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.

Table of Contents
 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

Definition of a Formal Letter

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

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

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.

Letters to Newspapers

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.

Writing a Formal Letter – Parts of a Formal Letter

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.

1. Always start with the sender’s address

2. This is followed by the date.
3. The receiver’s address comes next. The receiver can be the name of the firm
or the one who represents the firm.
4. 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.
5. 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’.
6. The body of the letter can be written in 3 paragraphs.
 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.
7. To close the letter, you can use a complimentary closing like ‘Yours faithfully’,
‘Yours sincerely’ etc.
8. Unlike informal letters, the signature should include your name (in block letters)
and designation below your signature.

Formal Letter Writing Samples

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

Javed

Read More Book Store

24, Crosby Lane

Bangalore 600045
20th August, 2019

The Manager

Zack Publishing House

Mumbai 400012

Subject: Requirement of new books for the store

Dear Sir,

I have received the books that you sent last week. The books are in perfect condition,
and they were delivered on time. Owing to the great service rendered, I would like to
order more books that would be a great addition to the wide range of books available at
my store. Given below is a list of books that I would like to purchase:

Title of the Book Author No. of

Copies

Wuthering Heights Emily Bronte 3

Treasure Island R L Stevenson 2

A Brief History of Stephen 4

Time Hawking

Surely You’re Joking, Richard 2

Mr. Feynman! Feynman

I shall be grateful if you could send me copies of these books as mentioned by VPP as
early as possible to the address given.
Thank you in advance.

Yours faithfully,

Signature

JAVED

Manager, Read More Book Store

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

Ganesh

25, SS Street

Cheran Nagar

Coimbatore 641023

8th September, 2019

The Editor

The Hindu

Coimbatore

Subject: Repair of the road in Cheran Nagar

Sir,
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,

Signature

GANESH

Resident

More Formal Letter Samples,

Application for ATM Card Cheque Book

Request Letter

Application for Bank Complaint Letter

Statement Format

Application For Character Consent Letter

Certificate
Application for Closing Bank Enquiry Letter
Account

Application for College Formal Invitation

Leaving Certificate Letter

Application for Full Fee Job Application

Concession In School Letter Format

Application for TC by Parents Letter to Editor

Format

Application to the Bank Letter to Principal

Manager to Change Your for TC
Mobile
Number

Job Application Letter Format Letter to Principal

Leave Application for School Order Letter

Writing a Leave Application Permission Letter

for Office for Personal Work Format

Apology Letter Format Police Complaint

Letter

Appointment Letter Quotation Letter

Format

ATM Card Missing Letter Relieving Letter

Format

Authorization Letter Salary Increment

 Letter

FAQ on Formal Letter Writing Format in English

Q1

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.
Q2

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.
Q3

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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