1. How to write a business letter
Partly based on “The Uk: Learning the language, studying the culture” by R. Ambrosini, A. Rutt, A. Elia

2. A business letter consists of six sections:
1) The heading (the return address); 2) The inside address (the address you are sending to)
The greeting (formal, e.g. Dear Mr Smith);
The body;
The complimentary close;
The signature.

3. A business letter opens with: Dear Sir/Madam, or Dear Sirs, if you don’t know the name of the addressee. Dear Mr… or Ms … + last name, when you know the addressee.
“Ms” is preferable to “Mrs” or “Miss” when you don’t know whether the lady is married or not, or to avoid discrimination.
A business letter usually closes with: “Yours sincerely” or “ Yours faithfully” and signature.

4. “Yours faithfully” is the polite, formal way of ending a letter when you don’t know the name of the addressee.
Before “Yours sincerely” or “Yours faithfully”, a typical ending is: “look forward to +ing” when you expect for a reply.
Another good ending is: “best regards” or “kind regards”.

5. Some useful tips:
Keep your letter to the point, letters involving business should be concise, factual and focused.
Focus on the information requirements of your audience.
Use appropriate language.
Check spelling and grammar.

6. A business letter is not always very formal, it depends on the addressee. If you are writing to a colleague, the style of your letter can be more confidential and friendly.
You can open with. “Hello” or even “Hi” followed by the first name.
You can close it with: “look forward to+ing” and “wishes” and signature.