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    Learn English > English lessons and exercises > English test #66824: Writing a formal letter
    > Other English exercises on the same topic: Writing a letter [Change theme]
    > Similar tests: - Dialogue : Postcard from Florida - Postcard : Thanks for this journey. - Dialogue : A postcard from Cádiz - SMS language: abbreviations and acronyms - Resume and cover letter-Vocabulary - Writing letters - Booking a table - Letter of introduction
    > Double-click on words you don't understand


    Writing a formal letter


    WRITING A LETTER



    1 = sender

    2 = references

    3 = optional: 'Private and confidential' for confidential documents

    4 = date: September, 10th 2008

    5 = recipient

    6 =Attention : The Manager / Mr. / Mrs. / Ms.


    7 = Dear Sirs / Dear Mr. / Dear Mrs. / Dear Ms.

    8 = main object

    9 = body

    10 = 'Yours faithfully / Yours sincerely'.

    11 = Signature

    12 = your name

    13 = optional

    'Encl.' (enclosed) if you've enclosed documents

    'copy to' if you've sent this letter to several people



     

    USEFUL IDOMS

    I - Being polite:

    A) You've already met the recipient:
    Starting:
    Dear Mr. Simpson,

    End:
    Yours sincerely
    (more friendly): With all good wishes,
    (or) With kindest regards,


    B) You are writing to a relative:

    Starting:
    Dear Victoria,
    My dear Victoria,
    Dear Aunt Victoria,
    Dearest Victoria,
    My dearest Victoria,
    My darling Victoria,

    End:
    With love from Sandra
    Love from Sandra

    (more familiar)
    Love to all
    Love from us all
    Yours
    All the best

    (encore plus affectueux)
    With much love from Sandra
    Lots of love from Sandra
    Much love, as always
    All my love



    C) You are writing a business letter:
    Start:
    -> you are writing to a company:
    Dear Sirs,
    -> you are writing to a man: Dear Sir,
    -> you are writing to a woman: Dear Madam,
    -> you don't know if the recipient is a man or a woman: Dear Sir or Madam,

    End:
    Yours faithfully


    D) You are writing to a friend:
    Start:
    Dear Victoria,
    My dear Victoria;

    End:
    Yours sincerely
    With best wishes,
    Best wishes,
    With kindest regards,
    Kindest regards,
    All good wishes,



    II - Other useful idioms...

    WRITING A LETTER
    15th April 2003
    Dear Sir/Dear Sirs
    Dear Mr (Mrs) Smith
    Dear Jenny,
    Thank you for your letter.
    It was kind of you to write to me.
    I got your lovely letter.
    I am writing to inform you that...
    I am writing to confirm my telephone call.
    Following our telephone conversation...
    I'm sorry I haven't written before.
    I am sorry I cannot accept your invitation.
    I shall be arriving at 6 pm.
    We'll be at the airport to meet you.
    Let me know which train you'll be on.
    Thank you very much for having me to stay.
    I had a really good holiday.
    I enclose a stamped addressed envelope.
    Could you let us have it by return of post?
    Please give my best wishes to Tim.
    Say hello to Sandra for me.
    Tell Mike I was asking after him.
    John and I send you our very best wishes.
    Mike has asked me to say that...
    Give my love to the rest of the family.
    Must go now.
    Love from Sandra
    Much love from Peter.

    See you on Sunday,
    Yours,
    Sandra

    Yours faithfully,
    Looking forward to seeing you soon,
    Yours sincerely,



     
    III - Focus on business letters:
    Starting
    Dear Personnel Director,
    Dear Sir or Madam
    Dear Mr, Mrs, Miss or Ms
    Dear Frank
    Quoting references
    With reference to
    Thank you for your letter of March 5th.
    Why you are writing this letter
    I am writing to
    Asking for something
    Could you possibly … ?
    I would be grateful if you could …
    Accepting
    I would be delighted to …
    Bad news
    Unfortunately …
    I am afraid that …
    Enclosed documents
    I am enclosing …
    Please find enclosed …
    Enclosed you will find …
    Adding comments
    Thank you for your help
    Please contact us again if
    Appointments
    I look forward to
    End
    Yours faithfully,
    Yours sincerely,
    Best wishes,
    Best regards,




     

    IV - How to send the letter:
    POSTING A LETTER
    Is there a post office around here?
    Where is the nearest postbox?
    Where can I buy some stamps?
    I want to post this to France.
    How much is a stamp for a letter for France?
    First- or second-class mail?
    I'd like to send some money by post.
    How long will it take to get there?
    When does the last post go?
    Is there any mail for me?
    Could you post it for me?
    Could you send on my mail?





    ------- 

    TEST 

    Please use this layout to complete this letter.





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