Letters: Friendly & Business - Language Notes

FRIENDLY LETTER
The friendly letter is a piece of communication that is between acquaintances or friends. Based on this fact, it is an informal mode of communication that deals with issues ranging from the very personal to the mundane. The tone in a friendly letter is relaxed.

The format of a friendly letter is as follows:

• The writer’s address
• The date on which the letter was written
• The introductory salutation
• The body, or content, of the letter
• The ending salutation

EXAMPLE:

                                                                                                                                         6 Banana Crescent
                                                                                                                                         Orange Grove
                                                                                                                                         Kingston, Jamaica
                                                                                                                                         March 26, 2011

[SKIP A LINE]

Dear Erica,

[INSERT BODY]

                                                                                                                                         Yours sincerely,
                                                                                                                                         Leisa




BUSINESS LETTER
The business letter is a piece of communication that is used among people in the business sector, as well as individuals wishing to communicate, specifically, with people within that sector. Based on this fact, it is a formal mode of communication that deals with serious matters and issues in the business sector. The tone in a business letter is formal, polite and concise.

The format of a business letter is as follows:

• The writer’s address
• The date on which the letter was written
• The title of the person that the letter is intended for
• The name of the office, or organization, that the letter is intended for
• The address of the office or organization
• The introductory salutation
• The body, or content, of the letter
• The ending salutation
• Writer’s signature

EXAMPLE:
                                                                                                                                          6 Banana Crescent
                                                                                                                                          Orange Grove
                                                                                                                                          Kingston, Jamaica
                                                                                                                                          March 26, 2011

[SKIP A LINE]

The Director
Bulbsoup High School
3 Russel Heights Way
Champion Valley

[SKIP A LINE]

Dear Mrs. Samuel-Thomas,

[INSERT BODY]

                                                                                                                                          Yours sincerely,
                                                                                                                                          Paula Hernandez
                                                                                                                                          signature
TIPS:

• The block letter format should NOT be used for academic purposes
• The above formats are appropriate for use in an examination
• Indent at the beginning of every paragraph

Contributor: Leisa Samuels-Thomas


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