of your letter. Include a complimentary close. List additional information.
How to Write a Letter
Address the letter to 'Head of Customer Service' at the company address, then use 'Dear Sir'. ' Dear Sir ' is technically the correct form when you do not know the name of the person, but many people prefer ' Dear Sir or Madam '. Google the name of the person who heads that department, and use their name.
Formal Letter Format
Congratulations! You have finished the first part of the letter, and can move on to writing out the recipient's information. 3. Recipient's name and address on a formal letter. The recipient's information (the person you are sending the letter to) should always be formatted along the left-hand side of the letter.
How to Write a Letter
Letter Writing 101. Unlike writing a formal letter, informal letters have fewer rules that need to be followed. The three main components of writing a letter are starting, writing the body, and ending a letter.. How to Start a Letter. The first line in your letter should be the date that you're writing it.
How to Write a Letter
Just the date will do. 6. Type the Recipient's Address. After the date, skip a line and type the name and address of the recipient, left justified for both block and indented form. If the letter is going to the company where the recipient works, the name of the recipient goes first, followed by the name of the company.
Letter Writing Etiquette
Proofread: Always print out a copy of your letter and read it before signing and mailing. Look that the margins and format are pleasing to the eye. Read the letter for spelling, grammar, and correct contact. 11. Folding: One of my biggest frustrations in receiving a letter is how sloppy and incorrectly it is folded.
How To Write a Formal Letter
1. Write your name and contact information. In the upper left-hand corner of the letter, include your name or your company's name. Follow it with your address in the lines below. 2. Include the date. Next, make sure to include the date of the letter in the upper left-hand corner.
How to write a formal letter
CEFR Level. B1-B2. Time. 5-10 minutes. Skills. Grammar. Writing. Practise how to write a formal letter in this writing and grammar exercise. You need to choose the correct words or phrases to write a formal letter.
How to Write a Formal Letter in English
Let's take a look at how to write a letter: 1. Avoid slang, everyday language, and contractions. When you use slang words and contractions in a formal letter, the recipient won't take you as seriously. Here are some examples of contractions: I'm, it's, can't, it'll, you'd, I'd, you'll.
How to write a formal letter
Beginning and ending your letter. Beginning: Most formal letters will start with 'Dear' before the name of the person that you are writing to. You can choose to use first name and surname, or ...
Writing a letter
Use a conventional structure - include the address of the writer at the top, a date and an opening greeting 'Dear …'. You should end your letter with a standard phrase such as 'Yours sincerely' (if you know the reader's name). Formal letters also include the address of the reader at the top. Use linking words and phrases which ...
How to Write a Letter: A Guide to Informal and Formal English
Write your full name and address even if it is an informal letter. Divide your letter into small paragraphs. Keep your writing simple. Make a good choice of words especially if you are writing an apology letter or a letter to express your condolences in case of a death.; Most people close the letter with phrases like 'Yours affectionately/With love/All the best/Take care' etc.
Formal Letter Writing in English
Structure of a Formal Letter. In order to be able to write a formal letter, you have to first understand the reason behind the letter. As far as formal letters are concerned, the structure of the letter changes depending on the type of letter. There are certain rules to be followed to be able to draft a formal letter.
Writing the Basic Business Letter
For block and modified block formats, single space and left justify each paragraph within the body of the letter. Leave a blank line between each paragraph. When writing a business letter, be careful to remember that conciseness is very important. In the first paragraph, consider a friendly opening and then a statement of the main point.
20 English Writing Rules and Tips to Instantly Improve Your Writing
Important English Writing Rules. Capitalize the right words. Add commas and periods where needed. Use the right tense. Make sure your subject and verb agree. Put adjectives and adverbs in the right order. Make writing more natural with connectors. Know the difference between who and whom.
How to Write a Letter: Letter Writing Types and Examples
Ans. The five steps of writing a letter are - writing the name, contact information, and date, writing the receiver's name and information, writing the greeting and main body of the letter, writing complimentary closure, your name, and signature, and sending the letter. Q5.
Open When Letters: Rules, Topics, How to Write & Examples
When you send or give your Open When Letter to a loved one, make sure they know the rules. You can even write them down on the outside of the envelope containing your Open When Letter. Here are the rules for Open When Letters: Only open when the letter really applies. Only open one letter at a time (if you give multiple letters).
Letters: SNAP rules on work need flexibility
Letters: SNAP rules on work need flexibility to aid families. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides food benefits to low-income Louisiana residents. Currently moving ...
Federal workers and return-to-work rules, plus other letters for May 13
Include your name, address and daytime phone number. Keep letters to 150 words or fewer. Letters may be edited for length and clarity. To submit a letter by e-mail, click here: letters ...
Spanish minister's letters to firms in Israel drive wedge in ruling
The Spanish government has distanced itself from letters written by a minister from the left-wing junior coalition partner urging Spanish companies in Israel to ensure they did not abet human ...
Letter
Letter | Tesla owners behave as if they are above traffic rules. By Letters to the Editor | Santa Cruz Sentinel. May 12, 2024 at 4:29 p.m. I wasn't aware that when you bought a Tesla it allowed ...
Letters to the Editor: A Latino moderator, mic cutoffs, no audiences
To the editor: It is possible to hold civil debates if the organizers would follow two simple rules. First, the audience adds absolutely nothing to the process. Eliminate it entirely. Second, the ...
Letters: CalPERS' responsibility
Submit your letter to the editor via this form.Read more Letters to the Editor. CalPERS' responsibility is also to taxpayers. Re: "Pension investments in fossil fuels are not only futile, but ...
Lala Kent Reveals Why She Moved to the Valley
Lala's former Vanderpump Rules castmates Jax Taylor, Brittany Cartwright, and Kristen Doute joined The Valley for Season 1, but Lala was sure to make it clear on her podcast that she didn't move ...
Terms and conditions
3. By submitting an entry to the Competition, entrants are deemed to have accepted these Terms. If you have any questions about the Competition or would like any more information you can contact ...
Regents gender-neutral rules, freight trains, super PAC ads
Gender-neutral idea a big loser for girls. The state Board of Regents believes the new proposed gender-neutral rules will open the door to more co-ed teams ["Gender-neutral rule pitched," News ...
Sarasota's School Board is big on hypocrisy, weak on following rules
Write to us:How to send a letter to the editor Enos has repeatedly stated that as a 32-year law enforcement officer, he always follows the rule of law. Marinelli and Rose have repeatedly stated ...

