Writing a Letter in English: Format
Part One: Format of a Formal Letter
When writing a formal letter in English, it is important to follow a specific format. This format ensures that your letter looks professional and is easy to read. The basic format of a formal letter includes the following elements:
1. Sender's Address: Write your address at the top right-hand corner of the letter. Include your full name, street address, city, state, and zip code. If you are writing from a different country, include the country name as well.
2. Date: Below your address, write the date on which you are writing the letter. Write the full date, including the month, day, and year. Use a consistent format, such as "March 15, 2022" or "15th March 2022."
3. Receiver's Address: Skip a line and write the recipient's address. Include their full name, their job title (if applicable), the name of their organization, the street address, city, state, and zip code. Again, if you are writing to someone in a different country, include the country name.
4. Salutation: Begin the letter with a formal salutation. Use the recipient's title and last name, followed by a colon or comma. For example, "Dear Mr. Smith:" or "Dear Ms. Johnson,".
5. Body of the Letter: Start the letter with an introductory paragraph, stating the purpose of your letter. Use clear and concise language to convey your message. Divide the body of the letter into paragraphs, each with a specific point or idea.
6. Closing: End the letter with a formal closing phrase, such as "Yours sincerely," or "Yours faithfully,". Leave a few spaces for your signature.
7. Signature: Sign your name below the closing phrase. If you are sending a physical letter, use a pen. If you are sending an electronic letter, you can type your name.
8. Enclosures: If you are including any additional documents, such as a resume or references, mention them at the bottom of the letter. Write "Enclosures" or "Attachments" followed by a colon, and list the documents.
9. Copy Recipients: If you are sending copies of the letter to other people, mention them at the bottom of the letter. Write "cc:" followed by the names of the recipients.
Part Two: Format of an Informal Letter
When writing an informal letter in English, the format is less strict. You can personalize the format based on your relationship with the recipient. However, it is still important to include certain elements:
1. Sender's Address: Write your address at the top right-hand corner of the letter, similar to a formal letter.
2. Date: Below your address, write the date on which you are writing the letter, similar to a formal letter.
3. Salutation: Begin the letter with an informal salutation, such as "Dear John," or "Hi Sarah,".
4. Body of the Letter: Start the letter with a friendly and conversational tone. Share your thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a casual manner. You can use contractions and informal language.
5. Closing: End the letter with a casual closing phrase, such as "Take care," or "Best wishes,".
6. Signature: Sign your name below the closing phrase.
7. P.S.: If you have something additional to say after signing off, you can include a postscript (P.S.) at the end of the letter. This is often used for informal and friendly letters.
Remember, regardless of the format, it is important to use proper grammar, punctuation, and spelling in your English letters. Proofread your letter before sending it to ensure clarity and correctness.
写英文信的格式 篇三
写英文信的格式
1、 信头(heading)
指发信人的姓名(单位名称)、地址和日期,一般写在信纸的右上角。一般公函或商业信函的信纸上
都印有单位或公司的名称、地址、电话号码等,因此就只需在信头下面的右边写上写信日期就可以了。 英文地址的写法与中文完全不同,地址的名称按从小到大的顺序:第一行写门牌号码和街名;第二行写县、市、省、州、邮编、国名;然后再写日期。标点符号一般在每一行的末尾都不用,但在每一行的之间,该用的还要用,例如在写日期的时候。2、 日期的写法:
如:1997年7月30日,英文为:july 30,1997(最为普遍); july 30th,1997;
30th july,1997等。1997不可写成97。
3、 信内地址(inside address):
在一般的社交信中,信内收信人的地址通常省略,但是在公务信函中不能。将收信人的姓名、地址等写在信头日期下方的左角上,要求与对信头的要求一样,不必再写日期。
4、 称呼(salutation):
是写信人对收信人的称呼用语。位置在信内地址下方一、二行的地方,从该行的顶格写起,在称呼后面一般用逗号(英国式),也可以用冒号(美国式)。
(1)写给亲人、亲戚和关系密切的朋友时,用dear或my dear再加上表示亲属关系的称呼或直称其名(这里指名字,不是姓氏)。例如:my dear father,dear tom等。
(2)写给公务上的信函用dear madam,dear sir或gentleman(gentlemen)。注意:dear纯属公务上往来的客气形式。gentlemen总是以复数形式出现,前不加dear,是dear sir的复数形式。
(3)写给收信人的信,也可用头衔、职位、职称、学位等再加姓氏或姓氏和名字。例如:dear prof. tim scales, dear dr.john smith。
5、 正文(body of the letter):
位置在下面称呼语隔一行,是信的核心部分。因此要求正文层次分明、简单易懂。和中文信不
同的是,正文中一般不用hello!(你好!)正文有缩进式和齐头式两种。每段书信第一行的第一个字母稍微向右缩进些,通常以五个字母为宜,每段第二行从左面顶格写起,这就是缩进式。但美国人写信各段落往往不用缩进式,用齐头式,即每一行都从左面顶格写起。商务信件大都采用齐头式的写法。
1、信头(heading) 指发信人的姓名(单位名称)、地址和日期,一般写在信纸的右上角。一般公函或商业信函的信纸上都印有单位或公司的'名称、地址、电话号码等,因此就只需在信头下面的右边写上写信日期就可以了。 英文地址的写法与中文完全不同,地址的名称按从小到大的顺序:第一行写门牌号码和街名;第二行写县、市、省、州、邮编、国名;然后再写日期。标点符号一般在每一行的末尾都不用,但在每一行的之间,该用的还要用,例如在写日期的时候。 日期的写法,如XX年7月30日,英文为:july 30,XX(最为普遍); july 30th,XX;30th july,XX等。XX不可写成10。
2、信内地址(inside address) 在一般的社交信中,信内收信人的地址通常省略,但是在公务信函中不能。将收信人的姓名、地址等写在信头日期下方的左角上,要求与对信头的要求一样,不必再写日期。
3、称呼(salutation) 是写信人对收信人的称呼用语。位置在信内地址下方一、二行的地方,从该行的顶格写起,在称呼后面一般用逗号(英国式),也可以用冒号(美国式)。 (1)写给亲人、亲戚和关系密切的朋友时,用dear或my dear再加上表示亲属关系的称呼或直称其名(这里指名字,不是姓氏)。例如:my dear father,dear tom等。 (2)写给公务上的信函用dear madam,dear sir或gentleman(gentlemen)。注意:dear纯属公务上往来的客气形式。gentlemen总是以复数形式出现,前不加dear,是dear sir的复数形式。 (3)写给收信人的信,也可用头衔、职位、职称、学位等再加姓氏或姓氏和名字。例如:dear prof. tim scales, dear dr.john smith。