Parts of a Letter

Importance of Knowing Letter Parts

• The main reason for knowing the parts of a letter is to ensure effective communication.

Business Letter Format

• The most commonly used formatting style for a business letter is the block format.

Paragraph Spacing

• The standard spacing between paragraphs in a business letter is double spacing.

Font and Writing

• The font generally used for writing a business letter is a serif font, such as Times New Roman.

When to Write a Business Letter

• Business letters can be written at any time, but they are usually used for formal communication.

Line Formatting

• All lines of a business letter are supposed to begin at the left margin.

Letterhead and Email

• 'Letterhead' and 'via email' are examples of where a business letter can be sent.
• 'Via email' means sending a business letter electronically through email.

Salutation

• The purpose of the salutation is to address the recipient formally and politely.
• It is important to include the title of the recipient in a business letter salutation to show respect.

Signature and Enclosures

• The signature should be placed below the closing, leaving enough space for the writer's signature.
• Enclosures, such as attachments or documents, should be listed below the signature.

Body of the Letter

• The body of the letter should contain the main point of the communication, which should be clear and concise.

Heading and Date

• The heading of a business letter should include the writer's address and the date.
• The date should be followed by the inside address, which includes the recipient's address.

Complimentary Closing

• In a complimentary closing, the first word and the sender's name should be capitalized.