How to Write a Letter

The General Structure of a Letter

Particular Types of Letter: Special Cases

Thanking Someone for their Hospitality or for a Gift

Thanking Someone at Work

A Letter Writing Rule of Thumb

Letter Writing Etiquette

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Right is Right, and Wrong is Wrong, Right?

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How to write an informal email

Order of events

Formal and informal verbs

How to Write a Formal Letter in English

Kelsey Krahn

General Rules to Follow When Writing a Formal Letter in English

1. Avoid slang, everyday language, and contractions

2. Use appropriate greetings

3. Sign off politely

4. Only write one page

5. Pay attention to the technical structure

Let's Write a Letter in English

Kara King's cover letter

The Outline for an English Formal Letter

General Proofreading Tips

In conclusion

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Writing a letter

How to Write a Letter: A Guide to Informal and Formal English

How to Write A Letter in English

Informal Letter

Formal Letter

Informal Letter Writing

Characteristics of Informal Letters

Tips for Writing Informal Letters

Formal Letter Writing

Characteristics of Formal Letters

Tips for Writing Formal Letters

Differences between Informal and Formal Letters

The layout of informal and formal letters

Informal Letters:

Formal Letters:

How to Start and End a Letter

Starting a Letter

Ending a Letter

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing a Letter

Related posts:

Formal Letter Writing in English - Definition, Format and Writing Samples

Table of Contents

Writing a Formal Letter – Parts of a Formal Letter

Structure of a Formal Letter

Types of Formal Letters

Business Letters

Formal Letter Sample 1 – Letter to the publisher ordering books for your store

Formal Letter Sample 2 – Letter to the Editor about a road that needs repair

FAQ on Formal Letter Writing Format in English

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Important English Writing Rules

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How to Write a Letter: Letter Writing Types and Examples

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How to Write a Letter?: Step-by-Step Guide

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