Formal Letter

Last Updated: October 16, 2024

Formal Letter

Formal Letter

In the presence of formal email writing, letter writing has become less common. However, some letters that are written such as writing a letter for a job application, request for proposal, bank applications, remain important. A formal letter writing example follows the correct format that is used in every business application.

What Is a Formal Letter?

A formal letter writing or formal letter is a kind of business proposal letter. However, the term can be misleading since formal letters are not only used in business. Formal letters are written for formal purposes. Like applying for a loan in the bank, recommendation letter, complaint letter, reference letter example templates, and so on.

Formal Letter Examples Bundle

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Formal Letter Format

Your Name

[Your Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
[Email Address]
[Date]

Recipient’s Name

[Recipient’s Position/Title]
[Company/Organization Name]
[Company/Organization Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]

Subject

[Brief Subject of the Letter]

Dear

[Recipient’s Name/Title]

Opening Paragraph

Start with a polite greeting and state the purpose of your letter clearly. Mention the reason for your communication right away to establish the context.

Body Paragraph

Expand on the purpose of the letter. Include relevant details, facts, or explanations to support your main point. Use concise, professional language and maintain a polite tone. If there are multiple points, break them into separate paragraphs for clarity.

Closing Paragraph

Summarize your message or request. Mention any follow-up actions, like expecting a response or indicating you are available for further discussion. Thank the recipient for their time and consideration.

Sincerely

[Your Name]
[Your Position/Title, if applicable]
[Contact Information, if necessary]

Formal Letter Example

John Smith
123 Maple Street
Springfield, IL 62704
[email protected]
October 16, 2024

Mr. Robert Johnson
Customer Service Manager
ABC Corporation
456 Elm Avenue
Chicago, IL 60601

Subject: Inquiry Regarding Product Availability and Pricing

Dear Mr. Johnson,

I am writing to inquire about the availability and pricing of your company’s latest line of office furniture. We are considering a bulk purchase for our new office location and would appreciate detailed information regarding your products, including any volume discounts or promotional offers available.

Specifically, we are interested in ergonomic chairs and modular desks that would suit a modern, open-office layout. Additionally, we would like to know about shipping options, lead times, and warranties for these products.

Please let us know if there are catalogs, brochures, or a website we can refer to for further details. You may reach me at the above email address or by phone at (555) 123-4567. I look forward to your response.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Sincerely,
John Smith
Purchasing Coordinator

Short Formal Letter Example

Emma Brown
456 Pine Road
Houston, TX 77002
[email protected]
October 16, 2024

Mr. James Lee
Human Resources Manager
XYZ Corporation
789 Oak Street
Houston, TX 77002

Subject: Request for Leave on October 23, 2024

Dear Mr. Lee,

I am writing to formally request a day off on October 23, 2024, due to a personal commitment. I have ensured that all my responsibilities will be covered in my absence, and I will be reachable via email if needed.

Thank you for considering my request. Please let me know if you need any additional information.

Sincerely,
Emma Brown

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How to Make a Formal Letter

When you think of doing formal letter writing, the very first thing you are going to be asking yourself is how formal do you need it to be? There are of course the do’s and the don’ts when making the letter. Here are guidelines to help you create your formal letter.

  1. Step 1: Always Provide Your Name and Address as the Sender

    Important thing to notice is to always provide your complete details. This includes your complete name, your complete address and your complete contact details to the sender. This piece of information is necessary for any formal letter you are writing.

  2. Step 2: Avoid Using Unfamiliar Slang, Jargon, and Complex Language

    Never use unfamiliar slang, jargon, or complex languages. This can lead to unnecessary arguments or misinterpreted information on both ends. In order for your letter to come across as professional and formal, avoid using slang and jargon. Use basic or general words.

  3. Step 3: Make Your Message Clear and Concise

    When writing formal letters, always make sure that you are making your messages clear and concise. Avoid having to go around in circles, which is going to make your messages unclear and difficult to comprehend. Get straight to the point in a formal and professional manner.

  4. Step 4: Proofread to Avoid Any Wrong Grammar, Spellings, and Punctuation – Make this bold

    Lastly, always remember to proofread your work. Before sending the letter, check for any grammar mistakes, spelling mistakes, and punctuation mistakes. Your letter would look unprofessional if the receiver would see a lot of grammar mistakes and misspelled words.

Tips For Writing Formal Letter

  • Use a Professional Format
    Include your address, the date, the recipient’s address, a salutation, the body, a closing statement, and your signature. This structure ensures your letter looks organized and professional.
  • Be Clear and Concise
    State your purpose early in the letter, and keep your sentences brief. Avoid adding unnecessary details so the recipient can quickly understand your message.
  • Maintain a Formal Tone
    Use polite, respectful language and avoid slang or casual expressions. Address the recipient with their title and last name (e.g., “Dear Ms. Green”) and use a formal closing, such as “Sincerely” or “Respectfully.”
  • Proofread Carefully
    Check for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors to ensure your letter is polished and error-free. Reading the letter aloud can help catch mistakes and improve clarity.
  • Include Contact Information and Make a Copy
    Provide your phone number or email for easy follow-up. Keep a copy of the letter for your records in case you need to refer to it later.

FAQs

What is a formal letter?

A formal letter is a written communication following a specific format, used for professional or official purposes, such as business inquiries, job applications, or formal requests.

How should I structure a formal letter?

A formal letter typically includes your address, the date, the recipient’s address, a formal salutation, the body of the letter, a closing statement, and your signature.

What tone should a formal letter have?

Use a respectful, professional, and polite tone. Avoid slang or casual language, and keep your sentences clear and concise.

How do I properly address the recipient?

Start with “Dear” followed by the recipient’s title and last name (e.g., “Dear Mr. Smith”). If you don’t know their name, you can use a general greeting like “To Whom It May Concern.”

What is the best way to close a formal letter?

End with a polite closing phrase like “Sincerely” or “Yours faithfully,” followed by your full name and, if relevant, your job title.

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