Letter structure
How to start and end the letter?
Formal letter
When you don't know the recipient’s name:
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Dear Sir … Yours faithfully
Dear Madam … Yours faithfully
Dear Sir or Madam … Yours faithfully
When the recipient’s name is known:
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Dear Mr Green … Yours sincerely
Dear Mrs Green … Yours sincerely
Dear Miss Green … Yours sincerely
Dear Ms Green … Yours sincerely
Semi-formal letter
When you are writing to a good friend or colleague:
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Dear Jonh … Best wishes/ Best regards
Dear Jonh ... Many thanks
Informal letter
When you are writing to a good friend or colleague:
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Hello Jonh … Best wishes/ Best
Hi Jonh … See you/ Missing you/ Love
When you are writing to someone you love:
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Dear Mary … Yours always/ Lots of love
Letter openings
The letter's first paragraph is letter opening. In your first paragraph you should:
1. introduce yourself
2. state the purpose of the letter.
Examples of formal letter openings:
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I am writing to enquire about … .
I am writing to request ... .
I am writing to explain why ... .
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I am writing to express interest in ... .
I am writing to inform you that/about… .
I am writing to complain about (the fact that I)… .
After having seen your advertisement in … , I would like to… .
After having received your address from … , I … .
Thank you for your letter regarding/about … .
In reply to your letter of 18 June, … .
Examples of informal letter openings:
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Hi! My name is Noah and I've been assigned your drama coach… .
Hello, My name is Julia and I'm volunteer conducting student excursions… .
Hi there, I hope you're enjoying your holidays/ trip/ college year/ honeymoon… .
Hello, thanks very much for asking me to visit you ... .
Letter closings
You may need a letter closing to express gratitude, to repeat an apology, to offer help etc.
Examples of formal letter closings:
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If you require any further information, feel free to contact me.
I look forward to your reply.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Once again, I apologise for any inconvenience.
I would appreciate your immediate attention to this matter.
I would deeply appreciate it if you could ... .
Thank you in advance!
Thanking you for your assistance in advance, I look forward to hearing from you.
Examples of informal letter closings:
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Anyway, I‛ve got to go now. Write again if you need any more information.
Well, let me finish here. I am eagerly waiting for your reply to this letter.