Formal Letter Writing in English: A Comprehensive Guide

This page provides a detailed overview of writing formal letters in English, essential for students preparing for exams like the Matura. It covers key components such as greetings, phrases, and letter structure.

Greetings in Formal Letters

The guide begins by explaining proper salutations for formal letters:

• Dear Mr Smith (for men)
• Dear Ms Smith (for women, marital status unknown)
• Dear Mrs Smith (for married women)
• Dear Sir/Madam (when the recipient's name is unknown)

Highlight: Using the correct salutation sets the tone for a professional and respectful letter.

Key Phrases for Formal Letters

The document lists several useful expressions for formal letter writing:

• "I'm writing in response to..."
• "According to..."
• "I would like to..."
• "I do agree/cannot agree..."
• "Considering..."
• "I believe that..."
• "I reckon that..."
• "I find..."
• "On one hand... On the other hand..."

Vocabulary: "Reckon" in this context means to think or suppose.

Expressing Opinions and Conclusions

The guide provides phrases for expressing support, opposition, and concluding thoughts:

• "I support..."
• "I oppose..."
• "To conclude..."

Example: "To conclude, I believe that implementing these changes would greatly benefit our community."

Letter Structure

The document outlines the basic structure of a formal letter:

1. Greeting
2. Introduction (reason for writing, who you are)
3. Main body (typically two paragraphs)
4. Conclusion (summary)
5. Closing (Yours sincerely / Yours faithfully)

Highlight: A well-structured letter enhances readability and professionalism.

Transition Words and Phrases

The guide lists important transition words to improve coherence:

• Moreover
• Furthermore
• What is more
• However
• Although
• In spite of
• Despite
• Because, as, since
• Therefore
• As a result
• Consequently

Definition: Transition words are used to connect ideas and improve the flow of writing.

Closing Remarks

The document emphasizes the importance of proper closings:

• "Yours sincerely," (when you know the recipient's name)
• "Yours faithfully," (when you don't know the recipient's name)

Highlight: Always include your name after the closing.