Parts of A Business Letter
Parts of A Business Letter
Parts of A Business Letter
The Heading
The heading contains the return address with the date on the last line.
Sometimes it is necessary to include a line before the date with a phone
number, fax number, or e-mail address. Often there is a line skipped
between the address and the date. It is not necessary to type a return
address if you are using stationery with the return address already imprinted,
but you should always use a date. Make sure the heading is on the left
margin.
Example:
Recipients Address
This is the address you are sending your letter to. Be sure to make it as
complete as possible so it gets to its destination. Always include title names
(such as Dr.) if you know them. This is, like the other address, on the left
margin. If a standard 8 x 11 paper is folded in thirds to fit in a standard
9 business envelope, the inside address should appear through the window
in the envelope (if there is one). Be sure to skip a line after the heading and
before the recipients address, then skip another line after the inside address
before the greeting. For an example, see the end of this sheet for a sample
letter.
The Salutation
The salutation (or greeting) in a business letter is always formal. It often
begins with Dear {Persons name}. Once again, be sure to include the
persons title if you know it (such as Ms., Mrs., Mr., or Dr). If youre unsure
about the persons title then just use their first name. For example, you
would use only the persons first name if the person you are writing to is
Jordan and youre not sure if he or she is male or female.
The salutation always ends with a colon.
The Body
The body is the meat of your letter. For block and modified block letter
formats, single space and left justify each paragraph. Be sure to leave a
blank line between each paragraph, however, no matter the format. Be sure
to also skip a line between the salutation and the body, as well as the body
and the close.