英语书信范文

Introduction

As communication has expanded and changed with technology, many people feel less confident in their ability to write a proper letter or email. However, knowing how to write a well-structured and professional letter is still an important skill. In this article, we will provide various examples of English letter formats and discuss the appropriate times to use them.

The Formal Letter

A formal letter is used when writing to someone who holds a position of authority, such as a government official, a prospective employer, or a business partner. The letter should be written professionally with clear language and proper grammar. A formal letter should also include the following components:

1. Your address (either at the top of the letter or in the header)
2. The date
3. The recipient's address (all their pertinent details)
4. A salutation (e.g. “Dear Mr./Mrs./Ms. [Lastname]:”)
5. An introduction that explains the purpose of the letter
6. A main body that provides necessary details or addresses specific topics
7. A conclusion that restates your purpose or summarizes your message
8. A closing phrase such as “Sincerely,” followed by your name and signature.

An example formal letter might be one written to a government agency to ask for information on granting programs or to apply for a particular license.

The Informal Letter

An informal letter is written to someone whom you have a personal relationship with, such as a friend, family member, or acquaintance. Although you need not adhere to strict formatting rules, it's still important to use good spelling and grammar. An informal letter should also include the following:

1. The writer’s address (at the top of the letter)
2. The date
3. The recipient's address (less formal in tone, and the rank/position may be omitted)
4. A salutation (e.g. “Dear [Name],”)
5. An introduction that gives a brief overview of what you want to say
6. A main body that details the specifics of your message
7. A conclusion that summarizes your message or prompts a response
8. A casual sign off such as “Love,” “Best regards,” or “Yours truly.”

An example informal letter could be one written to a friend or family member who you've not seen in a while to catch up about personal happenings and news.

The Thank You Letter

A thank you letter is an essential way to show appreciation to someone for something they have done for you. The letter should be brief but specific in detailing what the person did for you and the gratitude you feel toward them. The thank you letter should include the following:

1. The writer’s address (at the top of the letter)
2. The date
3. The recipient's address (less formal in tone, and the rank/position may be omitted)
4. A salutation (e.g. “Dear [Name],”)
5. An introduction that states the purpose of writing (to say thank you!)
6. A main body that includes details about what the person did to help you and your gratitude for their assistance
7. A conclusion that thanks them again and lets them know how their help impacted you
8. A sign off, perhaps one that reflects the level of familiarity between the writer and the recipient, (e.g. “Sincerely,” “With appreciation,” or “Cheers.”)

An example thank you letter could be one written to a professor who wrote a letter of recommendation on your behalf.

Conclusion

Knowing how to write a professional and well-written letter is still an essential tool in business and personal communication. By following these simple formats and paying attention to grammar and spelling, you can improve your communication skills and strengthen relationships with friends, family, colleagues, and prospective clients.