Tips : How To Write a Business Letter in English

There are many different reasons for writing a business letter. However, most business letters follow some general guidelines as described below.

Difficulty: Average

Time Required: 40 minutes

Here's How:

1. Use block style - do not indent paragraphs.
2. Include address of the person you are writing to at the top of the letter, below your company address.
3. After the address, double space and include date
4. Double space (or as much as you need to put the body of the letter in the center) and include the salutation. Include Mr. for men or Ms for women, unless the recipient has a title such as Dr.
5. State a reference reason for your letter (i.e. 'With reference to our telephone conversation...'
6. Give the reason for writing (i.e. 'I am writing to you to confirm our order...')
7. Make any request you may have (i.e. 'I would be grateful if you could include a brochure...'
8. If there is to be further contact, refer to this contact (i.e. 'I look forward to meeting you at...')
9. Close the letter with a thank you (i.e. 'Thank you for your prompt help...')
10. Finish the letter with a salutation (i.e. 'Yours sincerely,')
11. Include 4 spaces and type your full name and title
12. sign the letter between the salutation and the typed name and title

Tips:

1. Keep the letter brief and to the point
2. Do not use shortened verb forms - write them out (i.e. 'don't instead of do not')
3. Always keep a copy of correspondence for future reference

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