Everyone has to write letters at some point and the right appearance can make all the difference. You may have to write business letters, letters of complaint, invitations, thank you letters.

It is important to distinguish between formal letters and informal ones.  The language used is very different.  

Formal letters are always written on A4 paper and are folded three times so that the address to which the letter is being sent can appear in the window of a business envelope.  The layout of a formal letter is always the same.

Place your address on the top right hand side of the paper and include your phone number and email. 

The address of the person receiving the letter goes on the left hand side below the senders address.

The date is then ranged left alos below the recipient's address.

Greeting – normally this is Dear Sir or Madam.  The titles Miss, Mrs, Ms or Mr are used if you know the name of the person to whom you are sending the letter.

 Quote any references or subject title.

 Then write your message putting each point in a separate paragraph. At the end, put Yours faithfully or Yours sincerely and sign it.  Write your name in capital letters underneath your signature. 

If you are writing an informal letter, you can be more casual in your language as if you are speaking to the person.  Informal letters are written to people you know well, such as friends and relations.  Always put your name and address, phone number and email at the top of the letter and give the date. 

The greeting used in an informal letter depends on how well you know the person – for example Dear Mary, Hi, Greetings. 

When you end an informal letter use a phrase like Love, Lots of love, With thanks, See you soon, followed by your signature.

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