Vocabulary to write letters

Letter structure
How to start and end the letter?

A. Formal letter

When you don't know the recipient’s name:

o Dear Sir … Yours faithfully

o Dear Madam … Yours faithfully
o Dear Sir or Madam … Yours faithfully

When the recipient’s name is known:

o Dear Mr Green … Yours sincerely

o Dear Mrs Green … Yours sincerely
o Dear Miss Green … Yours sincerely
o Dear Ms Green … Yours sincerely

B. Semi-formal letter

When you are writing to a good friend or colleague:

o Dear Jonh … Best wishes/ Best regards

o Dear Jonh ... Many thanks

C. Informal letter

When you are writing to a good friend or colleague:

o Hello Jonh … Best wishes/ Best

o Hi Jonh … See you/ Missing you/ Love

When you are writing to someone you love:

o Dear Mary … Yours always/ Lots of love

 Letter openings
The letter's first paragraph is letter opening. In your first paragraph you should:

1. introduce yourself
2. state the purpose of the letter.

Examples of formal letter openings:

 I am writing to enquire about … .

 I am writing to request ... .
 I am writing to explain why ... .
 I am writing to express interest in ... .
 I am writing to inform you that/about… .
 I am writing to complain about (the fact that I)… .
 After having seen your advertisement in … , I would like to… .
 After having received your address from … , I … .
 Thank you for your letter regarding/about … .
 In reply to your letter of 18 June, … .

Examples of informal letter openings:

 Hi! My name is Noah and I've been assigned your drama coach… .
 Hello, My name is Julia and I'm volunteer conducting student excursions…
.
 Hi there, I hope you're enjoying your holidays/ trip/ college year/
honeymoon… .
 Hello, thanks very much for asking me to visit you ... .
 Letter closings
You may need a letter closing to express gratitude, to repeat an apology, to
offer help etc.

Examples of formal letter closings:

 If you require any further information, feel free to contact me.

 I look forward to your reply.
 I look forward to hearing from you.
 Once again, I apologise for any inconvenience.
 I would appreciate your immediate attention to this matter.
 I would deeply appreciate it if you could ... .
 Thank you in advance!
 Thanking you for your assistance in advance, I look forward to hearing
from you.

Examples of informal letter closings:

 Anyway, I‛ve got to go now. Write again if you need any more
information.
 Well, let me finish here. I am eagerly waiting for your reply to this letter.