This document provides tips for writing a formal letter. It recommends including the address and date in the top right corner of the letter. The recipient's name and address should be written on the left above the greeting. Proper greetings like "Dear..." and closings like "Yours faithfully" should be used. Formal language with expressions like "I would be grateful if..." is preferred over informal language. The letter should be divided into paragraphs. Examples of more and less formal expressions are provided to choose the proper tone for a formal letter.

1. Tips for writing a formal letterTips for writing a formal letter

2. Put your address and the date in the top
right-hand corner (but NOT your name)
When writing an email you shouldn’t
include any addresses.
The date would normally go under the
sender’s address and should be written
out in full (date month year)

3. Put the name and address of the person
you’re writing to on the left, above the
greeting.

4. Typical Openings and EndingsTypical Openings and Endings
Make sure you begin Dear…, and use a
formal ending (Yours faithfully or Yours
sincerely).
We do not use Dear manager to begin a
letter, even if we do not know the
person’s name. Dear Sir/Madam should be
used instead.
You should only finish Yours sincerely if
your know the name of the person. If
not, Yours faithfully should be used.

5. Use formal language (Could you…? I would
be grateful if you could…,etc.)

6. Divide your letter into at least three
paragraphs.

7. Formal ExpressionsFormal Expressions
I am writing to make a reservation…
I would like to apply for the job…
I would be grateful if you could send…
I enclose…
I am writing to enquire about…
I am afraid I will not be able to…
I am writing to express my dissatisfaction
with…

8. Which is the more formalWhich is the more formal
expression from each pair?expression from each pair?
Another thing/Secondly
The first problem was/Firstly
Best wishes/Yours faithfully
I expect to receive/You must send me
I know/I can accept
Please write soon/I look forward to
hearing from you
I am writing to complain about/I am really
angry about

9. Which is the more formalWhich is the more formal
expression from each pair?expression from each pair?
Another thing/Secondly
The first problem was/Firstly
Best wishes/Yours faithfully
I expect to receive/You must send me
I know/I can accept
Please write soon/I look forward to
hearing from you
I am writing to complain about/I am really
angry about

10. Which is the more formalWhich is the more formal
expression from each pair?expression from each pair?
Another thing/Secondly
The first problem was/Firstly
Best wishes/Yours faithfully
I expect to receive/You must send me
I know/I can accept
Please write soon/I look forward to
hearing from you
I am writing to complain about/I am really
angry about