This blog entry is about writing letters in English.
Writing letters is a very common mode of communication across the world and a
very important step in becoming literate and an engaging communicator in the
English language.
Whether by paper (or snail mail, as it is often called) or
email (internet mail), letters are used both formally and informally to pass on
information or make requests. Students use letters to communicate instructors
and administrators. Workers use letters to request information from colleagues
and bosses or to inquire about their job or new opportunities. People use
letters to inform, ask for help or catch up with family, friends and
acquaintances, usually in an informal fashion. Here are the basics of writing
letters:
Salutation
A salutation is a greeting. In letters, the word
“Dear” is the most commonly used and appropriate salutation. For instance, a
salutation for a letter might be “Dear Mr. Chen” or “Dear Debra.” For letters
to friends or family members, just the first name is used while business
letters feature titles such as Mr. (Mister), Dr. (Doctor), Prof. (Professor),
etc. The salutation takes up an entire line.
Body
The body is the message of the letter. While the
other parts feature greetings, formalities and contact information, the body
features sentences or paragraphs about informing, asking or requesting
information or action from the recipient. Sometimes people refer to the body as
the letter itself. In cases of informal letters to someone you know well (like
an email to a friend), the body might be the entire composition of the letter
itself.
Valediction
The valediction is a sign-off or goodbye to end the
letter. It follows the body, and is then followed by the written name and/or
signature of the sender. The most common valedictions are sincerely or regards.
So, a valediction might look like
Sincerely,
John Smith
OR
Regards,
Jane Doe
OR
Kind regards,
Jason
Other valedictions are more informal, intimate or
friendly such as your friend, your sister/brother, xoxo(very casual shorthand
for hugs and kisses), love, and take care.
So, combining these different elements, let us look
at a sample of a simple letter written in English.
Dear
Professor Watson,
I
would like to thank you for writing the letter of recommendation in my favor
for graduate school. Your positive recommendation helped me get accepted, and I
am very grateful for this. I know you did this despite having a busy schedule.
Your dedication to your students past and present is a testament to your
character and professionalism. I hope we can keep in touch. Thanks again.
Sincerely,
John
Smith
A friendly letter, perhaps through email, might look
like this…
Dear
Bob,
I
was writing to see what your upcoming weekend plans were. Tammy and I were
planning a camping trip for this Friday, and we were curious if you wanted to
join us. Let us know and we will pass along all the details.
Love,
Jane
Have you written a letter before? Do you have any questions or comments about this or any other ESL subject? Leave them in the comment section and we will answer them. Stay tuned for more free advice on this and other subjects as well as promotions and news!
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